The UK Quantum Computing Missions: Achieving Quantum Advantage in the UK By 2035

Thursday - November 23 2023, 19:26 UTC - 12 months ago

The UK Quantum Computing Missions intends to have accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations and supporting applications with more benefits than classical supercomputers across key sectors of the economy by 2035. To achieve this, the UK is making efforts to develop competitive capabilities, software, and the necessary infrastructure. It is estimated this could happen within 8 years. Furthermore, applications such as quantum sensing and navigation systems will be developed to increase situational awareness and healthcare across the UK.

The UK Quantum Computing Missions .

Mission 1 .

By 2035, there will be accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations and supporting applications that provide benefits well in excess of classical supercomputers across key sectors of the economy.

Mission 2 .

By 2035, the UK will have deployed the world’s most advanced quantum network at scale, pioneering the future quantum internet.

Mission 3 .

By 2030, every NHS Trust will benefit from quantum sensing-enabled solutions, helping those with chronic illness live healthier, longer lives through early diagnosis and treatment.

Mission 4 .

By 2030, quantum navigation systems, including clocks, will be deployed on aircraft, providing next-generation accuracy for resilience that is independent of satellite signals.

Mission 5 .

By 2030, mobile, networked quantum sensors will have unlocked new situational awareness capabilities, exploited across critical infrastructure in the transport, telecoms, energy, and defense sectors.

Summary of the Missions .

Mission 1: by 2035, there will be accessible, UK-based quantum computers capable of running 1 trillion operations and supporting applications that provide benefits well in excess of classical supercomputers across key sectors of the economy. 1 trillion operations refers to the number of operations a quantum computer can perform before a single logical error occurs. This compares to a few hundred error free quantum operations on today’s fastest machines. It is estimated such a task could take between a few minutes and a few days depending on the design of the computer. Timing expectations will be further defined as the mission programme progresses.

The UK will do this through three mutually reinforcing core outcomes: .

To have competitive UK-based commercial capabilities across hardware, control architecture, and the supply chain that can enable performance in excess of 1 trillion coherent quantum operations; .

To combine this operational capacity with algorithm development and software capabilities to complete multiple useful calculations of significant value to the economy and society on a quantum computer – ones that are not practically possible on the world’s most powerful supercomputers. High impact will be achieved in the following sectors at a minimum: healthcare, finance, transport, defence, energy, and manufacturing; and .

To seamlessly integrate quantum computing into high performance computational workflows, enabling user access and widespread adoption, accompanied by user readiness support across the UK economy.

The mission will set out a scaled approach to achieving the mission, with industrial milestones including: .

By 2028, extending beyond the NISQ-era with 10 a million quantum operations, which will enable the exploration of applications associated with the simulation of chemical processes, helping to improve catalyst design for example.

By 2032, demonstrating large-scale error correction capabilities with 10 a billion quantum operations, with applications including accelerated drug discovery.

By 2035, achieving quantum advantage at scale through reaching 10 a trillion quantum operation capabilities, which will lead to widespread adoption of use cases such as finance, climate modelling, and aerospace applications.