Innovate UK shows off Quantum Catalyst Fund use cases

By Marc Ambasna-Jones 14 Nov 24 Reading time: 4 mins

With a £45 million boost from the UK’s Quantum Catalyst Fund earlier this year, quantum technology is set to address some of the most pressing challenges in public and private sectors. That’s the hope at least. Launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK, the fund aims to accelerate the commercialisation of quantum innovations and unlock solutions to public sector challenges.

At the recent UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase 2024, four of the companies involved in the fund got a chance to show off their progress to date. At the forefront of these developments are companies and university spinouts leveraging quantum technology to address practical needs. From MoniRail’s quantum navigation system to Cerca’s wearable brain imaging sensors, these projects exemplify the transformative potential of quantum.

Quantum sensing for rail infrastructure monitoring

MoniRail, a UK-based spinout from the University of Birmingham, is developing a quantum-based navigation and sensing system to monitor railway tracks more effectively and cost-efficiently.

Traditional methods rely on high-cost trackside infrastructure to deliver the precision needed for train positioning and track condition monitoring. MoniRail’s approach leverages quantum inertial navigation to provide accurate, reliable train positioning even in challenging environments like the London Underground, where satellite signals are often lost.

“The railway use case is an easier case than other modes because we only have one dimension to think about, but the environment is quite difficult with various magnetic and inertial challenges,” explained Clive Roberts, chair and founder of MoniRail.

The quantum sensors on MoniRail’s trains act as mobile monitors, frequently assessing track conditions and helping to predict when maintenance interventions will be needed. This innovation enhances rail safety, reduces operational costs, and exemplifies how quantum sensing can streamline rail infrastructure.

Revolutionising brain imaging with quantum magnetometers

Cerca Magnetics, a partnership between the University of Nottingham and Magnetic Shields, is advancing quantum-based brain imaging through optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs).

Traditional brain imaging requires bulky cryogenic systems that limit patient comfort and mobility, something that’s especially an issue with children. Cerca’s wearable, quantum-based brain imaging sensors overcome this by creating motion-tolerant, portable imaging solutions that offer better imaging quality and flexibility.

“OPMs, these quantum sensors, represent a step change in neuroimaging technology,” said Dr Elena Boto, CTO at Cerca. “We can put the sensors on the head, making it wearable and motion-tolerant, which is critical for accurate diagnosis in real-world settings.”

Cerca’s work, which was originally focused on supporting neuroscience research, has extended to healthcare, targeting critical conditions like dementia and epilepsy. By making brain scanners portable and more accessible, Cerca’s technology allows for earlier, more accurate diagnoses and better patient experiences.

“We identified dementia as an important condition needing deeper understanding, and quantum sensing technology has the potential to provide that insight,” added Boto.

Mapping the underground with quantum gravity sensors

Delta.g, another beneficiary of the Quantum Catalyst Fund, is a University of Birmingham spinout developing quantum gravity sensors to map underground structures with high precision. These sensors provide non-intrusive insights into subsurface features, offering solutions for urban planning, infrastructure, and environmental monitoring. The ability to ‘see’ beneath the surface without excavation is invaluable for utility management, construction, and even border security.

“We’re creating what we like to call the ‘Google Maps for the underground,’ providing insights that were previously unattainable,” explained Tony Lowe, Delta.g’s CEO.

The project’s aim is to achieve commercial deployment of field-ready quantum gravity sensors, providing industries with a tool to accurately assess underground conditions, minimise invasive boreholes, and improve resource management. This innovation marks a new era in environmental management and infrastructure planning, where accurate, non-intrusive mapping of underground spaces can make cities more efficient and sustainable.

Optimising energy grids with quantum algorithms

Phasecraft, a quantum algorithms company and a spinout from the University of Bristol, has been awarded a £1.2 million contract by the UK government to develop quantum computing solutions for optimisation problems within energy grids. This project enables Phasecraft to collaborate with key stakeholders such as National Grid ESO and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Its goal is to address the challenges in building and operating energy grids, which are becoming increasingly complex with the transition to sustainable energy sources.

Traditional optimisation algorithms are often inadequate for managing the growing number of smaller, renewable generators across the country. Phasecraft aims to introduce quantum solutions to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of energy grid operations.

Ashley Montanaro, co-founder and CEO of Phasecraft, talked about how the company is designing novel quantum algorithms to solve real-world problems. He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between quantum scientists and industry experts to develop practical solutions that can be implemented in the near future.

Marc Ambasna-Jones / Editor-in-chief

Working as a technology journalist and writer since 1989, Marc has written for a wide range of titles on technology, business, education, politics and sustainability, with work appearing in The Guardian, The Register, New Statesman, Computer Weekly and many more.