Overview

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is a new research institution, funded through UK Research and Innovation, which is dedicated to accelerating the development of quantum computing by addressing the challenges of scalability. The centre aims to work with businesses, government and the research community to deliver quantum computing capabilities for the UK and support the growth of the emerging industry. The NQCC is being delivered jointly by the research councils, EPSRC and STFC, and will be headquartered in a purpose-built facility at Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, which is due for completion in 2023. This talk will focus on the strategic intent and progress of the NQCC’s programme, and plans for engagement.

Short Biography

Dr Simon Plant is the Deputy Director for Innovation of the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), responsible for the commercialisation strategy and wider engagement. Simon has a background in technical research related to quantum technologies, and has worked in various roles in higher education, government and the public sector delivering research, policy and strategies towards their commercialisation.
Prior to joining the NQCC, Simon was the innovation lead in quantum technologies (QT) at Innovate UK, responsible for shaping and implementing the UK’s innovation strategy for the commercialisation of QT. Simon was previously a fellow of the UK National Quantum
Technology Hub in Sensors and Metrology, delivering projects with industry and the space agencies towards quantum sensors for space. He was later seconded to the Government Office for Science to work on the Blackett review of the QT landscape. Simon gained his doctorate at the University of Oxford working on molecular materials for quantum information processing, and was later a research fellow in nanophysics at the University of Birmingham.