UK Tightens Controls On Quantum Computing Exports And Cryogenics Firms Could Feel The Chill

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As the UK government announces a comprehensive review of exports and foreign investments, particularly in the quantum computing sector, the spotlight turns to cryogenics, a field critical to the operation of quantum computers. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden emphasizes the strategic importance of controlling exports of cryogenic equipment, likening it to past controls on advanced weaponry. This measure aims to protect against potential military misuse by countries considered threats, including China, and to guard against economic vulnerabilities. The focus on cryogenics, once a purely research-focused area now pivotal for quantum computing, marks a significant shift in the UK's approach to international trade and technology sharing. With potential impacts on business operations and international collaborations, the cryogenics sector, along with other tech industries like semiconductors and artificial intelligence, faces new challenges under stricter national security checks.