Professor Winfried Hensinger

Professor Winfried Hensinger, Professor of Quantum Technologies and Director of the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies has made a written submission to the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee to highlight the potential economic contribution the University and investment in research and development in quantum technologies (QT) could make to the region.

The submission, which was published last week and had input from the Vice-Chancellor, highlights how quantum technologies are transforming fields like computing, sensing, and communication by offering superior processing power and precision. Recognising the importance of QT for the UK's economy and security, the government has invested strategically in QT research and innovation over the past decade through the National Quantum Technology Programme, totalling £2.5 billion.

The University of Sussex, through its Sussex Centre of Quantum Technologies, has made significant breakthroughs in quantum computing and other QT areas, contributing to a thriving QT ecosystem in the greater Brighton region. This ecosystem includes a tech, digital, and media cluster worth £1 billion annually to the local economy, with Universal Quantum, a University of Sussex spin-out, generating around £100 million in income.

In the submission, Winfried argues for greater investment outside of the Oxford area, investing in areas where excellence is found, such as the greater Brighton area. This would leverage academic breakthroughs and the growing QT industry in the area, transforming Sussex towards a quantum 'Silicon Valley' and fostering innovation and commercialisation in a sector projected to be worth $450-850 billion globally by 2035.