On Friday 5 November, Q-BIOMED joined thousands of researchers, innovators, businesses, policymakers and investors at one of the biggest events in the UK quantum calendar: the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase.
Held in London and organised by Innovate UK in collaboration with UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, the annual Showcase brings together the UK's quantum community to highlight emerging technologies, foster collaborations and explore the opportunities and challenges involved in translating quantum research into real-world applications.
Showcasing quantum sensing for healthcare
Visitors to the Q-BIOMED stand had the opportunity to learn about a range of technologies being developed across the Hub's research community to advance healthcare and biomedical science.
We highlighted some of our work on optically pumped magnetometers for magnetoencephalography (MEG), including OPM technology from the University of Sussex, who recently joined the Hub through our Accelerating Capability programme.
Researchers Dr Colin Stephen and Karishma Gokani from the University of Warwick also brought a demonstration of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) nanodiamonds, and discussed some of their applications across the Hub.
Throughout the day, the stand provided a valuable opportunity to engage with researchers, industry, clinicians and members of the wider quantum ecosystem, showcasing how quantum sensing technologies could transform the way we diagnose, monitor and understand human health.
Advancing quantum capability with the UK Hubs
The programme also featured a session exploring the role of the UK Quantum Hubs in advancing quantum capability and supporting the UK's ambitions to become a leading quantum economy.
As part of the session, Dr Tim Tierney, Lecturer in Neuroscience at UCL, presented on behalf of Q-BIOMED, highlighting his team's work on performing MEG outside a conventional magnetically shielded room. By combining optically pumped magnetometers with active shielding techniques, this research is helping make advanced brain imaging more accessible and practical in real-world settings.
Following the presentations, Q-BIOMED Co-Director Professor Dame Molly Stevens joined representatives from the other Quantum Hubs for a panel discussion on the future of the UK quantum sector. Chaired by Liam Boyle from EPSRC, the discussion explored the opportunities and challenges involved in building a world-leading quantum economy.
A key theme was the importance of developing the skills and workforce needed to support the sector's continued growth. Panellists highlighted the need for a broader range of training pathways, including professional and Master's-level training, alongside efforts to inspire the next generation of quantum professionals and equip future users with the skills needed to adopt quantum technologies in practice.
The discussion also emphasised the importance of collaboration across academia, industry and government, both within the UK and internationally. Panellists highlighted the need to focus on applications that can deliver tangible benefits, while continuing to build the partnerships, infrastructure and long-term support needed to translate quantum research into real-world impact.
Highlighting Quantum City
Quantum City was also exhibiting at the Showcase, highlighting its role in bringing together and supporting the UK's growing quantum community. Visitors were able to learn more about opportunities to share events, educational resources and outreach activities through the Quantum City platform, helping to increase visibility and access to quantum-related opportunities across the UK.
Connecting with the quantum community
The UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase once again demonstrated the breadth of innovation, collaboration and ambition across the UK quantum ecosystem. From exhibiting emerging technologies and engaging with stakeholders across industry, healthcare and academia, to contributing to important discussions on skills, translation and commercialisation, the event provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the progress being made across the quantum community.