Does the UK need a Dutch-style Photon/Quantum Delta Program?
Monday 13th February, 16:00-17:30
The Netherlands is a leading nation in photonic and quantum technologies, strong supported by government R&D programs. The Dutch Photon Delta program is an integrated photonics ecosystem for photonic chips that designs, develops and manufactures innovative solutions connecting researchers and pioneers in the field with industries, investors, and viable markets. The Quantum Delta program consists of five connected quantum hubs collaborating on new applications of quantum technology and integrating diverse technologies and skillsets to raise technology readiness levels in quantum computing, simulation, networking, and sensing applications. The UK has also invested very strongly in photonics and quantum technologies via UKRI, Innovate UK and DCMS, and via the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme. Are these programmes working for the UK, for the scientists and engineers at the heart of these developments, and for UK society as a whole in terms of new business opportunities and wealth creation? Or, can we learn something from our friends and collaborators oversees, for instance the Dutch Photon Delta and Quantum Delta programs?
Speakers:
- Wyn Meredith, Compound Semiconductor Centre
- John Lincoln, PLG
- Tim Koene, EFFECT Photonics
- Richard Murray, Orca Computing
Post-Brexit UK/EU funding landscape for photonics and quantum technology research, innovation and wealth creation
Tuesday 14th February , 16:00-17:30
Photonics and quantum technology research is a long-standing UK strength, with UK photonics encompassing more than 1000 companies generating over £15 billion in output, and strong UK government support for organisations seeking to harness and commercialise quantum technologies. In January 2021, the UK government announced that it will commit to become an associated country to Horizon Europe, so that UK scientists, businesses and innovators will be able to access funding on equivalent terms as organisations in EU countries, but the process is yet to be finalised. Meantime, researchers and businesses have been encouraged to continue to work together in establishing global consortia to bid for funding. How are UK, EU and global researchers, innovators and investors responding to this challenging new situation, what obstacles and new opportunities are they encountering, and what are the best current and future strategies for established partnerships and for nurturing new research, business and investor relationships?
Speakers:
- Carol Monaghan (MP), Chair of APPG Photonics
- Manjari Chandra-Ramesh Amadeus
- Carlos Lee, EPIC Association