Quantum Science Ltd (QS) is a leading British nanomaterials technology company focused on innovating, developing, and commercialising infrared quantum dots (QDs) and other advanced materials.
Based in Daresbury, QS makes advanced QD materials and inks that are used in infrared imaging and sensing applications. Its INFIQ® QD technology supports next-generation infrared sensors that can ‘see’ beyond what the human eye can perceive, and it is facilitating rapid advancements in everything from smartphone cameras and self-driving cars to high-performance industrial cameras capable of seeing through objects.
QS has been working with high growth account manager Claire Pedersen to access support through the Local Growth Hub’s High Growth Account Management Programme.
The programme is designed to support businesses in Liverpool City Region demonstrating high growth potential to innovate, adapt, and grow.
Through the programme businesses are taken through a bespoke business diagnostic which analyses ten areas of performance – Leadership, Finance, Value Proposition, Customers, Markets, Products & Services, People, Operations, Sustainability and Innovation as well as having support from a dedicated account manager.
Dr Lesley Smith, Head of IP and Partnership at QS, explained how this has benefitted the business:
“It was great to have a dedicated account manager who has supported us by introducing us to a range of services and opportunities available in the Liverpool City Region. Our account manager Claire Pedersen is extremely efficient and helpful.”
The Local Growth Hub’s high growth account managers have a thorough understanding of the business support landscape in the Liverpool City Region enabling them to signpost businesses to the support best suited to maximise their growth.
Dr Smith explained:
“Thanks to the support that from Growth Platform, we are now more aware of the breadth of services and grants available through in the Liverpool City Region. Without this it is hard to get a definitive picture of what is available from different entities and opportunities for grant funding could be overlooked.
“Introductions have been made with key staff at other companies, for example at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and The Virtual Engineering Centre (VEC) which have led on to further support and opportunities.”
As well as facilitating introductions to business support providers and networks, Claire has referred QS to fully funded UKSPF funded programmes offering specialist support with innovation and export.
Dr Smith continued:
“We have been put in touch with the Horizons programme and subsequently have been successful in winning a CapEx grant and a funded project with the VEC. We were also delighted to receive an Export grant through the Export Support Programme.”
The support received means that QS can now look to the future with plans firmly set on growth for the next five years.
Dr Smith outlined the company’s ambitions, saying:
“In the next five years we aim to capitalise on the growing demand for high performance short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging and sensing by further scaling up our production and increasing the performance of our INFIQ® infrared QD materials. We have our sights set on becoming a leading supplier to this market and will support this ambition by developing our lead-free QD materials and QD inks, providing a SWIR sensing solution suitable for mass market applications.”
Speaking of QS’s business growth journey, Claire Pedersen said:
“Quantum Science Ltd. is a true example of the cutting-edge businesses we have right here in the Liverpool City Region and it’s been a pleasure supporting the company on its journey so far.
“The range of support we have available in this region and the strong networks we have developed means we are able to support businesses to reach their full potential through our high growth programme. It’s been fantastic to play a part in Quantum Science’s growth and I look forward to continuing to support the team in the future.”
When asked what the support they have received has meant for their business, Dr Smith said:
“Getting involved with Growth Platform has been a great success for Quantum Science. We have benefitted from invaluable support and advice from our account manager through this programme and we are very grateful for the support received.”
The Local Growth Hub is a service under the businesses support brand Growth Platform, managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.