Shawn - stock.adobe.com NatWest signs up to quantum trial for fraud detection The retail bank is one of 11 organisations testing quantum technologies as part of Digital Catapult’s quantum technology access programme Eleven organisations, including NatWest, have joined Digital Catapult’s Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP), delivered in collaboration with the National Quantum Computing Centre’s (NQCC) SparQ programme. QTAP provides UK-based companies with a guided pathway to understand quantum technologies, assess their sector-specific value and move from concept to practical application through expert guidance and experimentation. This latest cohort of businesses are focusing on combinatorial optimisation and quantum machine learning. Simon Plant, deputy director for innovation at NQCC, said: “Through SparQ, we’re helping organisations move towards practical exploration of quantum computing. This cohort demonstrates growing confidence in quantum computing across UK industry, building the expertise, evidence and partnerships needed to accelerate responsible adoption and strengthen the UK’s quantum capabilities.” Digital Catapult said the focus on financial services reflects growing demand for quantum innovation and its role in building the UK’s sovereign capability while identifying new practical use cases for the technology. NatWest plans to explore how quantum can be deployed to help detect fraud and illicit activity across large transaction networks, while CTA Fintech Solutions is assessing the use of quantum technologies for cross-system optimisation of legacy-to-cloud transaction flows to improve cost efficiency and strengthen resilience in highly regulated environments. Other firms participating in the QTAP programme include the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), and Health Innovation North West Coast, part of the UK’s Health Innovation Network. In healthcare, through QTAP, quantum computing is being used to improve diagnostic modelling, treatment pathways and outcome forecasting for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare and life-threatening blood disorder considered a medical emergency. Through its participation, Health Innovation North West Coast aims to