The Edinburgh-based photonics company has been awarded almost 10% of the £25 million available from Innovate UK’s Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition fund for quantum-enabled positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions.

The money is set to be invested into establishing and scaling the production of quantum gravity sensors which can accelerate advancements in the autonomous navigation of shipping vessels and provide next-gen navigational precision to tankers on the open seas, where GPS and satellite navigation are poor.

Relatedly, and according to a study commissioned by Innovate UK, the economic impact to the UK of a five-day disruption to global navigation satellite systems has been estimated at £5.2bn.

With the new £2.3m investment, it’s been said that the firm has secured the largest single amount awarded for quantum investment in Scotland to date.

Commenting on the funding success, Dr. Ben Szutor, the recently appointed CEO at Skylark Lasers, said: “We are excited to continue our development efforts within the fields of quantum technologies. This is a milestone moment for Skylark Lasers as this new funding will enable the full-scale commercialisation of our quantum portfolio.”

“Scotland is at the forefront of worldwide laser innovation and this funding will further excel Skylark Lasers as a pioneer in the development of quantum technologies, and allow us to grow the business in the coming years.”

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Skylark Lasers is a portfolio company of Par Equity, the Edinburgh-based tech VC firm. Alastair Moore, Senior Investment Manager at Par, commented: “It’s brilliant to see Skylark Lasers recognised as one of the most innovative companies in the UK’s quantum technology ecosystem through the award of this transformational grant.

“This complements the progress that the team has delivered over the past 2 years in developing and bringing to market its high-power lasers for scientific and industrial applications.

“As a deep tech investor focused on backing the best teams and technologies in the north of the UK, it is greatly rewarding to see this progress being made with Skylark continuing to pave the way in quantum innovation and commercialisation.”

Further, Roger McKinlay, Challenge Director Quantum Technologies at Innovate UK, added: “We’re delighted to be helping Skylark Lasers build up their portfolio of high-performance quantum products for which there is growing customer demand.

“Here is evidence that the UK’s technical leadership is now being translated into real industrial capability.”