The Mobile NetworkUK targets lead in quantum technology innovation
The Mobile NetworkUK targets lead in quantum technology innovation
https://the-mobile-network.com/2026/05/uk-targets-lead-in-quantum-technology-innovation/
Publish Date: 2026-05-22 07:38:00
Source Domain: the-mobile-network.com
The UK quantum technology industry is moving towards a “mission-based” approach and is targeting the development of companies that can lead on the world stage, attendees at the inaugural Mobile Network Innovation Summit, held in London on 12-14 May, heard. A key part of those missions are the development of use cases and technology in quantum communications, networking and timing, the Summit heard.
Legh-Smith at the Mobile Network Innovation Summit.
Jonathan Legh-Smith, CEO of UKQuantum said that the UK Government’s modern industrial strategy, published in 2025, “very clearly had quantum as one of its critical frontier technologies”.
“What we’re moving to now in this phase is a more mission-based approach, with five missions – each setting out an ambition that the programs are going to be geared towards delivering,” Legh-Smith said.
These five missions were in fact established by the previous government.
- The first mission is that there 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.
- The second misson was that by 2035, the UK will have deployed the world’s most advanced quantum network at scale, pioneering the future quantum internet.
- Mission three was that by 2030, every NHS Trust will benefit from quantum sensing-enabled solutions.
- A fourth mission has as its target the deployment quantum navigation systems, including clocks, on aircraft, providing non GNSS-based locations.Finally, the strategy stated that by 2030, mobile, networked quantum sensors will have unlocked new situational awareness capabilities, exploited across critical infrastructure in the transport, telecoms, energy, and defence sectors.
As one part of that strategic commitment, in April this year the Government announced UK-registered businesses could apply for a share of up to £9.5m to…
