Quantum technology is no longer the stuff of sci-fi; it has become a multi-billion worldwide race to reap the economic benefits of a coming quantum revolution. A £270 million Quantum Technology programme, announced in 2013, has made the UK a frontrunner in this race with investment set to reach £1 billion within the next two years.
However, many company owners/managers are unaware of the benefits this emerging technology can bring to their business, or how from becoming part of the supply chain. This is where the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Innovation in Advanced Measurement in Manufacturing (CIAMM) project comes in.
CIAMM, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, was created to help SMEs improve product accuracy, quality and reliability through delivering advanced sensor solutions inspired by quantum technologies. While its sensor developments focus on gravity, magnetic field, rotation and time, CIAMM also provide a gateway to explore metrology services through its relationship with the National Physical Laboratory. Furthermore, it opens the door to engaging in the emerging Quantum Technology supply chain, which requires precise laser and optical delivery technologies, vacuum systems and electronic control solutions.
In simple terms, the funding allows SMEs to explore how this emergent, but potentially disruptive technology could help them develop innovative products and services, leading to competitive advantage and growth.
For example, a perennial headache for businesses working on projects in construction and civil engineering is establishing what is under the ground before commencing project. Traditionally, this takes the form of surveys and exploratory digging, which can take days to complete and be very expensive.
The University of Birmingham, as lead partner for the UK National Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology, has been developing gravimeters that use quantum technology to measure gravity patterns underneath the ground with much greater accuracy to detect hidden infrastructure including mineshafts and pipes, considerably speeding up survey times and saving money.
What is quantum technology?
Quantum technology can be difficult to understand, as the traditional assumptions of Newtonian physics do not apply. It relies on the behaviour of microscopic particles, which can be in two places at once and as such become very sensitive to the differences between these places.
Professor Kai Bongs from the University of Birmingham and Director of the UK Quantum Technology Hub for Sensors and Metrology, said in a piece on the BBC website that a way to understand it is to think of the particles as waves: “and waves can be in several places at once."
Quantum technology will have major applications in many sectors. For example, in addition to construction and civil engineering, it could be used in the development of medical equipment using magnetic sensors to provide non-invasive monitoring of the brain.
Another area in development is quantum clocks, which allows time to be measured more accurately that will greatly improve GPS navigation systems and faster broadband speeds in the future.
As Julian Moore, CIAMM’s Business Engagement Manager adds, this is still a futuristic technology that isn’t going to be on the minds of many manufacturers. “But it has huge potential,” he says. “There is a definite need for education to help people understand what quantum technology is and how their products and services could benefit from its application.”
Expertise and exploration offer
This is why CIAMM was established. It provides eligible businesses with a minimum of 12 hours funded support to explore how quantum technologies could help improve their products, processes and future services. This support can be provided through workshops and masterclasses, mentoring and coaching, specialist technical expertise and access to world-class facilities and equipment.
Currently, the support is open to companies based in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) area, with less than 250 employees and under €50 million turnover. The GBSLEP area covers Birmingham, Solihull, Kidderminster, Bromsgrove, Redditch, Lichfield, Burton-upon-Trent, Tamworth, Rugeley and Uttoxeter.
“The challenge is making these businesses aware that there is a pre-funded route for them to consider using quantum technologies to enhance their measurement capabilities,” says Julian. “There may be a way they can harness the abilities and potential of quantum technology to measure things differently, which will improve results and save costs.
“It’s about having that conversation, about exploring and challenging what a company might be doing around measurement and with the work that we are doing around gravity, magnetic sensing, timing and rotation, seeing if we can come up with a different way of doing things that could potentially allow them to make more accurate products? Could our assistance also help them break into new markets?
“This is a unique chance to understand and explore this new technology – the bottom line is it could help the company grow into a totally different area and make them more profitable.”
Julian adds that businesses can position themselves as innovators by becoming early adopters of this new technology that, he believes, will revolutionise business within the coming years.
CIAMM’s work often involves representatives from the company coming to their premises, where they receive presentations and can see the technology in practice. As part of this, a project idea would be scoped, discussed and completed by the CIAMM delivery team, which includes leading University academics and Knowledge Exchange Fellows.
Businesses can also access the University’s specialist equipment as part of the project. “Some companies we have worked with are in this space, but to develop their product range they need to do a lot of testing. If an SME was going to purchase the type of equipment, they need to check processes, standards and procedures, they wouldn’t be able to afford it, but CIAMM has the equipment they need and they can access it, without cost, through our project.”
Once the 12 hours have been completed, it doesn’t mean the end of the relationship. “We are contractually required to deliver a minimum of 12 hours, but after that we don’t just say ‘goodbye,’” says Julian. “It could be the company has got a great idea and by tapping into the University and its wider network we could potentially be looking at how we could form a consortium and bid for further funding to take these ideas and developments further.
“Innovate UK have just launched a quantum technology call through its Industry Strategy Challenge Fund 3, which will see £33 million allocated to support supply chain developments and feasibility studies. This call provides businesses with the perfect opportunity to join with an institution like ourselves and other partners to apply for funding to take a project forward.
Julian would like to hear from SME businesses with an interest in learning more about quantum technologies and seeing how this new technology could boost their business. Companies particularly involved in advanced manufacturing, biosciences, civil engineering, construction, medical technologies, satellite navigation and transportation need to take an urgent look at this great opportunity.
For more information contact Julian Moore by email: j.d.moore.1@bham.ac.uk or visit the CIAMM website: www.birmingham.ac.uk/ciamm