The question “when is quantum computing actually going to happen?” has very different answers for different people. As techUK members have shown through previous events, insights and in our quantum report, there is great value in the research around noisy intermediate scale quantum (NISQ), which is already being trialed for pharmaceutical drug development, weather forecasting and so much more. However, with different approaches to quantum computing, and different access models emerging, it can be difficult to cut through the hype and understand what we can reasonably expect on the road towards large scale quantum computing.

This session, aimed at the wider UK tech sector who are navigating how quantum could revolutionise their businesses, will allow listeners to hear from those at the forefront of the quantum ecosystem about what breakthroughs we can reasonably expect in the coming years, and what use cases will emerge.

In particular presentations will explore:

  • What are the different quantum computing models, why have they emerged, and what does this mean for different use cases?
  • Why do qubits matter, and are all qubits created the same?
  • Why is quantum-error correction important?
  • Why is hybrid quantum enabling access, and what will this mean for the future of quantum use cases?
  • Does quantum computing have a hype problem?

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Victoria Horan Goliber, Senior Technical Analyst, D-Wave 
  • Paul Martin, Quantum Technology Expert, PA Consulting
  • Edmund Owen, Principal Quantum Physicist, Cambridge Consultants (Capgemini)
  • Laura Foster, Head of Tech & Innovation, techUK

 

Laura Foster

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.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/lauraalicefoster

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Rory Daniels

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.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorydaniels28/

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Ella Shuter

Ella Shuter

Junior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies, techUK

Ella joined techUK in July 2025 as Junior Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies.

In her role, Ella supports the design and delivery of four to six-month sprint campaigns. These identify emerging technologies of interest to members and Government, share industry best practice, champion relevant sectors and industries across the UK, and work through key challenges and opportunities to drive the development, application and commercialisation of these technologies.

Before joining techUK, Ella completed an internship at Digital Catapult, supporting across public affairs, policy and the organisation's programmes. She also has experience working in an MP's Parliamentary and Constituency Office.

Ella holds a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bristol.

Email:
[email protected]
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-shuter-264158244/

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Elis Thomas

Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.

Email:
[email protected]
Website:
www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elis-thomas-49a1aa1a1/

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