In February 2025, Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology toured the quantum lab at the Sussex Centre for Quantum Technologies (SCQT). Reflecting on her visit, Baroness Jones said:
“Supporting innovation hubs like this one will help British researchers to continue making breakthroughs in emerging technologies that could improve everything from health diagnostics to cyber security, boosting our economy and improving daily lives. The work on quantum here at the University of Sussex is a great example of how world-leading research is evolving into successful spin-out companies, creating jobs and attracting investment right across the UK, delivering on our.”
For more information about the visit, read this article from The Argus.
Notable regional strengths include:
- world-leading research at the University of Sussex which recently surpassed Oxford University and global competitors by achieving breakthroughs including a powerful new modular quantum computing architecture. This modular quantum computing approach will facilitate the construction of quantum computers capable of solving important industry problems as a world first
- exceptional quantum training programmes at the University of Sussex to cultivate the next generation of quantum experts, including a four-year quantum technology undergraduate degree, the UK’s first Quantum Technology by distance learning degree and a quantum technology doctoral training centre
- thriving industry with spin-outs such as Universal Quantum, securing over £100 million in investment, including a €67 million German Space Agency contract plus backing from In-Q-Tel recognising the critical relevance for national security, and Bloomberg recognition as one of UK top 25 startups in 2023. Our Sussex-focused ecosystem includes Edwards Vacuum in Burgess Hill and microchip deposition tool manufacturer K.J. Lesker in Hastings, alongside a growing digital and software sector.
Cllr Bella Sankey, Chair of the Greater Brighton Economic Board, said:
“The Greater Brighton Economic Board recognises the immense potential of the quantum computing sector in the region to drive innovation and economic growth in the area. We are committed to supporting it, enabling our region to help the UK capitalise on its research excellence and foster a world-class quantum computing industry.”
An Oxford Economics report forecasts that quantum computing could support 148,000 jobs across the UK by 2055 and add up to £12.9 billion to GDP by the same year, with productivity gains up to 8 percent. At £128,000 GVA per worker, Universal Quantum alone contributes over £11.5 million to the local economy, before accounting for spill-over effects from supply-chains, and future expansion.
With strong government backing—highlighted by a £121 million UK quantum investment package announced in April 2025 —Sussex is exceptionally well-placed to harness its record-breaking research, industry-leading training and dynamic spin-out ecosystem, cementing its status as the nation’s Quantum Silicon Valley.