The UK is building an ‘unhackable’ quantum internet

With cybercrime costing the British economy £27billion annually, a new research hub is being established which aims to develop an ultra-secure net. 

In total, five new quantum technology bases are being created across the country, with an Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub set to open at Heriot-Wyatt University, Scotland, as part of a wider £160million government investment. The institution is also involved in hubs dedicated to quantum-enabled position, navigation and timing, quantum biomedical sensing, and quantum sensing and imaging. 

The IQN department will look to create quantum networks at scale, harnessing properties of atoms and subatomic particles to introduce functionalities that are impossible with current tech. Goals include connecting generation quantum processors to produce enormous computational power, and networking sensors to achieve ultra-low noise measurements. 

‘Think of quantum like a supercharged version of the technology we use today. It allows us to solve problems and secure data in ways that are unimaginable with conventional technology,’ said Professor Gerald Buller, who will lead the Heriot-Wyatt IQN Hub. ‘This could lead to breakthroughs in everything from pharmaceutical research to exciting new materials development.

‘The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub will deliver the research required towards the establishment of a quantum internet, leading to metropolitan scale demonstrations within the lifetime of the Hub,’ Professor Buller continued. ‘The Hub harnesses the excellent research done over the last 10 years in the National Quantum Technologies Programme to focus on delivering quantum networks at a range of distance scales, from local networks up to global satellite-based connections.’

Tackling cybercrime is a priority. Malware, ransomware and other illegal hacking activities currently cost the UK economy an estimated £27billion annually, but a quantum internet would yield never-before-seen levels of security. This is due to the type of encryption being used, with quantum mechanics deployed to create ‘unbreakable keys’ which are impervious to hackers. 

‘The launch of five new quantum hubs is a significant milestone for the UK and represents a major shift in data security and cutting-edge applications across all sectors,’ said Professor Gill Murray, Deputy for Enterprise & Business at Heriot-Wyatt University. ‘The UK has established itself as an early pioneer, aligned with the government’s national quantum strategy aiming to become a quantum-enabled economy by 2035. These hubs form a critical piece of that roadmap by tackling key research and development challenges around quantum networking, sensing, computing and more.  

‘The IQN Hub has several roles to play. It will firstly keep Scotland and the UK at the forefront of quantum technologies, and transform the modern economy and society. Secondly, it’s a notable step forward for the education sector as universities like ours will be at the forefront of developing and upskilling the future workforce working and living in a quantum-enabled future across design, engineering, manufacturing and the required support services,’ they continued. ‘We also anticipate interest in the IQN Hub to attract talent to the UK from around the world that will drive international partnerships and business opportunities.’

40 non-academic collaborators will work with Heriot-Wyatt, including startups and multinational corporations. The National Cyber Security Centre and Scottish Enterprise are both involved, with more than £20million ringfenced to support the development of quantum innovations into new products and services. UKRI Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (ESPRC) is behind the delivery, with £106million coming from the organisation alongside the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Research Council, UKRI Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. A further £54million is coming from private partners. 

Image: Chris Watt Photography