The UK is witnessing the rapid evolution of its telecoms and energy sectors through the introduction of the Quantum Innovation Programme by Digital Catapult. This ambitious programme demonstrates how quantum technologies can address key challenges across industries, driving advancements in connectivity, energy, and defence.
Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme focuses on empowering industry leaders to understand and practically apply quantum innovation. The programme brings together organisations such as Vodafone, Rolls Royce, Airbus, and BAE Systems, facilitating collaborative efforts to harness quantum technologies for operational improvements.
A notable success within the telecommunications sector is Vodafone’s collaboration with Digital Catapult, ORCA Computing,, and RiverLane. The companies investigated how quantum technology could optimise Vodafone’s network. The challenge: solving the Steiner Tree Problem – a complex mathematical problem essential for expanding networks in the most cost-efficient way. By leveraging ORCA’s PT-2 quantum system, Vodafone was able to solve the problem in just minutes, a task that would take over an hour using classical computing.
Dr. Ryan Parker, Quantum Team Lead of Vodafone Group, shared:
“The programme has been invaluable to the Vodafone R&D Quantum Team. Digital Catapult’s learning resources and lessons helped the Vodafone Quantum Team in learning about photonic quantum computing, allowing us to understand ORCA’s technology in detail. We successfully deployed a network optimisation algorithm on ORCA’s PT-2 Series quantum computer, proving that the technology works for vital use-cases within the telco sector.”
Quantum innovation reshapes network expansion
This breakthrough in network optimisation represents a transformative shift for the telecoms industry. It demonstrates the potential of quantum technologies to accelerate the deployment of advanced networks, reduce infrastructure costs, and optimise performance. The work done by Vodafone within this programme positions the UK as a global leader in adopting cutting-edge quantum technologies, enhancing future connectivity on a global scale.
Paul Ceely, Director of Technology at Digital Catapult, commented on the programme’s impact:
“Quantum innovation is no longer a hypothetical discussion but a practical activity, and the results from our latest quantum computing innovation programme bring to life the potential of the technology to benefit businesses across a range of sectors. The results from the programme are testament to the value of Digital Catapult’s convening capabilities, driving collaboration in quantum innovation, and I am particularly encouraged by Vodafone’s success in improving complex network planning and turning it into an algorithm to run on the ORCA PT-2 photonic quantum computer.”
Quantum benefits for energy networks
The programme also highlights the potential for quantum innovation to revolutionise energy systems. Simulex, a participant in the programme, focused on optimising energy networks with quantum computing. The company explored the integration of renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen systems, into a future decarbonised energy mix.
By leveraging quantum computing, Simulex was able to model complex energy networks with greater speed and precision, maximising renewable energy use while minimising costs, energy losses, and environmental impact.
The inclusion of Simulex in the programme illustrates quantum computing’s versatility, showcasing its ability to drive efficiency in both the energy and telecommunications sectors, and support the UK’s sustainability goals.
Supporting UK’s quantum sector
The UK’s quantum sector is a critical driver of economic growth, contributing approximately £1.7 billion annually to the economy. However, despite the thriving quantum startup ecosystem, which constitutes 55% of the 574 quantum companies in the UK, there remains a need for further investment and intervention. Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme plays a vital role in providing the tools and resources needed for startups to scale and commercialise their solutions successfully.
Richard Murray, CEO of ORCA Computing, expressed his excitement about the programme’s impact:
“It’s been a great pleasure to support the second cohort of Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme. What stood out this year was how quickly participants were able to get hands-on with our ORCA PT-2 quantum photonic system, delivering real outcomes in just six months. It’s a clear sign that quantum computing is becoming more accessible, and more relevant, for driving long-term innovation within today’s organisations.”
The path forward for quantum technologies in the UK
Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme is paving the way for the practical application of quantum computing in industries ranging from telecommunications to energy. By providing access to cutting-edge quantum systems and collaborating with leaders from diverse sectors, the programme is accelerating the commercialisation of quantum technologies and enabling their integration into existing industries.
As the quantum sector continues to evolve, it is expected to contribute significantly to the UK’s economic future, with predictions of an 8.3% boost in UK productivity by 2055. This is a crucial step towards the UK maintaining its competitive edge in the global digital economy.
About Digital Catapult
Digital Catapult is a leading deep-tech innovation organisation in the UK, dedicated to accelerating the application of advanced technologies to solve complex challenges. In partnership with government, industry, and academia, Digital Catapult aims to foster innovation and shape the products, services, and experiences of the future. It is part of the Catapult Network, which supports businesses in turning innovative ideas into valuable solutions.
