One Year of the London Quantum Cluster!
To mark the anniversary of the London Quantum Cluster being formed, we gathered at the Institute of Physics for an evening of discussion, networking and looking ahead to the next phase of quantum innovation.
Our first birthday event provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made during LQC's first year and explore future challenges and opportunities together with key players from across the quantum sector including founders, researchers, investors, corporates, policymakers and ecosystem builders.
Attendees heard from Geraint Rees (UCL), Howard Dawber OBE (Greater London Authority), Janet Coyle CBE (London & Partners), Louis Barson (IoP), Georgia Siora (Warwick Economics and Development), Richard Murray (ORCA Computing), Alejandro Rodríguez-Pardo Montblanch (HSBC), Eloisa Angeles (EdenBase), Maria Maragkou (Nu Quantum) and Dr Jess Wade (Imperial).
The presentations and insightful panel debate examined the next steps in quantum commercialisation, investment, adoption and ecosystem development. Our top five takeaways from the discussion session were:
🔹 Commercialisation is accelerating: Quantum companies are increasingly demonstrating commercial traction and revenue-generation
🔹 Value drives adoption: Success will be determined by the ability to solve real-world problems and deliver measurable outcomes for end users, not by technical performance alone
🔹 Collaboration is essential: Stronger connections between researchers, startups, investors, corporates and government are needed to unlock the sector's full potential
🔹 Customers are as vital as capital: Alongside investment, greater corporate engagement and government procurement will be critical to creating demand and accelerating growth
🔹 London has a unique opportunity to lead: With world-class research, diverse talent, industry expertise and potential early adopters, London is positioned to shape the future of the quantum economy
A recurring theme throughout the evening was that quantum's next phase will be defined not only by scientific breakthroughs, but also by the ability to translate innovation into commercial and societal value.
The discussion reinforced the role of the London Quantum Cluster as a unifying force for quantum innovation in the capital, bringing together the people, organisations and opportunities needed to accelerate commercialisation and maximise the impact of quantum technologies.
We would like to thank all our speakers, panellists, attendees and partners who contributed to a successful celebration of LQC’s first year.
Photo credits: Carmen Valino
