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.
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 and Chair of AIRTO, 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.
