quantum Business Innovation and Growth (qBIG) Group
This is an IOP special interest group, which is a community of IOP members focused on a particular discipline, application or area of interest.
Special interest groups allow members to connect, share knowledge and collaborate. The IOP funds groups to deliver a range of activities including events, prizes and bursaries. All of our groups are driven by members.
About the group
As a member-driven group, we support the growing business community of industrial quantum physicists, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs, and the curious who want to know more about this sector.
Membership of our group can support you and your organisation through:
- an engaging events programme;
- collaboration with other IOP special interest groups and other related IOP or learned society groups; and
- an annual prize to support early-stage business start-ups.
What the group does
Our group gives members opportunities for:
- increasing awareness of the potential of quantum technology;
- collaboration and business development opportunities across a broad range of sectors;
- showcasing businesses and state-of-the art capability;
- linking business to centres of excellence, support and investment;
- identifying and promoting the formation of new supply and value chains;
- stimulating debate around sustainability and ethical issues arising as the sector grows;
- representing the community to national and regional policymakers;
- capturing and communicating developing infrastructure requirements;
- accessing professional development for the quantum workforce;
- informing IOP members in industry about relevant developments in quantum technologies; and
- providing a networking platform for members to share their experiences.
Joining an IOP special interest group
For non-IOP members: Become a member now
Group prize
qBIG Prize
The IOP quantum Business Innovation and Growth (qBIG) Prize, sponsored by Quantum Exponential, is awarded to small and medium-sized companies working on taking quantum technology products or solutions to market. The winner will receive a cash prize, mentoring, and access to the IOP Accelerator and business network.
Find out more and read about previous winners
Blogs
Occasionally we publish blogs for readers interested by quantum and the work of this group.
- January 2024: Lunchtime quantum talk with Rachel Maze of DSIT
- October 2023: Quantum ‘impact project’ delivering real benefits
- August 2023: How the IOP’s qBIG Prize is helping quantum businesses achieve their vision
- June 2023: Quantum technology coming of age as commercial applications emerge
- April 2023: IOP quantum Business Innovation and Growth group hits ground running
Past events
June 2024
The Economist’s third annual Commercialising Quantum Global 2024 event, including the announcement of the qBIG 2024 prize winner, Equal1
May 2023
The Economist’s second annual Commercialising Quantum 2023 event, including the announcement of the qBIG 2023 prize winner, Cerca
Committee
| Chair | Dr Anke Lohmann, MInstP |
| Secretary | Miss Wenmiao Yu, MInstP |
| Treasurer | Mr David Curry, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Mr Martin Agnew |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Timothy Ballance |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Michael Cuthbert |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Jolyon De Freitas, CPhys MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Chris Dorman, OBE FInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Scott Dufferwiel, CPhys MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Samantha Dugelay |
| Ordinary Member | Mr George Dunlop, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Professor Robert Lamb, FInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Robert McDougall, CPhys MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Mr Stuart Nicol |
| Ordinary Member | Mr Ian Reid, CEng CPhys FInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Richard Tatham, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Dr Harriet van der Vliet, MInstP |
| Ordinary Member | Mr Henry White, CPhys MInstP |