o achieve this vision, we will address major global research challenges towards the establishment of the "quantum internet" —?globally interlinked quantum networks which connect quantum nodes via quantum channels co-existing with classical telecom networks. These research challenges include: low-noise quantum memories with long storage time; connecting quantum processors at all distance scales; long-haul and high-rate quantum communication links; large-scale entanglement networks with agile routing capabilities compatible with - and embedded in - classical telecommunicatons networks; cost-effective scalability, standardisation, verification and certification. By delivering technologies and techniques to our industrial innovation partners, the IQN Hub will enable UK academia, national laboratories, industry, and end-users to be at the forefront of the quantum networking revolution. The Hub will utilise experience in the use of photonic entanglement for quantum key distribution (QKD) alongside state-of-the art quantum memory research from existing EPSRC Quantum Technology Hubs and other projects to form a formidable consortium tackling the identified challenges. We will research critical component technology, which will underpin the future national supply chain, and we will make steps towards global QKD and the intercontinental distribution of entanglement via satellites. This will utilise the Hub Network's in-orbit demonstrator due to be launched in late 2024, as well as collaboration with upcoming international missions. With the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), we will explore applications towards quantum advantage demonstrations such as secure access to the quantum cloud, achievable only through entanglement networks. Hub partner National Physical Laboratory (NPL) working with our academic partners and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) will ensure that our efforts are compatible with emerging quantum regulatory standards and post-quantum cybersecurity to bolster national security. We will foster synergies with competing international efforts through healthy exchange with our global partners. The Hub's strong industrial partner base will facilitate knowledge exchange and new venture creation. Achieving the IQN Hub's vision will provide a secure distributed and entanglement-enabled quantum communication infrastructure for UK end-users. Industry, government stakeholders and the public will be able to secure data in transit, in storage and in computation, exploiting unique quantum resources and functionalities. We will use a hybrid approach with existing classical cyber-security standards, including novel emerging post-quantum algorithms as well as hardware security modules. We will showcase our ambition with target use-cases that have emerged as barriers for industry, after years of investigation within the current EPSRC QT Hubs as well as other international efforts. These barriers include security and integrity of: (1) device authentication, identification, attestation, verification; (2) distributed and cloud computing; (3) detection, measurement, sensing, synchronisation. We will demonstrate novel applications as well as identify novel figures of merit (such as resilience, accuracy, sustainability, communication complexity, cost, integrity, etc.) beyond security enhancement alone to ensure the national quantum entanglement network can be fully exploited by our stakeholders and our technology can be rapidly translated into a commercial setting.

However, access to silicon prototyping facilities remains a challenge in the UK due to the high cost of both equipment and the cleanroom facilities that are required to house the equipment. Furthermore, there is often a disconnect in communication between industry and academia, resulting in some industrial challenges remaining unsolved, and support, training, and networking opportunities for academics to engage with commercialisation activities isn't widespread. The C-PIC host institutions comprising University of Southampton, University of Glasgow and the Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC), together with 105 partners at proposal stage, will overcome these challenges by uniting leading UK entrepreneurs and researchers, together with a network of support to streamline the route to commercialisation, translating a wide range of technologies from research labs into industry, underpinned by the C-PIC silicon photonics prototyping foundry. Applications will cover data centre communications; sensing for healthcare, the environment & defence; quantum technologies; artificial intelligence; LiDAR; and more. We will deliver our vision by fulfilling these objectives: Translate a wide range of silicon photonics technologies from research labs into industry, supporting the creation of new companies & jobs, and subsequently social & economic impact. Interconnect the UK silicon photonics ecosystem, acting as the front door to UK expertise, including by launching an online Knowledge Hub. Fund a broad range of Innovation projects supporting industrial-academic collaborations aimed at solving real world industry problems, with the overarching goal of demonstrating high potential solutions in a variety of application areas. Embed equality, diversity, and inclusion best practice into everything we do. Deliver the world's only open source, fully flexible silicon photonics prototyping foundry based on industry-like technology, facilitating straightforward scale-up to commercial viability. Support entrepreneurs in their journey to commercialisation by facilitating networks with venture capitalists, mentors, training, and recruitment. Represent the interests of the community at large with policy makers and the public, becoming an internationally renowned Centre able to secure overseas investment and international partners. Act as a convening body for the field in the UK, becoming a hub of skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities, with regular events aimed at ensuring possibilities for advancing the field and delivering impact are fully exploited. Increase the number of skilled staff working in impact generating roles in the field of silicon photonics via a range of training events and company growth, whilst routinely seeking additional funding to expand training offerings.