Thales Group, a global leader in technology innovation, is channelling significant resources into the realm of quantum technologies, recognizing their transformative potential across various sectors. As part of this strategic focus, the company is leveraging quantum advancements to revolutionize fields such as cybersecurity, aerospace, transportation, and defense, aiming to bring about groundbreaking changes in both societal and industrial landscapes.
At the UK National Quantum Technologies Showcase held earlier this month, Thales’ top executives, Dr. Bernhard Quendt, Group Chief Technical Officer, and Dr. Paul Gosling, UK Chief Technical Officer, joined a gathering of industry leaders, academics, government figures, and investors. This event was a pivotal platform for examining the rapid progression of quantum technology and its commercial applications in the UK, a prominent hub for quantum innovation in Europe.
The showcase, orchestrated by Innovate UK and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in partnership with the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, served as a fertile ground for discussions on the latest quantum breakthroughs. These discussions spanned a diverse range of fields, including automotive, healthcare, infrastructure, communications, cyber, and defense, highlighting the versatile impact of quantum technologies.
Here is what Thales executives had to say:
Dr Gosling:
“The first generation of quantum technology gave us the transistor, microchip, laser and MRI scanner to name but a few. These all had a remarkable, but largely unanticipated impact on society.
We are now on the verge of the next generation of quantum technology that can deliver unprecedented computing power and sensors with a far greater sensitivity than ever before. Many of these next generation quantum devices have already been demonstrated in the laboratory.
The challenge in the next few years is to accelerate the ability to incorporate these new quantum devices into systems, work out how to exploit them and in the case of quantum computing, protect our data against computers that will be able to crack existing encryption in matters of minutes instead of years.
Importantly, the technology needs to move from the lab to production so we need to develop the local manufacturing base which will allow ready access to the best devices on the market.
As with the first generation of quantum technologies, the impact on society will likely be significant and we probably can’t fully appreciate at this point the extent to which it will impact the lives of future generations.
It is for this reason that countries like the UK and companies such as Thales see investment in and mastery of quantum as a key strategic topic.”
Dr Quendt:
“Thales is delighted to participate to this key quantum event in the UK. We are the only European player present and leading in the three areas of quantum: sensors, communications and algorithms.
This is made possible thanks to the significant skills of the employees, their passion for quantum, a considerable amount of patents and increasing investment of the Group in quantum technologies.”
Thales’ active participation and investment in quantum technologies underscore the company’s commitment to being at the forefront of emerging tech trends. By deeply engaging in these critical discussions, Thales aims to not only contribute to but also shape the direction of quantum technology development, ensuring its effective integration into future solutions that will redefine our society and industries.
For more market insights, check out our latest quantum computing news here.
