Celebrating Quantum Computing in Mid Sussex with the Secretary of State

One of the many privileges of representing Mid Sussex in Parliament is getting to know the innovative local businesses who are quietly shaping our future. One such example is Universal Quantum who are creating a slice of Silicon Valley right in the heart of Haywards Heath.

Universal Quantum (UQ), born out of research at the University of Sussex, is a global leader in quantum computing. This may be a field many of us are not familiar with, but it is one that holds enormous promise for our future.

In simple terms, these computers process information in a completely different way from the devices we use every day. Thanks to something called “qubits”, they can perform complex calculations incredibly quickly. Think of it like navigating a maze: a standard computer tries one path at a time, whereas a quantum computer can explore many paths at once.

This technology can help us discover new medicines, design better batteries, develop materials that don’t yet exist, and create unbreakable security codes. The possibilities are mind-blowing.

I was delighted that Peter Kyle, MP for Hove and Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, accepted my invitation to visit UQ with me. He met UQ’s brilliant foundersProfessors Winfried Hensinger and Sebastian Weidt and their team of world-leading scientists and engineers to discuss the future of this sector in Britain.

It’s vital that the government understands the scale of innovation happening in Mid Sussex and supports these companies to grow and thrive locally. If this government is serious about its commitment to supporting these emerging technologies, companies like UQ need to be a priority, and part of the conversation. Only with expertise like theirs within the UK will we be able to equip ourselves for the future and continue to be competitive on the international stage.

My job as your MP is to advocate for and represent our area both locally and nationally. I was pleased that we got the chance to showcase the innovation happening right here in Mid Sussex to the Secretary of State and I am proud that we are home to one of the most exciting tech companies in the world.