Heading: Skylark Lasers Receives £2.34m Funding to Develop Quantum-Enabled Navigation Systems
Skylark Lasers, an Edinburgh-based photonics company, has been awarded £2.34m from Innovate UK to support the development of the next generation quantum-enabled navigation and time-keeping systems. This funding, which accounts for almost 10% of the total £25m available from Innovate UK’s quantum-enabled positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition fund, will be used to establish and scale the production of quantum gravity sensors. These sensors aim to enhance the autonomous navigation of shipping vessels by providing precision to tankers on the open seas, where satellite navigation is often unreliable.
Heading: Quantum Technologies Revolutionizing Navigation and Time-Keeping
Skylark Lasers’ chief executive, Ben Szutor, expressed excitement about the funding, stating that it will enable the full-scale commercialization of their quantum portfolio. The company believes that their innovations have the potential to revolutionize ship and rail navigation, civil engineering, and underground resource exploration sectors, ultimately improving global supply chain efficiencies. With this funding, Skylark Lasers aims to solidify its position as a pioneer in the development of quantum technologies and expand its business in the coming years.
Heading: Collaborative Efforts to Advance Quantum Sensors
Skylark Lasers has already made significant contributions to the field of PNT sensors. They have developed a portable, near-infrared laser system that will be integrated into a miniature gravity sensor, working in collaboration with academic and industrial partners. Derryck T Reid, a professor of physics at Heriot-Watt University, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to work with Skylark Lasers and apply their new diode-pumped Ti:sapphire ultrafast laser technology. This technology is expected to enable the next generation of quantum sensors.
Heading: Recognition of UK’s Technical Leadership in Quantum Technologies
Roger McKinlay, challenge director for quantum technologies at Innovate UK, commended Skylark Lasers on their achievement. He stated that the funding will help Skylark Lasers build up their portfolio of high-performance quantum products, which are in growing demand from customers. McKinlay sees this as evidence that the UK’s technical leadership in quantum technologies is now being translated into real industrial capability.
Heading: Skylark Lasers’ Impressive Client List
Skylark Lasers boasts an impressive client list, including research institutions, equipment manufacturers, and academic institutions such as the University of New Mexico, KAUST, Linköping University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This diverse range of clients highlights the company’s expertise and reputation in the field of photonics and quantum technologies.
In conclusion, Skylark Lasers’ recent funding of £2.34m from Innovate UK is a significant milestone for the company. The investment will enable the full-scale commercialization of their quantum portfolio and accelerate advancements in autonomous navigation for shipping vessels. With their expertise in photonics and collaboration with academic and industrial partners, Skylark Lasers is poised to revolutionize various sectors, including ship and rail navigation, civil engineering, and underground resource exploration. This funding also highlights the UK’s technical leadership in quantum technologies and its ability to translate this leadership into real industrial capability. Overall, Skylark Lasers is well-positioned to make a lasting impact in the field of quantum-enabled navigation and time-keeping systems.