Cuts to public funding for quantum computing research could jeopardise decades of investment and leave the UK dependent on other countries for access to cutting-edge technology, according to the founders of leading UK quantum start-up, Phasecraft.
Ashley Montanaro and Toby Cubitt, co-founders of Phasecraft—a company that spun out from University College London and the University of Bristol—warned that quantum computing is at a “critical juncture.” They expressed concerns following the UK government’s decision in August to withdraw £1.3 billion in promised funding for technology and AI projects, which has sent shockwaves through the industry.
As venture capital investment in quantum computing continues to decline, experts fear that the UK will struggle to keep pace with the United States and China. Cubitt, Phasecraft’s Chief Technology Officer, stated that the leading nations in quantum computing will gain not only direct benefits but also technical, manufacturing, and commercial advantages. Those left behind, he warned, will be dependent on the “goodwill of others” to access the benefits of quantum advances.
Montanaro, the company’s CEO, highlighted the critical role of government funding, which remains the primary source of support for start-ups. He emphasised that the US and China have both heavily invested in quantum, recognising the sector’s long-term potential.
Phasecraft, founded in 2019, focuses on developing algorithms that bring quantum computing closer to practical applications. The company has secured $21 million in funding and recently expanded to the US, attracting top talent like Steve Flammia, former principal research scientist at Amazon Web Services.
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