Scotland’s world-leading Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP) has secured £8 million from the UK Government to accelerate innovation in photonics and quantum technologies.
The funding, provided by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), will support the Centre’s research and development over the next four years.
Fraunhofer CAP, based at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre, develops advanced laser and optical systems to address challenges in sectors including space, security and defence, healthcare, renewable energy and communications.
Strategic partnership
Established in Glasgow in 2012, Fraunhofer CAP operates as a not-for-profit organisation and works with clients ranging from SMEs to global corporations. The Centre has delivered more than 300 projects for over 200 industrial partners, helping to drive commercialisation of cutting-edge technologies.
The Centre works in strategic partnership with Strathclyde, including through a formal joint appointment with the Institute of Photonics, alongside joint studentships and a number of strategic collaborative projects.
In August this year, Fraunhofer CAP announced its expansion into the second floor of the neighbouring Inovo Building, doubling its lab and office capacity.
This was made possible thanks to The Scottish Government’s decision to give the Centre an additional £500,000 of funding this year, with Scottish Enterprise giving an additional £300,000 to further develop its pioneering work in rapidly growing markets.
Applied research
The new investment builds on previous support from DSIT, which provided £2 million for capital equipment earlier this year. It complements annual core funding of £1.3 million from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, which enables doctoral training and early-stage technology development.
Fraunhofer CAP has a strong track record of leveraging this support, generating more than ten times its value in applied research activity.
Simon Andrews, Executive Director of Fraunhofer UK Research, said: “We are extremely pleased to accept this important support from the UK Government. Over the last nine years, backing from Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise has been invaluable. In the last year alone, our team delivered more than £6 million of applied R&D projects for industry. This new funding will enable us to meet growing demand for our expertise in photonics and quantum technologies.”
Professor Stephen McArthur, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said: “Strathclyde values our longstanding partnership with Fraunhofer UK, which has helped drive growth in the UK’s photonics and quantum sectors.
This funding recognises the Centre’s world-class expertise and its role in delivering high-impact research that supports industry and strengthens the UK’s global competitiveness.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “To unlock the potential of quantum – which will bring transformative benefits to fields like encryption, navigation and medicine – we are relying on cutting-edge photonics. The funding we are announcing for Fraunhofer’s world-class centre in Glasgow will cement the UK’s place as a global leader in this crucial technology.”