UKQuantum appoints Jonathan Legh-Smith as Executive Director

UKQuantum, the trade association providing the voice of the UK quantum industry, has appointed Jonathan Legh-Smith as Executive Director.

UKQuantum’s mission is to:

• Uniting the UK quantum industry with one voice;
• Industry champion within Government and internationally while advising on interventions and policies that will advance the UK’s quantum industry; And
• Promoting the adoption and benefits of quantum technology across the UK economy.

Legh-Smith has been a central figure in the consortium’s formulation since its inception (see bio at end of article). This appointment comes at a crucial time for the quantum technology landscape, both in the UK and more broadly. Legh-Smith stated, “UKQuantum has established itself as a key partner in the UK’s National Quantum Strategy and I am delighted to have the opportunity to help our members achieve their ambitions as well as those of the UK.”

With more than 30 members, ranging from startups to enterprise users, UKQuantum provides key input into the UK government’s £2.5 billion national strategy, announced earlier this year. Jonathan’s leadership will further facilitate the strategic direction of the consortium, particularly in the areas of commercialization, responsible innovation, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Since being formally established in November 2022, members have had the opportunity to add input to government calls, provide feedback via working groups and host webinars and industry events across the UK.

UKQuantum is committed to providing a unified voice for the sector while supporting and representing the UK as a global quantum technology leader. You can learn more at www.ukquantum.org.

Bio of Jonathan Legh-Smith

Jonathan Legh-Smith has extensive experience as R&D and Innovation Executive, covering policy, strategy, and program management. Jonathan is a member of the National Quantum Technology Program Strategic Advisory Board, the National Quantum Computing Center Technical Advisory Group, and the NPL Institute of Quantum Metrology Advisory Board. Previously, Jonathan was Principal, Scientific Affairs for BT leading engagements with national research & innovation priorities including Quantum Technologies, Future Telecommunications, and Cyber-Physical Infrastructure. He directed the BT Strategic Research program for over 10 years in conjunction with BT’s academic and industry research partnerships. Jonathan co-founded the BT technology scouting function in Silicon Valley, became Head of BT Standards, and founded the BT school engagement program in East England. He has served as a member of the EPSRC Strategic Advisory Network and the EPSRC Science, Engineering & Technology Board.