In two minds: governments' quantum leap into the future

Governments are investing millions in quantum in the hope it might help save lives. But will this gamble on subatomic particles pay off?

Governments around the world are taking a leap into the future by investing heavily in quantum technology research. The UK alone has pledged 270m over five years, with the more cautious Australian government promising a AU$25m (15m) investment over the same period, and the Canadians putting in $50m (31m).

So just what are they investing in, and why? While the end product may be some way off, quantum technologies promise to deliver multibillion-pound industries across multiple sectors in return for that investment.