We are searching for topics and funders for the next Longitude Prize. This idea is a draft for discussion about one possible prize focus that we are exploring.
What is the problem? Modern infrastructure, aviation and shipping is dangerously reliant on GPS, which is vulnerable to solar storms and malicious interference such as jamming. A significant outage would cost the UK economy over £1 billion every day, yet current quantum alternatives are too large and expensive for practical use and have not been proven in real world conditions. Why does the solution contribute to solving this? Quantum sensors allows for a "quantum compass" that could navigate either by measuring the Earth's magnetic and gravitational fields or using inertial navigation. This provides a resilient replacement for GPS, ensuring global transport remains operational even when signals from space are lost. Who is the prize awarded to? Awarded to the team that develops a portable, stand-alone quantum navigation prototype for use on aircraft. The winner would be the team that demonstrated the highest accuracy and lowest drift rate demonstrated over the course of a transatlantic flight from London to New York. Check out the other ideas
The best prize ideas are developed through extensive research and engagement with experts, stakeholders and people with lived experience of the problems they are focused on. We start with a first draft like the one above – then work to improve, refine and validate our thinking. If you are interested in sharing your expertise, or helping us secure funding for the next Longitude Prize, please reach out.