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.”

What's new

4T2 Sensors Secures £796,000 to Boost Food Industry Sustainability

Birmingham-based electronics firm 4T2 Sensors has raised £796,000 in seed funding to help food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers enhance sustainability. The funding includes a £249,965 investment from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), managed by Midven, along with contributions from Waterpoint Lane and angel investors.

Pioneering Sustainability in F&B

The funding will allow 4T2 Sensors to obtain ATEX certifications for hazardous environments and expand its workforce in product management, application engineering, and hardware engineering.

The company has developed an advanced fluid analysis and monitoring sensor that optimizes the Clean-in-Place (CIP) process—a standard cleaning method for F&B equipment between production runs.

By leveraging 4T2's innovative sensor, manufacturers can reduce CIP times by 20%, cutting water usage, energy costs, and improving production efficiency, all while addressing key sustainability goals.

Image Credit: 4T2 Sensors

Support for High-Growth SMEs

The investment comes through the WMCO, which supports high-growth small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the West Midlands with equity investments of up to £1 million.

Max Swinbourne, CEO of 4T2 Sensors, said:

"This investment is a major milestone in helping F&B manufacturers achieve meaningful sustainability improvements. It enables us to expand our team, secure certifications, and position ourselves as leaders in sustainable production solutions. We’re excited about the positive impact our technology can have on the industry.”

Rupert Lyle, Investment Director at Midven and WMCO Fund Principal, added:

"We’re proud to support 4T2 Sensors in driving innovation and sustainability within the F&B industry. Their cutting-edge sensor technology directly addresses pressing environmental challenges by significantly reducing water waste and energy consumption.”

This funding represents a significant step in advancing sustainable practices across the food and beverage sector, positioning 4T2 Sensors as a key innovator in the global push for environmental responsibility.

By Anushka Malhotra

17 Jan