Sponsor Interview: Mike Paton, General Manager at Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre, University of Bristol

Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre, University of Bristol are one of the leading sponsors at Quantum.Tech Europe on 19th - 21st September. Ahead of speaking across the 2 day conference, Mike Paton, General Manager explores the scientific talent arriving from University of Bristol, their relationship between academia and enterprise and their work around pilot stage and what can we expect at full launch in 2025? 

How are you harnessing the scientific talent coming out of the University of Bristol?

The University of Bristol offers a fantastic pipeline of emerging talent at all levels from undergraduate to PhD, with a dedicated Quantum Masters’ programme and one of the UK’s two Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) in Quantum Technologies. We support researchers from Bristol and other institutions to start or grow their enterprise journey, including entrepreneurship, industry partnerships and collaborations, alongside our QUEST pre-incubator to get quantum startups from concept to funding. In fact, our programmes have helped to create a 1/3rd of the UK’s funded quantum startups, with inward investment of over £650m so far.

How are you facilitating that relationship between academia and enterprise?

The Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre (QTIC) brings together SMEs, industry and academia, and some great collaborations have arisen purely out of co-location! Our members-only events, seminars and workshops bring together experts from various backgrounds to explore key challenges and build their network. We offer a range of flexible services to industry including innovation support, acceleration/venture builders, technical consulting, and quantum CPD, all of which strengthen the links between academic and enterprise. The West of England Combined Authority has invested £35m in quantum technologies through QTIC, and Bristol benefits from established clusters including aerospace and cyber security, and boasts one of the UK’s best start-up ecosystems.

What work are you currently doing in your Pilot stage and what can we expect at full launch in 2025?

Our QTIC pilot facility has been focussed on understanding the barriers facing quantum startups in the UK and developing interventions to help break these down, from targeted training to a pool of high-spec equipment normally too costly for a startup to access. We’re doubling the size of the pilot in January 2023 to allow further growth and our priority is to increase collaboration between startups, industry and academia. We’ll continue to grow the space, programme and community over the next couple of years before we move into the full scale, 12,000 square foot centre.

Who are your members and what do they contribute?

Our current resident members are six of the UK’s most exciting quantum technologies startups: KETS Quantum Security, QLM, Zero Point Motion, Siloton, Phasecraft and Qontrol. All participate in the community, provide employment opportunities and help to shape the development of QTIC. Our members influence the services we offer, the equipment we purchase and how the centre is run. We’re preparing to launch our virtual membership which will open the benefits of QTIC membership up to non-residents.

What is the Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus?

Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus will focus on digital, business and social innovation. Bringing together a critical mass of world-class academic, industrial and entrepreneurial expertise, it will support innovation at scale and shape the skills we need for the future. QTIC will be based at the new campus, contributing to and benefitting from its rich innovation ecosystem.

As one of our leading sponsors at Quantum.Tech Europe, what are you looking forward to the most at the conference?

We’re excited about the explosion of interest in quantum: we see new faces at every event and a much broader range of companies who are getting interested in what quantum technologies can offer. We can’t wait to hear what companies are thinking and are looking forward to helping them chart their own quantum journey.

Keen to hear more from Mike Paton, General Manager at Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre, University of Bristol? Don't miss your chance to hear from Mike Paton in person next week by registering your spot at Quantum.Tech Europe here.