Innovation Minister Alyn Smith will tell global industry leaders that Scotland is “the place to do quantum” at a reception showcasing the country’s strengths in the rapidly growing sector.

Quantum technology is part of Scotland’s Critical Technologies Supercluster, which already supports more than 160 companies and 11,500 jobs, and is projected to grow to £10 billion turnover by 2035 – creating a further 6,600 new jobs. In the last financial year the Scottish Government committed £5 million to support increased innovation and economic growth in advanced technology areas where Scotland has the greatest potential to lead.

The sector uses quantum physics to build new kinds of technology which can solve problems that conventional technology struggles to overcome. For example, using subatomic particles to develop advanced computers, sensors and communications systems. These are set to revolutionise communications, security, computing, sensing and imaging.

Addressing the Quantum Technologies Showcase Scottish Reception at Edinburgh Castle, Mr Smith will highlight Scotland’s unique strengths to UK and international leaders from across the sector.

“Quantum is not a technology for one sector. It’s a foundation for the next generation of innovation,” the Innovation Minister said.

“For Scotland, quantum technologies have applications across industries where we already excel – from our space sector, helping satellites navigate to life sciences, enabling faster drug discovery and disease research. And in defence, improving sensing and security, as well as optimising power networks in our energy systems.

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“There is no doubt, Scotland is the place to do quantum. We are a top five location globally for the quantum sector with 40% of the UK’s research in quantum technologies over the last decade taking place here in our world-class universities, and Scottish universities leading two of the UK’s Quantum hubs while being active in all five.

“For centuries Scotland has punched above its weight in science and innovation, and we intend to keep doing so in the quantum era.”