Nations leading the development of quantum technologies have committed to deepening cooperation that drives the cutting-edge technology forward securely, and supports companies to scale up, following a summit hosted by the UK.

The fifth meeting of the Quantum Development Group (QDG) – a forum of 13 like-minded countries working together to advance the secure and responsible development of quantum technologies – was hosted by Science Secretary Liz Kendall last week (30 March – 1 April) and brought together 70 senior leaders and officials in London.

QDG membership include, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the US.

Following the 2-day meeting, members agreed to deepen cooperation across 3 priority areas:

• Research security, investment security, and supply chain resilience, to support trusted and impactful international collaboration alongside the safe and sustainable development of quantum technology.
• Fostering a more supportive investment environment for scaling quantum companies. This will include deeper engagement between governments and investors to support commercialisation and expand access to the capital required for companies to achieve sustainable global growth.
• Strategic priorities for international quantum standards development, focusing on shared priorities that will support industrial adoption, interoperability and the development of open global markets.

This QDG meeting comes shortly after the UK Government’s recent £2 billion commitment to quantum and the launch of a world-leading procurement programme, underlining the UK’s intent to back ambition with long-term investment and practical deployment.

Recommended reading

• UK Invests £2BN In Scaling Quantum Computing
• Lloyds and IBM Use Quantum to Catch Fraudsters in Novel Experiment
• Firms Unprepared for Quantum Computing’s Rapid Rise

“Quantum has the potential to be one of the most exciting and defining technologies of the coming years. With the power to transform healthcare, energy, defence and transport, its impact will touch all of our lives,” science and technology secretary Liz Kendall said.

“But progress in quantum technology is not something we can do alone. It will mean working hand‑in‑hand with our trusted partners, harnessing world‑class science and backing the businesses turning brilliant ideas into real‑world solutions.

“In the UK we are matching that ambition with action – including a world‑leading quantum computing procurement programme as part of a £2 billion investment. This will create high‑skilled jobs, grow our economy, and help the British innovators developing quantum technologies that lead to medical breakthroughs and cleaner energy.”