FIGURE 3Case studies Quantum sensing So what? Precision and sensitivity Quantum sensing provides unmatched precision and sensitivity in measurements, critical for advancements in fields like telecommunications and defence. Strategic advantage Early adoption of quantum sensing technologies ensures an organization remains at the cutting edge of technological advancements and maintains a competitive edge. How? Strategic integration Identify key areas where quantum sensing can add value and create a strategic plan for its implementation. Scaling and optimization Scale successful pilot projects and integrate quantum sensing technologies into core operations for enhanced capabilities.Quantum sensing harnesses advanced quantum technologies to achieve unparalleled precision in measurement and detection, offering significant advantages in various fields. Adopting quantum sensing technologies will enhance organizations’ capabilities in sensing and measurement, driving innovations and competitive advantage.Boosting telecommunication efficiency with Infleqtion’s New Quantum Clock Value chain segment: midstream – infrastructure, operations and service provision; benefit: sustainability The telecommunications industry is currently grappling with issues such as inefficiencies, high costs and the need for modernization. These challenges are compounded by the complexity of existing systems and the limitations of traditional methods. Timothy Ballance, President at Infleqtion UK, stated, “We are very pleased to be able to deliver our first commercial clock in the UK to Professor Riis and his group at the University of Strathclyde. Tiqker will be rigorously tested by the world-leading experts at the University of Strathclyde, and their feedback will be invaluable as early customer insights.” Infleqtion has achieved a significant milestone with the first UK commercial delivery of its groundbreaking optical atomic clock, Tiqker, to the University of Strathclyde. This collaboration with Professor Erling Riis’s research group is set to revolutionize navigation and precision timekeeping. The Tiqker clock offers short-term hydrogen maser-like performance in a compact package, with a Cs-Beam-like holdover of up to seven days (meaning it can still keep accurate time for up to seven days if it loses its primary time source). This innovation is expected to enhance the stability and robustness of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) technology. The National Timing Centre (NTC) and National Physical Laboratory (NPL) quantum programmes are developing the UK’s first nationally distributed timing infrastructure. These initiatives aim to reduce reliance on global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) and improve the resilience of critical national infrastructure. The Tiqker clock will play a crucial role in these efforts, supporting the development of next-generation timekeeping technologies. Infleqtion’s work with the Tiqker clock demonstrates quantum technology’s potential to address current challenges in the telecommunications industry, enhance efficiency and support sustainable, interconnected global infrastructure. Source: Infleqtion. (2024). Infleqtion Marks Milestone with First UK Sale of Quantum Clock, Tiqler.Boosting next-generation 5G and IoT with quantum radios Value chain segment: upstream; benefit: sustainability The telecommunications industry faces significant challenges, including high energy consumption, limited signal sensitivity and the need for cost-efficient solutions to support the growing demand for 5G and IoT networks. These issues hinder the development of more efficient and widespread connectivity solutions. Howard Watson, Chief Technology Officer of BT, stated, “BT’s investment in cutting-edge R&D plays a central role in ensuring the UK remains a network technology leader. Our programme has huge potential to boost the performance of our next-generation EE network and deliver an even better service to our customers”. BT is pioneering a trial of potentially hyper-sensitive quantum radio receivers that use excited atomic states to detect much weaker signals than conventional receivers. This technology, based on a quantum effect called “electromagnetically induced transparency”, forms a highly sensitive electric field detector. The trial marks the first time a digitally-encoded message has been received on a 3.6 gigahertz (GHz) (5G) carrier frequency, demonstrating potential for significant advancements in network sensitivity and efficiency. The new quantum radio technology could reduce mobile network energy consumption, enhance the efficiency of IoT devices and support the development of cost-effective smart cities and agriculture. Researchers at BT Labs are working to miniaturize the equipment and optimize radio frequency (RF) – the range of electromagnetic wave frequencies used for wireless communication – modulation and signal processing for future radio networks. BT’s trial of quantum radios highlights the transformative potential of quantum technologies in telecommunications. These innovations stand to enhance network performance, reduce costs and boost progress towards the SDGs. Source: BT. (2022). BT trials a new quantum radio to boost next-generation 5G & IoT networks. Quantum Technologies: Key Strategies and Opportunities for ICT Leaders 12

Quantum Technologies Key Strategies and Opportunities for ICT Leaders 2025