Scaling success Quantum Science grows with Innovate UK
Quantum Science, a pioneering nanomaterial tech company based in Warrington, Cheshire, is lighting up the semiconductor and electronics sectors with its innovative quantum dot technology. As a participant in Innovate UK’s Scaleup Programme, the company has scaled its manufacturing capabilities, protected its intellectual property and accelerated its commercial reach, achieving a 500% year-on-year turnover increase and doubling its workforce.
Specialising in quantum dots and advanced materials, Quantum Science brings game-changing technology to the global image sensor market. Quantum dots, ultra-small particles that emit vivid colour when illuminated, are ideal for applications requiring high precision and performance, such as displays in smartphones, head-mounted devices for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR), as well as biomedical imaging.
Dr Hao Pang, CEO at Quantum Science, says: “Our challenge was to develop a technology that could deliver high performance while being cost-effective for mass production. Innovate UK’s support has been instrumental in helping us refine our processes to meet these demands.”
Strategic scaling support strengthens market position
As part of the supportive Sci-Tech Daresbury Campus and network, the team were made aware of Innovate UK’s Scaleup Programme, were successful with their application to participate and began their access to the tailored support on offer in January 2022. This has enabled the team to make key advancements during a crucial growth stage.
Innovate UK Business Growth’s Scaleup Directors provided the company with critical support during the implementation of the ‘Stage Gate Process’ – a project management framework used to guide complex projects through structured stages, or “gates” – aligning commercial and product development goals to maximise growth. This systematic approach allowed Quantum Science to optimise its manufacturing design, scale production from 1L to 5L capacity and secure board approval for the scaled manufacturing plan.
The Scaleup Directors advised an application to the Programme’s Growth Fund, which is designed specifically to facilitate clients’ investment into key projects aligned with their identified scaling challenges. An identified essential requirement for growth was the need for additional laboratory space.
With the 70% grant-funded support available from this add-on to the Scaleup Programme, the company worked with an external consultant to design a new laboratory facility that allows it to meet higher production demands while maintaining quality and efficiency. Additionally, targeted guidance on technical marketing and brand presence helped Quantum Science strengthen its position in the marketplace.
Dr Pang adds: “The challenge for us was scaling up production while maintaining the quality and consistency required by our clients. The Innovate UK Business Growth support we received equipped us with strategic tools to overcome this, ensuring we could expand efficiently and stay competitive.”
Securing intellectual property for long-term growth
Intellectual property (IP) forms the foundation of Quantum Science’s competitive edge and Innovate UK Business Growth’s IP Advance Scheme, in collaboration with the Intellectual Property Office (IPO), helped maximise its value.
This audit identified vital IP assets, including trade secrets, patents and trademarks, establishing a comprehensive framework that enables Quantum Science to capture and protect its unique innovations.
Driving economic growth and job creation
Since receiving Innovate UK Business Growth support, the company has expanded its team from 12 to 27 employees, primarily in high-value roles and plans to reach 35 within the next year. This growth not only bolsters regional innovation but also strengthens the UK economy, contributing to national productivity and job creation.
Dr Pang concludes: “The Scaleup Programme was very valuable to Quantum Science, and it exceeded our expectations. It led to new ways of thinking and was instrumental in helping us understand the complete scale-up picture.
“The team of directors had a complementary mix of backgrounds – including manufacturing and IP – and between them, they were able to tackle and solve all the problems we put to them.
“Even after the programme formally ended, the directors were willing and able to help with further queries. Their hands-on guidance gave us a real commercial advantage.“
Quantum Science’s cutting-edge technology has attracted substantial commercial interest, leading the company to close eight major deals in the past year, reinforcing its upward growth trajectory and validating its business model. The company’s commitment to scaling production and exploring new markets underscores the transformative power of innovation-led growth, positioning Quantum Science as a key player in the UK’s technology landscape.
The challenge for us was scaling up production while maintaining the quality and consistency required by our clients. The Innovate UK Business Growth support we received equipped us with strategic tools to overcome this, ensuring we could expand efficiently and stay competitive.
– Dr Hao Pang, CEO at Quantum Science