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Quantum technologies will have cross-cutting impacts on current engineering sectors varying from satellites to computing platforms.    Last week, the Technical and Professional Community Networks Committee approved the formation of a Quantum Engineering Technical Network (QETN).  Read on to find out more...As Quantum technologies will have cross-cutting impacts on current engineering sectors varying from satellites to computing platforms; the QETN seeks to achieve three primary objectives, closely aligned to the wider TN strategy:


•    The bringing together of engineers working in quantum technologies to share knowledge and practice experience concerning the development of skills, products and applications and their underpinning technologies. 

•    The development and evolution of the Quantum Engineering profession through the IET's  extensive resources, community-building skills and established engagement initiatives in the wider engineering sector.

•    The raising awareness of the developments and the need for engineering and technology engagement in the rapidly emerging Quantum Sector.

Background and Opportunity

Quantum applications are supported by diverse disciplines - cryogenics, high vacuum techniques, Laser technologies and photonics research and development through to sensor technologies and beyond. Quantum science has made significant inroads into engineered products and services, technologies and has common themes of interest that a QETN could support and develop.


UK Government has developed its investments, policy position and overall ambition for Quantum technologies into the next spending review and beyond with the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme transitioning from the original five-year first phase of four Hub based areas of academic led research to a second five-year phase for these Hubs. Phase two has been complimented with funding for a National Quantum Computing Centre. The research and development investment has been further extended by the UKRI Industrial Strategic Challenge Fund Waves two and three Quantum challenges. 


This key emerging quantum sector needs the engineering disciplines to ensure that quantum technologies can be fully developed and exploited through productisation and commercialisation bringing them to market.


It is anticipated that the QETN can add value in the specific areas of:

•    Widening the existing engineering community to explore how existing engineering specialisms can contribute and advance quantum engineering and applications

•    Exploration of educational and professionalisation needs at all levels to underpin quantum engineering and applications, including technicians and apprenticeships

•    Provide support to the UK national ambition for Quantum Computing and other quantum technologies

•    Support the ambition to build a quantum ecosystem in UK to sustain and develop the initial work by National Quantum Technologies Programme by encouraging investment in UK- skills and resources.

•    Encourage best practice for safe and sustainable investment, awareness of Intellectual Property exploitation and retention through IP management, co-creation and sharing of guidance and experiences.


Please keep an eye open for the Quantum Engineering Technical Network, staring with its series of six webinars covering the research and development work across the U.K.; the activities of the four U.K. Quantum Hubs in Timing and Sensing, Quantum Communications, Computing and Simulation, Imaging, finishing with an overview of the recently announced, National Quantum Computing Centre.

Register for the webinars online