Quantum Technology Advancement Accelerates
The second quantum revolution is unfolding “a bit faster than most expected” and will prove transformative across multiple sectors, according to Louis Barson, director of science, business and education at the Institute of Physics. Sources indicate that quantum technologies are already solving real-world problems in transportation, healthcare, communications, and finance, with practical quantum computing deployment anticipated within the next decade.
Barson explains that while the first quantum revolution enabled our digital age through technologies like semiconductors and lasers, the current wave will transform drug discovery, sensor technology, and materials science. “The horizon seems to be shrinking” for practical quantum computing applications, he noted, with foundations being laid for what analysts suggest will become “full-scale” technologies.
Global Quantum Industry Expansion
The quantum sector has demonstrated remarkable growth recently, according to reports highlighting record-breaking fundraising by companies like US-based PsiQuantum and Finland’s IQM. Barson specifically pointed to UK success stories including Oxford Ionics, recently acquired by US quantum company IonQ in a $1 billion deal, and Quantinuum, which reportedly raised $600 million to develop quantum computing applications for cybersecurity.
“There are many businesses just as exciting coming through in sensing, imaging and communications – many with market-ready solutions,” Barson stated. He explained that what makes quantum computing challenging – the difficulty maintaining quantum states – ironically makes quantum systems highly effective sensors. This has accelerated near-term applications in medical imaging, brain scanning, and cancer detection, alongside subsurface mapping technologies.
Addressing the Quantum Skills Shortage
Despite technological progress, the UK and Ireland face a significant quantum skills gap, with demand for specialized talent outpacing supply at all levels. According to the report, the only way to grow the quantum sector is to ensure people have essential skills to drive innovation through research and development.
The Institute of Physics is working to highlight the scale of this challenge while championing physics education and training. Barson emphasized that building the quantum workforce must begin in school physics classrooms, noting that approximately 25% of UK state schools lack a physics specialist teacher. A new IOP report calls for £120 million in government investment over the next decade to train physics teachers and address STEM shortages.
“Physics is a high-value sector with enormous potential for growth in new physics-powered industries such as quantum and photonics which require physics skills,” wrote IOP learning and skills vice president Judith Hillier in the report addressing the physics teacher shortage.
Government and Industry Response
The UK’s National Quantum Strategy, published in 2023, aims to train more than 1,000 PhD researchers in quantum or related fields over the next decade. The strategy includes establishing a Quantum Skills Taskforce to collaborate with industry on developing a comprehensive skills action plan. Additionally, five quantum research hubs have been launched as part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme, generating significant momentum in skills development and industry-research collaboration.
Each hub focuses on different quantum applications, including communications networks, navigation systems for critical national infrastructure, and quantum sensors for early disease diagnosis. These initiatives align with broader national quantum strategy objectives to position the UK as a quantum technology leader.
International Quantum Landscape
The global significance of quantum mechanics is underscored by the UN’s declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking the centenary of foundational developments in 1925 that established quantum theory. Meanwhile, Ireland faces similar educational challenges, with reports indicating more than 1,800 teaching posts remaining vacant before the current school year, affecting STEM subjects particularly.
Companies like Equal1, based at University College Dublin, are advancing quantum technology using existing semiconductor approaches to develop cheaper, scalable quantum machines. The startup aims to become what industry observers describe as the “Nvidia of quantum” by the decade’s end, demonstrating the global race in quantum development amid broader industry developments and market trends.
Future Outlook and Educational Imperative
Barson sees quantum technology growth as demonstrating how physics skills can create “amazing value for society” and hopes this inspires broader interest in the subject. “Physics shapes our understanding of the world around – and is vital to solving our biggest challenges,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of making physics accessible regardless of background.
The continued advancement of quantum technologies depends on addressing educational gaps and fostering collaboration between academia and industry. As the field evolves, observers suggest that related innovations in sensing and imaging may reach commercial markets sooner than full-scale quantum computing, creating near-term opportunities for economic impact despite ongoing educational challenges that require strategic solutions.
This article aggregates information from publicly available sources. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners.
Note: Featured image is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any specific product, service, or entity mentioned in this article.
