The next phase of quantum: How the UK Can stay at the forefront of quantum adoption and use
Read the guest blog from Orca Computing as part of World Quantum Day 2025.
The UK has always had a head-start thanks to it’s early investment into the 2014 UK quantum technologies programme; as global competition accelerates, this gives the UK a strategic opportunity to lead the next phase of quantum innovation. This means using quantum computing as a practical tool for real-world problem solving. For this next phase, priority must be placed on moving beyond early-stage prototypes towards delivering scalable, reliable and high-performance quantum tools into the hands of commercial users to drive understanding and adoption.
Here’s how the UK can capitalise on this opportunity.
Support Hybrid, Scalable Solutions
The next phase of quantum development will be hybrid. That means quantum systems working alongside classical infrastructure, like GPUs, CPUs and cloud environments in order to solve problems that are intractable for classical systems alone.
This shift is being driven by the availability of practical, accessible and productive quantum systems. One example is the shipment of the PT-2 system to the UK’s National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), setting the new gold-standard for showing how quantum can be deployed alongside classical computing, without overhauling infrastructure.
However, hardware is constantly evolving, and centers like the NQCC must work to ensure that the systems they offer remain at the frontier of performance, even as they continue to scale.
Accelerate Commercial Use Cases
The UK’s collaborative innovation model, including government, academia and startups, has created a strong foundation. To build on this, more programs like Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) are essential. These initiatives give companies access to real hardware, allowing them to develop use cases across pharma, logistics, finance and more.
At a recent QTAP showcase, organisations demonstrated real progress: solving complex optimisation problems, running uninterrupted quantum jobs and exploring hybrid generative AI for molecular modelling. The speed at which these results were achieved was within just months, demonstrating an ease of use that needs to become commonplace.
Position the UK as a Hub for Quantum-AI Convergence
There is a rapidly growing awareness of the foundational role of quantum in the future of artificial intelligence. The UK already has global strengths in AI research and application. By investing at the intersection of quantum and AI, the UK could lead a new category of machine learning that classical methods struggle to achieve. This opens up opportunities in everything from drug discovery to energy systems optimisation.
Seize the Moment
The UK has the ingredients to lead: world-class research, a growing talent pool, strong government backing and a vibrant startup scene. But true leadership will come from turning this potential into real-world impact.
World Quantum Day is a reminder that we are no longer preparing for a quantum future, rather we are in it. By focusing on accessibility, scale and industry alignment, the UK can set the global standard for what practical, applied quantum computing looks like.
Now is the time to act. The quantum opportunity is here.
Want to find out more about Quantum?
Visit techUK's Quantum hub for the latest news, upcoming events and reports.
techUK's Quantum Working Group focuses on pushing forward the UK's emerging quantum market whilst addressing key challenges hindering commercialisation such as skills, procurement and trade.
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’.
#UnleashInnovation – techUK's Technology and Innovation programme is excited to host its flagship innovation campaign week, taking place from 23–27 June 2025, as part of the Unleashing Innovation initiative.
This paper summarises the main findings of a six-month sprint campaign and suggests where UK Government should focus next if the UK is to lead on these technologies.
TechUK explores how the UK can leverage its innovation and investment strengths to boost productivity and drive sustainable growth—read on to learn more.
This features 8 future tech trends, case studies, and recommendations for Government to make future leadership in gaming and Esports technologies a reality.
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.
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.
This webinar explored the space industry of tomorrow and panellists spoke about what steps the UK can take to become a superpower across a broad spectrum of emerging and transformative space technologies.
Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK
Rory Daniels
Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's Emerging Technology and Innovation activity, working with many of the UK's most innovative tech companies to convene key stakeholders, work through key challenges and opportunities for industry, showcase best practice, and shape Government's thinking around future technologies, sectors and industries.
Focus areas include Robotics, Immersive, Web3, Metaverse, Photonics, Space, Gaming, Creative, Innovation policy, university spin-outs, and Futures & Horizon Scanning.
Running from January to May 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future.
These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G).
Activity took the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations was launched at The National Videogame Museum in November 2024.
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
This features 8 future tech trends, case studies, and recommendations for Government to make future leadership in gaming and Esports technologies a reality.
This webinar explored the gaming industry of tomorrow and asked what steps businesses can take to lead in the development, commercialisation, application and adoption of the key emerging technologies that will underpin it.
This webinar explored the key technologies behind the future of Esports in the UK and asked what more the UK can do to lead on their development and application.
Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK
Rory Daniels
Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's Emerging Technology and Innovation activity, working with many of the UK's most innovative tech companies to convene key stakeholders, work through key challenges and opportunities for industry, showcase best practice, and shape Government's thinking around future technologies, sectors and industries.
Focus areas include Robotics, Immersive, Web3, Metaverse, Photonics, Space, Gaming, Creative, Innovation policy, university spin-outs, and Futures & Horizon Scanning.
Running from July to December 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies.
These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms.
Activity took the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in 2025).
Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
This features 8 future tech trends, case studies, and recommendations for Government to make future leadership in gaming and Esports technologies a reality.
Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK
Rory Daniels
Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's Emerging Technology and Innovation activity, working with many of the UK's most innovative tech companies to convene key stakeholders, work through key challenges and opportunities for industry, showcase best practice, and shape Government's thinking around future technologies, sectors and industries.
Focus areas include Robotics, Immersive, Web3, Metaverse, Photonics, Space, Gaming, Creative, Innovation policy, university spin-outs, and Futures & Horizon Scanning.
Running from February to June 2025, this sprint campaign is exploring how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of robotic & automation technologies.
These include autonomous vehicles, drones, humanoids, and applications across industry & manufacturing, defence, transport & mobility, logistics, and more.
Activity is taking the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in Q4 2025).
Get in touch below to get involved or find out more about techUK's future plans in this space.
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As robotics continue to transform industries—from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and smart cities—one of the key challenges remains interoperability.
The financial sector is increasingly recognising the need for AI systems that combine the power of Large Language Models with the precision and accountability of deterministic systems.
Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Computer Vision (CV) are no longer emerging technologies on the horizon—they’re already shaping the way UK industries function and compete.
Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK
Rory Daniels
Head of Emerging Technology and Innovation, techUK
Rory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme.
During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022.
Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics.
Today, Rory leads techUK's Emerging Technology and Innovation activity, working with many of the UK's most innovative tech companies to convene key stakeholders, work through key challenges and opportunities for industry, showcase best practice, and shape Government's thinking around future technologies, sectors and industries.
Focus areas include Robotics, Immersive, Web3, Metaverse, Photonics, Space, Gaming, Creative, Innovation policy, university spin-outs, and Futures & Horizon Scanning.
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.
#UnleashInnovation – techUK's Technology and Innovation programme is excited to host its flagship innovation campaign week, taking place from 23–27 June 2025, as part of the Unleashing Innovation initiative.
#UnleashInnovation - techUK's Technology and Innovation programme is excited to host its innovation campaign week, as part of the Unleashing Innovation campaign, from 13-17 May.
#SuperchargeUKTech - techUK's Technology and Innovation programme is excited to have hosted its innovation campaign week, as part of the Supercharging Innovation campaign, between 18-22 September.
Sign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities across Technology and Innovation.
Sue Daley OBE
Director, Technology and Innovation
Sue Daley OBE
Director, Technology and Innovation
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK
Laura Foster
Associate Director - Technology and Innovation, techUK
Laura is techUK’s Associate Director for Technology and Innovation.
Laura advocates for better emerging technology policy in the UK, including quantum, future of compute technologies, semiconductors, digital ID and more. Working alongside techUK members and UK Government she champions long-term, cohesive, and sustainable investment that will ensure the UK can commercialise future science and technology research. Laura leads a high-performing team at techUK, as well as publishing several reports on these topics herself, and being a regular speaker at events.
Before joining techUK, Laura worked internationally as a conference researcher and producer exploring adoption of emerging technologies. This included being part of the team at London Tech Week.
Laura has a degree in History (BA Hons) from Durham University and is a Cambridge Policy Fellow. Outside of work she loves reading, writing and supporting rugby team St. Helens, where she is from.