Programme
Quantum Technology Access Programme
Quantum Technology Access Programme
The Digital Catapult Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) was a five month programme which aimed to raise awareness, educated end users, and fostered industry partnerships to drive the future adoption and commercialisation of quantum computing. The programme offered eleven participants the opportunity to bridge the gap between quantum computing’s complex concepts and practical industry applications. The programme provided participants with the opportunity to upskill their workforce, build valuable partnerships and explore real use cases of quantum computing.
Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) is part of a wider Innovate UK Industry Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF) funded project called Quantum Data Centre of the Future which aims to embed a quantum computer within a classical data centre to explore real-world access to a quantum computer.
Explore the highlights from the Quantum Technology Access Programme showcase event
Our role
Quantum readiness
The quantum computing team at Digital Catapult works with industrial partners to separate the opportunities from the hype, and understand the specific problems that may be best solved on a quantum computer in the near future. We supported our eleven industrial participants become “quantum ready” to reap the benefits of quantum computing. During the QTAP programme participants received support in the following areas.
Education and training
Digital Catapult and partners supported triaging and framing relevant use cases, delivering education and training on theoretical and practical aspects of quantum computing and providing ongoing technological assistance, as well as enabling opportunities for knowledge sharing between participants.
Use Case Identification
The programme had three streams: two on optimisation and quantum machine learning with ORCA Computing, involving simulating and running small-scale industrial challenges on the ORCA PT-1 quantum computer. The fault-tolerant stream, delivered with Riverlane, investigates the Quantum Singular Value Transformation, an algorithm that will run on the large, fault-tolerant quantum computers available in the future. Our quantum team guided participants in aligning their use cases with the most suitable stream.
Technology Access
For the optimisation and machine learning stream participants had the opportunity to simulate their algorithms on the ORCA Software Development Kit (SDK). The participants coded their algorithms in Python, using Jupyter Notebooks, and used the SDK to carry out experiments. Selected use cases were run on Demo Day on an early-stage experimental prototype ORCA PT-1 device. For the fault-tolerant stream participants had the chance to work with Riverlane team and explore tools such as the Delta Discover software to calculate the quantum computing resources needed to invert matrices supplied by the participants.
Ecosystem Building
In addition to providing a space for learning and receiving technical support, our team worked towards building an ecosystem of UK companies engaged in Quantum, to offer peer-learning opportunities to support the learning journey from multiple angles and allow cohort members to get exposure to different use-cases, potential business benefits, and approaches to Quantum. This culminated in a Showcase event which had attendees from industry, academia and government, representing the vibrant UK quantum ecosystem that we are building.
Programme participants
Programme partners
Get involved
To get updates about programme activities, fill out the form below. If you have any questions or would like to speak to us please email us at [email protected]
Our expertise
Twelve things you need to know about quantum computing
Answering common questions from how a quantum computer works, future impact and benefits, how the UK is positioned and mitigations against potential negative consequences.
Quantum computing – hype or opportunity
Can quantum computing be useful in the near future, or are we going to have to wait decades for any benefits? What are the problems and advantages of quantum computing over classical computing?
Seven steps to ensure your organisation is quantum ready
Discover the journey you should start now to make your organisation quantum ready. Quantum computing has the potential to soon outperform classical computers, but there are risks it will be used to crack encryption.
Which technology will win the quantum race?
The qubit is the quantum equivalent of a classical bit. But there are a bewildering range of qubits available today which can be implemented using atoms, the solid state, a liquid or even photons of light. Which will win?
Daniel Goldsmith
Senior Quantum Computing Technologist
Daniel has a Masters in Quantum Technology at University College, London, and researched Quantum Error Correction Codes. He has experience of working with quantum annealing and photonic computers, as well as the standard quantum circuit model. He has a good understanding of algorithms for the NISQ and the fault tolerant era. He is particularly interested in quantum machine learning. Daniel also has extensive experience of leading teams to design, build, test, cut over, and operate global ERP IT systems. This has given him an excellent understanding of the key elements of a successful IT implementation. He has a deep knowledge of technical and process architecture and has worked in key integration roles on large and complex projects. Daniel also has a good appreciation of finance, gained from qualifying as a Chartered Accountant at Ernst & Young, and then working as a European Financial Controller for a technology firm earlier in his career. He studied Physics at Jesus College, Cambridge.
Leading businesses showcase the potential for quantum computers to transform energy, infrastructure and engineering
Leading businesses on Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) showcase the potential for quantum computers to transform energy, infrastructure…