The University of Southampton is set to receive £30million in funding to launch two research centres to develop quantum computing and boost UK defence.

The combined £30million for the establishments at the university will be sourced from the government, industry leaders, and small to medium-sized enterprises.

These facilities aim to train PhD students to increase the UK's quantum technology and defence talent pool.

The multimillion-pound investments announcement was made by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The £18million EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering will be financially backed by tech firms such as Microsoft, QinetiQ, Riverlane, and Oxford Ionics.

Dr Tim Freegarde, director of the centre from the University of Southampton, said: “Within 10 to twenty years, quantum technologies will be affecting our lives in diverse ways from faster mobile data and banking security to GPS-free navigation and locating pipes beneath the road.

"Our training centre will develop a new generation of graduates with the knowledge, skills and awareness needed to engineer new quantum technologies and put the UK at the forefront of the world’s quantum industry."

The newly-established Southampton Centre for Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security will train the leaders and experts needed to ensure UK safety and resilience.

This £12.5million project will be financed by the EPSRC, the Ministry of Defence, and numerous industry partners.

Its director, Professor Jordan Cheer from the university, said: "A strong defence and security industry is vital for the UK, and our centre will train a new generation who will work to keep Britain’s future safe.

"We are opening places to graduates, current sector employers and those transitioning from serving military or policing roles to drive forward research that will develop the complex technologies needed for the modern defence and security of our country.”

Read more about the University of Southampton’s Centre of Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at forms.office.com/e/Eg1FQ7CsmK.

Find out more about the Centre Doctoral Training for Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security at forms.office.com/e/wTS7JPxuzS.