The UK and Japan have agreed to increase tech industry and research ties in the quantum sector as Britain looks to secure its place at the top of the nascent industry.
Science Minister Lord Vallance met with his Japanese counterpart Kiuchi Minoru on Monday to unveil a memorandum of cooperation between the two nations that will see increased collaboration to develop quantum computing technologies.
The UK, already home to one of the world’s most advanced quantum sectors, has been keen in recent months to cement its status in an industry that the government is claiming will be a massive economic driver in the coming years.
Having already announced a number of measures to support the technology – including a £121m investment in quantum cyber security – the British government is now looking to secure strategic partnerships with advanced countries to support its ambitions.
Under the new agreement, quantum developers from the UK and Japan will have more opportunities to collaborate and exchange technology and skills.
“Working with a fellow global leader in this industry will allow innovators to harness the full potential of quantum in both our countries,” said Vallance.
“This will help unlock the solutions quantum promises in healthcare, financial services, national security and more, which will help boost economic growth and deliver on our Plan for Change.”
Minoru said the UK is an “important partner with high scientific and technological capabilities that shares our values” and that the new agreement is the “culmination of cooperative work between our two countries as well as an important path for further cooperation in the future”.
The UK tech department has announced alongside the memorandum the launch of the new Quantum Regulators’ Forum, a discussion between British regulators on how best to handle the rapidly advancing technology.
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