26 Jun 2025
by Dr Cillian McPolin

Supporting the Development of Quantum & Photonic Technologies in the UK

Emerging quantum and photonic technologies offer a multitude of applications across areas such as defence, energy, and transport, providing crucial functionalities and enhancing efficiency, security, and productivity. To support the successful commercialisation of quantum and photonic technologies in UK, there are many factors to be considered such as addressing infrastructure requirements, scaling startups, and engagement with academic institutions. Digital Catapult accelerates the practical application of deep tech and is committed to enabling deep tech startups operating within these areas to scale  via enabling access to facilities, research and development capabilities and innovation programmes, together with boosting supply chain resilience.  

The current UK quantum and photonics landscape  

The UK is a leader in both quantum and photonics, as reflected by its education, research, industry and technology. For example, in terms of technology, this includes developing quantum sensing systems for monitoring brain activity, deploying quantum networks, and developing photonic chips for navigation and encryption. The number of businesses in the UK quantum sector is at least 160, and the scale of photonic research is significant - approximately 40 universities are focusing on the subject which, combined with strong growth of the photonics industry (£18.5 billion total turnover in 2024 - Photonics Leadership Group report, UK Photonics 2025: The Hidden Economy), demonstrates the potential economic value of quantum technologies and strength of these sectors    

This success has in part been achieved by clusters and hubs across the UK (in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) that have strengths in technology, facilities, and expertise, and includes five Quantum Hubs that bridge the gap between research and commercial applications. Digital Catapult also works to bridge the gap between industry, academia, and government through quantum and photonic innovation programmes to trial solutions in real-world industrial settings.      

Photonics is estimated to underpin 13% of global innovation and is an enabling technology for many quantum applications, include those using components like ingle photon sources and detectors. Semiconductors are also essential to many photonics components, and thus, quantum, photonics and semiconductors are deeply intertwined. As a result, it is helpful to adopt a holistic view to understand how the UK can facilitate the commercialisation of world leading quantum and photonics research, including ensuring coordination across the sectors.   

Investing in infrastructure to support development  

The advancement of photonic and quantum technologies often requires miniaturisation in order to realise innovative systems. For example, integrated photonics involves combining multiple photonic functions onto a single chip to enhance scalability, manufacturability, power efficiency and cost effectiveness. Similarly, quantum sensors must be sufficiently compact to remain portable and field operable for specific applications. There are manufacturing and packaging hurdles in this regard, together with supply chain considerations and data challenges.     

To support the manufacturing of these technologies, an effective approach to mapping the required infrastructure involves working backwards from end-use quantum and photonic technologies to identify the core components and materials required, establishing clear supply chain and facility requirements. Strategic international partnerships will play a crucial role in addressing capability gaps within the UK, together with strengthening global supply chains, something Digital Catapult’s industrial innovation and accelerator programmes are helping to do  

The Quantum Infrastructure Review, published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, offers many valuable recommendations in this area. Creating a cohesive supply chain, such as for a photonic chip, that connects design, manufacturing, testing, packaging, and system integration delivers substantial benefits for rapid technology development. Critical elements include access to manufacturing facilities and testbeds, which are both essential for effective product development. Closing infrastructure gaps will therefore be critical in the commercialisation of quantum and photonics solutions, in addition to scaling startups in the space.      

Scaling startups and developing the workforce    

The UK has many examples of successful university spinouts and startups developing novel technologies in both quantum and photonics. Continued support of such companies, including from a financial, mentoring, and sector perspective, is key together with ensuring the necessary skills and organisational capabilities are embedded in the workforce. Having supported deep tech startups for over a decade at Digital Catapult, we recognise the resources and support necessary to help quantum and photonics startups to scale successfully and commercialise their solutions.     

The UK Quantum Skills Taskforce report highlights the crucial role of skills to commercialisation. Digital Catapult and the Workforce Foresighting Hub also released a report on the future of quantum sensing in the transport sector, focused on the skills needed to design, develop, and implement quantum sensing technologies. There are many examples of photonics skills programmes including those that focus on integrated photonics and retraining workers in adjacent sectors. Standards and regulation are also crucial to ensuring an environment that nurtures innovation, something that is addressed in a report from the Regulatory Horizons Council.    

Engaging with academia, developers, and end-users   

The UK boasts considerable breadth and depth in academic research across critical areas, including silicon photonics, quantum magnetometry, and metamaterials. This robust research foundation provides an excellent platform for realising new technologies, and expanding international collaborations can unlock additional research pathways.     

Engagement between researchers, technology developers and end-users create mutual benefits to accelerate innovation. These partnerships enable direct experimentation of deep technologies in real-world applications while simultaneously facilitating iterative technology development through valuable user feedback. These collaborations allow research to align with market needs, further driving the commercialisation of quantum and photonics solutions. Digital Catapult’s successful technology access programmes follow this approach, providing comprehensive support including mentoring, education, and direct technology access across both quantum and photonics sectors. These programmes demonstrate how structured engagement can bridge the gap between innovative research and commercial application.  

The successful commercialisation of emerging photonic and quantum technologies will be boosted by strengthening links across UK clusters, developing infrastructure, driving industrial supply chain resilience, supporting startups, and ensuring a skilled workforce is in place. The UK is one of the top countries for quantum company creation and the development of photonic technologies, which also attracts overseas businesses, and there are many growth areas including in defence, energy, health, and computing. In short, the UK is in an excellent position to ensure the realisation of new quantum and photonic technologies and thus unlock opportunities across a range of critical sectors.     

To discuss quantum and photonics commercialisation and Digital Catapult’s programmes, visit our page here.  


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Authors

Dr Cillian McPolin

Senior Photonics Technologist  , Digital Catapult