The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council initiative will work in partnership with industry to train PhD students.

The investment has been made in response to a national strategy on the growth of quantum technologies.

The document, , published by the Quantum Technologies Strategic Advisory Board, aims to help guide decisions about investments in the technology over the next 20 years.

The National Quantum Technologies Programme invested £120 million in a network of university-led quantum hubs in 2014. These are led by the universities of Birmingham, Glasgow, Oxford and York.

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Universities, science and cities minister Greg Clark said that quantum technologies are set to “transform the way we live”.

“Quantum skills will allow us to bring game-changing advantages to future timing, sensing and navigation capabilities, in a sector that could be worth more than £1 billion to the UK economy,” he said.

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“That is why we are investing up to £15 million to train specialists with the right entrepreneurial and business skills to ensure we have the talent to keep us ahead of growing international competition.”

Vince Cable, business secretary, said: “Quantum technologies are taking innovation to a whole new level and offer an unparalleled opportunity to shape the next generation of high-tech products that will improve our day-to-day lives.”

“This £15 million investment will ensure we have the flexible, highly skilled workforce needed to turn these futuristic ideas into a reality,” he added.

The EPSRC will shortly be issuing a call for proposals in relation to the initiative.

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