Vodafone among leading firms to join Digital Catapult's quantum innovation accelerator

Newbury-based telecoms giant Vodafone is among seven leading firms to have joined Digital Catapult's latest quantum innovation accelerator programme.

Digital Catapult is a deep tech innovation organisation bidding to accelerate the application of advanced technologies. It partners with government, industry and academia.

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Its accelerator programme will examine how quantum technology, which, according to research, could contribute up to US$450 billion to the global economy by 2040, can revolutionise the companies' operations.

Vodafone, for example, will investigate challenges, such as the NP-Hard Steiner Tree problem, which seeks to optimise telecoms networks by determining the most efficient way to connect multiple points.

Dr Chloe AI, quantum researcher at Vodafone Group R&D, noted: "We’re excited to join the Quantum Technology Access Programme to further deepen our quantum knowledge and explore how quantum computing can enhance optimisation challenges like the Steiner Tree problem.

"This programme will provide valuable insights as we look to leverage quantum computing in areas such as machine learning and combinatorial optimisation."

Daniel Goldsmith, senior Quantum Computing Technologist at Digital Catapult, added: "The ‘quantum revolution’ is underway, and businesses need to innovate to incorporate quantum technologies into their operations if they are to succeed in the long term.

"However, many are unsure where to start. This is why innovation programmes are invaluable for UK businesses, serving as an essential resource to help them navigate the complex quantum landscape. I look forward to working with this new cohort to drive innovation and advance the application of deep tech across industry."

Other firms taking part in the programme are BAE Systems, Autonomia, a tech start-up, Origami Labs UK Ltd, SIMULEX Limited, satellite firm Viasat and ZF Automotive UK.

The Quantum Technology Access Programme is part of a wider Innovate UK funded project called ‘Quantum Data Centre of the Future’ which aims to embed a quantum computer within a classical data centre to explore real-world access to quantum technologies.

Partners include ORCA Computing, Riverlane and PQShield, and the inaugural programme saw a 26% boost in confidence about quantum computing from industry leaders such as Rolls Royce, Airbus and the Port of Dover.