Cutting edge tech company invests in Mid Sussex

PR2381/MW/MF - 02/09/2021

Ground breaking new computer technology is set to be developed in the heart of Mid Sussex with the opening of a new Universal Quantum laboratory in Haywards Heath.

Universal Quantum is building the world’s first million qubit quantum computer in a bid to unlock the full potential of quantum computing and change the world for the better. Mid Sussex District Council has now approved plans to convert Gemini House on the Mill Green Business Estate in Haywards Heath into a new research and development facility.

Dr Sebastian Weidt, Co-Founder and CEO of Universal Quantum said:

“At Universal Quantum, we are building quantum computers to tackle real-world problems and we’re thrilled to make the next step in our journey by building our new headquarters and quantum computing facility in Mid Sussex.

“Our new facility will house world-leading quantum computers that can help solve complex problems in everything from medicine to climate change – problems that would take today’s fastest supercomputers billions of years to solve.

“While we are a company focusing on deep tech, our culture and people come first, and this is where Haywards Heath is the perfect match for us. It’s a great place to live, has a vibrant high street and direct transport links to key areas such as London, Brighton, Gatwick airport and Cambridge, providing our employees and partners with easy access to the facility.

“We expect to grow our team to around 100 at this location with new hires ranging from electronic engineers to physicists, software engineers and operations experts, to name a few. Our broader vision for the area is to help establish a quantum computing ecosystem with the co-location of relevant businesses.”

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said:

“A major part of our economic development strategy is to ensure Mid Sussex is an attractive place for cutting edge tech companies to invest, research and innovate.

“We are fortunate to have the University of Sussex, one of the leading Science and Technology educational establishments in the UK, on our doorstep and Mid Sussex is the ideal location for spin-out companies like Universal Quantum to expand.

“The technology industry is growing rapidly and has the potential to create many high value jobs for local people in Mid Sussex. Retaining our highly skilled individuals and university graduates by providing them with suitable job opportunities that are close to home will play a key role in strengthening our local economy.”

Dr Ilan Elson, VP Operations at Universal Quantum, said:

“Mid Sussex Council has been absolutely fantastic to work with. We have been impressed with not only the incredibly bright and nimble team they've pulled together, but also how they were truly able to 'move at the speed of startups’ and help us on a number of different fronts as we explored Haywards Heath and decided to make it our new home.”

ENDS