Sussex 'Quantum Silicon Valley' vision a step closer

11 hours ago

Peter Whittlesea,in Haywards Heathand

Hsin-Yi Lo,South East

News image — University of Sussex said it was "excited" about plans to turn the county into a "Quantum Silicon Valley"

University of Sussex A researcher dressed in personal protective equipment is studying quantum technology closely inside a laboratory. They are looking through a circular lens with a large purple circle closer to the camera. — University of Sussex said it was "excited" about plans to turn the county into a "Quantum Silicon Valley"

A quantum computing company in Sussex has raised approximately £76m ($102m) from investors.

University of Sussex said the money would speed up the development of powerful next-generation quantum computers at Universal Quantum, which an independent company spun out from research at the university.

Quantum computers are designed to solve complex problems that would take current ones far longer to process, and could lead to advancement in areas such as drug development, new materials and cleaner energy systems.

Vice-chancellor Prof Sasha Roseneil said the funding meant bringing the university's vision of creating a "Quantum Silicon Valley" in Sussex closer to reality.

"This record investment demonstrates the calibre of world-leading quantum computing research developed at the university and the lab's success in turning that research into a global business," she added.

The university added that the investment would also help establish the county as a major player in the field and attract businesses and jobs to the region.

University of Sussex A man in a dark grey t-shirt is standing in a laboratory with complex computing equipment. There are dark metal frames and poles with wires and cables running between them. — Winfried Hensinger said quantum technology could help solve some of humanity's greatest challenges

Universal Quantum said the money would support its global expansion.

Winfried Hensinger, co-founder and chair of Universal Quantum, explained the significance of quantum computing.

"Normal microchips use classical computing processing techniques," he said.

"What we use is quantum bits, which means the computation is significantly faster.

"For example, it would take the current fastest super computer in the world thousands of years to calculate a solution for a new drug.

"But a quantum computer might be able to do that in a few minutes or a few hours."

Hensinger, credited as the first person to make a single atom move backwards and forwards at the same time, said 20 years ago many doubted a quantum computer was possible.

He added there was still no set timetable for the technology's completion at the company.

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