Bristol's vibrant ecosystem of vibrant tech start-ups

Research highlights

• Created a world leading community of quantum technology startups which includes PsiQuantum, the company on track to deliver the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer 
• Established the QTEC skills and training centre that is producing the next generation of entrepreneurs in quantum technologies 
• Attracted £90 million+ funding for Europe’s first incubator providing specialist facilities and expertise for quantum businesses  

Bristol’s quantum leap 

Since 2008. University of Bristol research has delivered major step towards the creation of a quantum computer based on silicon photonics that, ultimately, will be capable of outperforming every supercomputer on the planet.  

In parallel, researchers from Bristol’s Quantum Engineering Technology Laboratories (QET Labs) have created a versatile platform for a wide variety of other photonic quantum technologies.  

With research continuing apace, and with multiple patents already confirmed, Bristol academics are now bringing applications of these technologies to the world through a dynamic cluster of startup companies that are attracting multi-million pound investments.  

Startup culture  

Quantum computing is the most ambitious and far-reaching quantum technology, with transformational applications ranging from new methods for drug discovery to dramatic accelerations in data searching and image recognition.  

QET Labs academics took in this area by co-founding PsiQuantum - a company based in Silicon Valley that exploits Bristol’s research in quantum photonics and  

Following the transfer of four University of Bristol patents, PsiQuantum now employs hundreds of people and has become the world’s most highly funded quantum computing startup.

PsiQuantum has also struck a partnership with top tier semiconductor fabrication company GlobalFoundries, a collaboration that will help PsiQuantum deliver the world’s first commercially viable quantum computer with one million qubits (the basic unit of quantum information) and beyond.  

Other start ups borne out of Bristol research that have attracted significant funding include:  

KETS Quantum Security: KETS uses quantum key distribution protocols to deliver cost-effective and enhanced encryption for securing communication.

Among many other collaborations with UK industry, KETS has worked work with Airbus to develop more secure communications for unmanned aerial vehicles.  

FluoretiQ, which has resolved fluorescence emissions at the single-photon level to develop a rapid diagnostic platform for identifying specific bacterial pathogens.

This helps to reduce time to diagnosis and removes the need to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics that encourage the global threat of bacterial resistance. 

QLM Technology, which has produced a tuneable diode laser gas detection and imaging system for the natural gas industry.

QLM’s goal is to cut the leakage of natural gas to the atmosphere, which accounts for more than 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and costs industry more than $30 billion annually. 

Training the quantum generation 

To further capitalise on the potential for ground-breaking applications arising from its research, QET Labs has also established the Quantum Technologies Enterprise Centre (QTEC), an innovative skills and training centre that is producing the next generation of entrepreneurs in quantum technologies. 

The 12-month QTEC fellowship programme provides training and mentoring by academics and entrepreneurs with experience of commercialisation.

Fellows gain new knowledge in quantum technologies, the skills to develop a viable business plan and the management expertise they need to execute their plan.

They also forge connections to the investor community, the National Quantum Technology Hubs and relevant industry partners. 

By the end of 2020 alone, QTEC trained companies had raised over £44.8 million of funding from grants, revenue and equity generating over a hundred new highly skilled jobs  

Local economic growth and capacity building 

The university has also created the Quantum Technologies Innovation Centre (QTIC+), Europe’s first incubator providing specialist facilities and expertise for quantum businesses.  

Funded by over £90 million in investment from local government, the university and industry, the Centre is currently at pilot stage and will open with full-scale capacity as part of the new University of Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in 2026.  

Ultimately. QTIC+ and other Bristol initiatives will help to deliver extraordinary advances across a multitude of industries including pharmaceutical development, materials science, renewable energy, climate mitigation, sustainable agriculture and more.