The government has announced £14 million to support quantum tech initiatives that boost the public sector.

The government plans to use the technology to drive economic growth and national renewal, and help tackle major challenges like health and climate change.

Thousands of researchers, investors, and global policymakers are meeting at the National Quantum Technologies Showcase in London.

14 projects will receive a share of the £!4 million through Innovate UK’s Quantum Sensing Mission Primer award for technology that could be used in healthcare, transport, and defence.

This includes a new type of portable eye scanner that could replace the large and expensive OCT machines currently used in hospitals and a new type of sensor that would let civil engineers detect buried structures without the need for excavation.

It is estimated that by 2045 quantum could contribute £11 billion to UK GDP and over 100,000 jobs.

Science minister Lord Vallance said: "Quantum technologies are changing the world – from ultra-sensitive sensors to help diagnose diseases through to the potential of a new type of computer that can do things in seconds that would take today’s computers decades to compute.

"The UK already has considerable strengths and lots of exciting new companies have sprung up in the UK. The funding and agreements being announced today aim to support this exciting and important growth area right across the country."

Jonathan Legh-Smith, executive director of UKQuantum, said: "The achievements of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme over the last 10 years have positioned the UK as one of the world’s leading quantum nations. Our companies have developed world leading technologies across the whole quantum domain - including sensing, imaging, clocks and computing - with strong engagements across sectors such as transport, finance, telecommunications and defence.

"The announcements today demonstrate the translation of innovation to commercial reality is already well underway in the UK."