26 Jun 2025
by Andrew Lord

How can the UK facilitate the commercialisation of Quantum & Photonics technologies?

The UK has been a strong player in photonic technology for decades, from world-leading academic research to the development of optical components, to photonic integration, to full systems manufacturing.   

With this solid foundation, the UK has quickly become a key player in the global quantum race. This is because although the two technologies differ - photonics deals with classical optics, while quantum optics focuses on the quantum nature of light, there is significant overlap, related to the common use of lasers, optical fibre and photonic component fabrication.  

The UK is now listed as the third in the world for the quality and impact of its quantum scientific research, the first in Europe for quantum start-ups and the fourth country globally (among inventor countries) for International Patent Families (IPFs) in quantum technologies. With a rich national heritage in photonics and leading research in quantum, now is the time for the UK to accelerate the commercialisation of quantum and photonics technologies, for long-term economic benefit. 

As the UK’s leading connectivity provider, BT is central to supporting this ambition towards commercialisation. A secure digital infrastructure will be at the heart of a quantum-enabled economy and that’s why at BT we are 1) developing networks that are secure from the threats that quantum computers will bring and 2) exploring how to build a network for quantum technologies. 

BT is building on our decades of research in photonics, with significant contributions in wide-ranging areas such as optical fibre, optical amplifiers through to new generations of optical network based on flexible optical channels. We recently built a ‘world first’ commercial trial of a quantum secure metro network in London, alongside Toshiba with EY, HSBC and Equinix joining the trial and we are now exploring entanglement-based quantum key distribution technologies. And we’re also developing an architectural view for a quantum internet - exploring how our network needs to evolve to connect quantum computers and devices of the future, to enable our customers to unleash the potential of quantum technologies.  

A vital ingredient for the UK to continue its leadership in quantum technologies is government commitment. We’re delighted to see the government has committed to advanced connectivity technologies as a key growth market in the forthcoming Industrial Strategy, as well as its ongoing commitment to the quantum missions. The missions will have wide-ranging benefits, enabling industry, academia and investors to come together to bring about successful commercialisation of these disruptive technologies. 

The ambition to deploy the world’s most advanced quantum network at scale by 2035, will be a critical enabler of the UK quantum economy. BT’s London quantum secure metro network represents an important step towards nationwide quantum secure connectivity - enabling commercialisation by allowing the trial and provision of quantum services in a pre-commercial setting in a real telecoms network. We believe Government working with the private sector to establish a UK Quantum Network Infrastructure, could be a chance to develop awareness, demand, and test quantum technology on a larger scale and be a stepping-stone to a full quantum network, in much the same way that the internet quickly developed. 

Satellite connectivity will also be key in the development of a quantum network. A partner in a European Space Agency project, we’re looking to demonstrate both satellite QKD and Earth-space optical communications.  

And just as photonic research is critically linked to quantum research, the two must be viewed as important pieces in the commercialisation journey. As quantum technologies mature, their implementations will require a convergence with mainstream photonics. The UK now needs to encourage this convergence by funding more combined activities in which quantum becomes part of a larger long-term solution. 

To ensure the UK remains competitive, collaboration across the private sector and universities to enable rapid innovation cycles, will also be key. The Quantum Research Hubs such as the ‘Integrated Quantum Networks’ hub being led by Heriot-Watt University are great examples of how collaborative efforts can support the UK to succeed.  

Furthermore, the use and development of quantum technologies is critically dependent on the availability of skilled people who understand both the technology and the specific industry being targeted. Upskilling the workforce, so that colleagues can develop and grow their skills and expertise will be essential.  

Quantum technologies promise transformational opportunities, unlocking innovation to drive growth and helping to build a thriving and resilient economy, whilst also contributing significant value to a country’s prosperity and security. We’re incredibly excited by the opportunities that quantum technologies will bring and remain committed to continuing to support the UK to be a front-runner in this global marathon. 


techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and Innovation 

The UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next.

techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation.

For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’. 


Upcoming events

Latest news and insights

Other forms of content

Sprint Campaigns

techUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem.

Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry).

Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK. 

techUK's latest sprint campaign is on Robotics & Automation technologies. Find out how to get involved by clicking here.

New Space

Running from September to December 2023, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies, bring more non-space companies into the sector, and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy.

These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors.

Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report. The report, containing member case studies and policy recommendations, was launched in March 2024 at Satellite Applications Catapult's Harwell campus.

Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area.


Event round-ups


Report


Insights


Get in touch

Rory Daniels

Rory Daniels

Senior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies

Campaign Weeks

Our annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies.

Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector.


Summits

Tech and Innovation Summit 2025

View the agenda & sign up now

Tech and Innovation Summit 2023

View the recordings

Tech and Innovation Summit 2024

View the recordings

Receive our Tech and Innovation insights

Tech and Innovation updates

Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities across Technology and Innovation.

Unleashing the Potential of UK Tech and Innovation.jpg

 

 

Related topics

Authors

Andrew Lord

Senior Manager, Optics and Quantum Research Centre of Excellence, BT