The pledge from Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the World Economic Forum in Davos to overhaul the Global Talent Visa could be a critical boost to the UK quantum sector, according to a leading firm in the industry.
Among Reeves’ pledge was a plan for the government would refund visa fees for researchers and academics in certain fields, including AI, quantum and semiconductors, in hopes of making the UK a more attractive place for the industries of the future.
The announcement has been applauded by Cambridge-based quantum group Riverlane, which said a shortfall of specialised talent has been identified as one of the key barriers for growth in fields such as quantum error correction.
“Making it easier for highly skilled technologists to work in the UK is a positive and necessary step if Britain wants to compete for global investment in frontier technologies,” said Riverlane chief executive Steve Brierley.
“Quantum computing and advanced computing operate in a global market, and access to specialist talent is a decisive factor in where companies choose to build and scale.”
Brierley said that while “domestic training remains essential”, it would be impossible to close the skills gap purely from doing so.
“In highly specialised areas including quantum error correction, demand for expertise already far exceeds current supply,” he said.
“Continued progress will depend on policies that combine education with fast, frictionless access to international talent, including streamlined visas for priority technologies.
“If the UK can match its scientific leadership with a globally competitive talent system, it will be well placed to turn early strength in quantum and deep tech into long-term industrial leadership.”
