The five long-term moonshots werelaunched todayby the British government.

The first aims to buildquantum computersthat can run 1 trillion operations by 2035.

Another with a deadline for that year is deploying the worlds most advancedquantumnetwork at scale.

UK’s quantum plans could ‘unlock billions — and a geopolitical advantage’

This initiative aims to pioneer the future quantum internet.

Three other projects have an earlier target date of 2030.

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The second intends to equip aircraft with quantum navigation systems.

The third aims to unlock new situational awareness with mobile, networked quantum sensors.

This would be integrated into critical infrastructure.

Startups and investors welcomed the ambitious plans.

Analysts have also pointed to the economic benefits.

According toMcKinsey, quantum computing couldcreate $1.3 trillion ($1.2 trillion) in value by 2035.

To maximise its share of that money, the British government is taking a targeted approach.

As a nation, were unlikely to even outspend some of the US and Chinas individual technology giants.

The politics of quantum computing

Not everyone is a fan of the plans.

Critics argue thatgovernments should minimise their direct involvement in technological development.

The impact of these bodies has spread far beyond their founding missions.

Theyve introduced innovations ranging from GPS and smartphone cameras to a little something called the internet.

That investment, however, remains a concern.

Woods believes the ambitious missions will need a bigger cash injection.

Story byThomas Macaulay

Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.

He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.

Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.

He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.

Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).

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