AegiQ joins an ambitious £10m project to drive forward the development of faster, thumbnail size technology using quantum physics. This ‘quantum technology’ will exploit the properties of atoms and subatomic particles.
Fraunhofer’s Centre for Applied Photonics in Glasgow will lead a partnership of 13 organisations from across the UK. Together they’ll look at increasing the reliability, and reducing the size, weight, power consumption and cost, of laser components and systems.
Quantum technology (QT) is revolutionising areas such as navigation, communications, computing and healthcare.
By working together to produce miniature, integrated devices, the partners, half of whom are based in Scotland, aim to encourage more organisations and industries to adopt quantum technology, thus widening application, markets and commercial opportunities.
AegiQ is raising its seed round of investment and this funding will accelerate time to market of its quantum photonics systems. Maksym Sich, CEO of AegiQ added: “Quantum tech industry today is facing similar challenges that photonics and electronics industries seen before. We need to enable mass production capability for integrated quantum devices. This consortium is very well positioned to unlock this and lay path towards building a prosperous quantum tech ecosystem.”
In addition to Fraunhofer and AegiQ Ltd the team includes the University of Strathclyde, INEX Microtechnology, University of Southampton, PowerPhotonic Ltd, Gooch & Housego (Torquay) Ltd, Photon Force Ltd, ColdQuanta UK Ltd, UniKLasers Ltd, Covesion Ltd, RedWave Labs Ltd, Caledonian Photonics Ltd, and Alter Technology Tuv Nord UK LtD.
The project is funded by the UK Quantum Technologies Challenge led by UK Research and Innovation. It is part of a wider package delivered through the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme which is set to make a £1B investment over its lifetime.
Simon Andrews, Executive Director of Fraunhofer UK Research said: “This collaboration will revolutionise quantum technology and take it to another level of practicality. That sheer scale in the dimensions with which we’re working is extremely exciting and we’re delighted to be part of creating an advanced supply chain for a key technology which plays an increasingly significant role in our everyday lives.”
Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director for the UK Quantum Technologies Challenge added: “This is an outstanding team with – in Fraunhofer CAP – a skilled leader. The assembly and integration processes addressed by this project are not only essential for the creation of new quantum products but are rich in the know-how through which the UK will establish a strong internationally competitive position.”