Quantum information science and technologies (QIST) are uniquely placed to disrupt and transform sectors across the board. Quantum technologies, by exploiting the distinctive phenomena of quantum physics, can perform functions fundamentally unachievable by technologies based solely upon classical physics. For example, when applied to computing, calculations and operations that would take the best supercomputers hundreds of years to complete could be resolved within seconds using quantum computers; as another example, QIST can also be used in sensing and imaging to obtain enhanced precision in a variety of measurements ranging from gas concentrations to gravitational waves, supporting established industries in sectors like manufacturing, energy and healthcare. Furthermore, the application of quantum technologies will have significant implications within communications and security given their ability to break traditional encryption methods used to protect data within financial transactions or military communications while at the same time offering a range of novel, secure solutions largely compatible with the existing infrastructures. The potential of quantum technologies is well demonstrated through its significant financial and strategic backing globally. Restricted to academic environments up until the start of the last decade, the worldwide investment into quantum initiatives has now reached $33 billion, with significant contributions made across China, the US, and Europe. In the UK, the strategic importance of quantum technologies is clear: with a strategic commitment of £2.5 billion over the next decade, EPSRC has listed Quantum Technologies a mission-inspired research priority and the Department for Science Innovation and Technology have named quantum technologies as one of their seven technology families within the UK's Innovation Strategy. It is clear that, around the world, quantum technologies are flourishing. While the technological potential and national importance of QIST to the UK is undeniable, a key challenge to realising our ambitions in this area is the ability to develop a quantum workforce of capable physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and mathematicians with both the requisite expertise in quantum information science and expertise in the technologies that will realise it. In addition, the leaders of the UK's quantum future must possess critical professional skills: they must be excellent communicators, leaders, entrepreneurs, and project managers. To meet this key ambition and its resultant needs, the programme offered by the Quantum Information Science and Technologies Centre for Doctoral Training (QIST CDT) is uniquely positioned to deliver the diversity of skills and experience needed to supply the UK with internationally renowned QIST leaders across policy, innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and science communication. QIST CDT students will receive academic training delivered by world-recognised top educators and researchers; undertake industrially-relevant training modules co-delivered with industry partners; gain hands-on experience within world-leading quantum research laboratories; receive one-to-one entrepreneurial mentorship; undergo intellectual property and science policy training; undertake on-site industry placements; and complete multi-faceted cohort projects designed to develop multidisciplinary teamwork. This combination of world-class academic research training, which can be undertaken in a vast array of quantum-technology-relevant sectors, with bespoke instruction in professional skills driven by the needs of current and future quantum industry, will produce graduates with a drive to make a difference in Quantum Technologies and the skills to make that happen.

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.