The UK government has announced the launch of a new quantum technology hub aimed at developing resilient positioning, navigation, and timing systems to combat GPS signal disruption. The UK Hub for Quantum Enabled Position, Navigation and Timing (QEPNT), led by the University of Glasgow, is one of five new quantum hubs receiving a share of £160 million in government funding.
The QEPNT hub will focus on creating quantum technologies to improve navigation systems for various applications, including aerospace, autonomous vehicles, and national security. A key goal is to develop positioning systems that can operate without relying on vulnerable GPS signals.
Professor Douglas Paul from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, who serves as the principal investigator for QEPNT, emphasised the hub’s importance: “This hub aims to deliver quantum technologies which will be key for resilient position, navigation and timing systems for use in transport, finance, communication systems, national security and critical national infrastructure.”
The project has garnered significant support from Scottish universities. Professor Jennifer Hastie is Director of the University of Strathclyde’s Institute of Photonics and Deputy Principal Investigator for QEPNT.
Professor Paul Griffin from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Physics, who is involved in multiple quantum hubs, commented on the broader impact of quantum technologies:
“Quantum is playing an increasingly important role in a wide range of areas, including healthcare, security, computing and transport, and is expanding the capabilities of technology.”
The QEPNT hub is part of a larger initiative that includes four other quantum technology hubs across the UK. These hubs will focus on various aspects of quantum technology, including sensing, imaging, networking, and computing.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle expressed optimism about the potential of these quantum hubs: “We want to see a future where cutting-edge science improves everyday lives. That is the vision behind our investment in these new quantum technology hubs.”
The collaborative nature of the project is evident, with over 40 non-academic partners involved, ranging from startups to multinational corporations.
This partnership between academia and industry is expected to accelerate the development and application of quantum technologies in real-world scenarios. As the UK aims to become a quantum-enabled economy by 2035, these hubs are poised to play a crucial role in driving innovation, workforce development, and economic growth in the rapidly emerging quantum industry.
