Quantum Technology Hub Set to Launch in Birmingham with £100M Investment

By Anushka Malhotra

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Quick Read: A £100 million investment will establish a quantum technology hub in Birmingham, aiming to advance technologies with significant applications in healthcare, security, and clean energy.

Birmingham is set to become a leading centre for quantum technology with the establishment of one of five new quantum technology hubs across the UK. Announced by Science Secretary Peter Kyle, this £100 million investment will fund hubs in Birmingham, Oxford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London, focusing on developing cutting-edge quantum technologies with applications in healthcare, security, and clean energy.

The University of Birmingham will spearhead the creation of the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Sensing, Imaging, and Timing. This hub aims to develop advanced sensing technologies capable of detecting the invisible, such as identifying gas leaks before they pose a threat or locating hidden objects that could be dangerous. Additionally, the hub will focus on practical quantum sensing applications, including brain scanners for dementia and cancer diagnostics.

The funding for these hubs is provided by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), with contributions from the UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UKRI Medical Research Council, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. The total investment from EPSRC alone amounts to £106 million.

Peter Kyle, speaking to The Guardian, emphasised the significant potential of quantum technology:

“We are at the foothills of where quantum technology is going to take us, and that provides a huge opportunity for British science and British research and development. If we get this right, we can become global leaders, which means not just solving challenges domestically and creating opportunities domestically, but being able to fully exploit the global market as well.”

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Coventry Start-Up PortalZero Eyes Global Expansion with Export Support

A Coventry-based start-up, PortalZero, is set to expand internationally after receiving expert guidance from the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) Exporting Support Programme.

Founded by Scott Shearan and Nayden Yurukov, PortalZero is pioneering off-grid cooking technology for campervans. The company has developed an innovative DC induction cooker that operates directly from a vehicle’s battery—eliminating the need for an inverter. This energy-efficient, space-saving, and lightweight solution is ideal for the booming campervan market.

After unveiling its prototype at the Caravan, Camping, and Motorhome Show in February 2024, the company secured its first domestic order, sparking momentum for international growth. Now, with export support from BGWM and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), PortalZero is gearing up to enter Australian and European markets.

Co-founder Scott Shearan explained:

"As engineers, we saw an opportunity to innovate in the automotive sector. Our DC induction cooker is a game-changer, and the Chamber’s support has helped us transform this idea into a global business opportunity."

Nayden Yurukov added:

"We knew Australia was a strong market for us, but we needed direction. The Exporting Support Programme provided the tools and confidence to take our product overseas."

Through the programme, PortalZero received tailored advice from international trade experts, covering export strategies, funding opportunities, market research, regulations, and marketing. The company also benefited from fully-funded workshops and training, equipping them for global expansion.

Programme Coordinator Kalie Sahota praised PortalZero’s progress:

"It’s fantastic to see a local business harnessing export support to grow internationally. This programme is designed to help companies seize global opportunities and increase sales."

With a clear roadmap for international expansion, PortalZero is on track to transform off-grid cooking for campervans worldwide, demonstrating the power of innovation and expert business support.

By Anushka Malhotra

25 Feb