An inquiry into quantum technologies, one of the government’s 14 “core industrial challenges” has been announced by the Commons Science and Technology Select Committee. The launch follows on from government investment of £270m in 2013 as part of the original UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, a Blackett report into quantum technological opportunities published by the Government Office for Science in 2016, and the recent announcement of £20m of “pioneer funding” as part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

Written submissions of evidence are welcome, particularly with reference to:

• The progress that has been made on the recommendations in the Government Office for Science’s 2016 report;
• The relative contribution/support from government, researchers and businesses needed to make quantum technologies a success;
• The current state of the UK quantum industry and its potential going forward, including particular strengths and challenges;
• What oversight or regulation is needed;
• Potential barriers for developing quantum technologies, and how these might be overcome;
• What research priorities there should be for quantum technologies and their possible uses, and who is best placed to undertake/fund that work;
• The role of international collaboration in quantum technology research and development; and the risks and opportunities of Brexit in this area;
• Any challenges from potential civil/military ‘dual-use’ applications of the technologies, and how these can be addressed;
• Any potential societal implications – positive and negative – of the development of quantum technologies, including on health, security, privacy or equality.

Deadline for submissions is the 29th of March. For more information on the scope, terms of reference and how to submit evidence, please visit the inquiry page.