Award Recipients

Quantum Science is the leading supplier of infrared quantum dot (QD) technology for the global shortwave infrared (SWIR) imaging sector. Its flagship product, INFIQ®, provides a scalable platform for SWIR technology and has been recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.

Based at Daresbury, Quantum Science develops semiconductor technologies that help cameras and sensors see beyond the visible spectrum, identifying everything from moisture to material composition and light invisible to the human eye. This opens applications across industrial inspection, AI-enabled machine vision, automotive sensing, medical diagnostics and security, where information beyond visible light provides richer data for automated analysis, quality control, safer operation and more informed decision-making.

The core challenge facing the infrared imaging sector is moving from improving device performance towards scalable adoption. The high cost and complexity of conventional infrared detector technologies makes them difficult to integrate into high-volume electronics manufacturing.

INFIQ® addresses this bottleneck. Through proprietary quantum dot ink chemistry, device-stack expertise and scalable solution-processing approaches, the platform makes high-performance infrared sensing compatible for CMOS manufacturing routes. This presents a practical route for turning quantum dot science into an enabling industrial technology platform.

Quantum Science’s work spans quantum dot synthesis, ink formulation, thin-film engineering, device-stack optimisation, process development and customer-specific R&D support. Our focus is on enhancing repeatability, reliability, manufacturability, integration readiness and supply-chain confidence, which are integral to moving technologies from laboratory demonstration to commercial deployment.

It works with partners across the global imaging and semiconductor ecosystem, providing the critical quantum dot materials, process insight and targeted development support that helps downstream sensor, camera and system companies bring new infrared imaging products to market.

Receiving the King’s Award is a milestone for Quantum Science and a strong endorsement of UK deep-tech innovation. It strengthens its platform to support customers, partners and investors as demand grows for compact, scalable and cost-effective infrared sensing.

The team’s ambition is clear: to help define the enabling technology platform for the next generation of infrared imaging, and to turn world-class British materials science into real products, real supply chains and real industrial impact.