The Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP) is using fresh funding from the the Scottish government and Scottish Enterprise to expand its presence in Glasgow.

The centre currently leases six laboratories and spaces for about 80 employees and doctoral students at the University of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre, focusing on developing and using lasers in industrial applications.

Since its inception in 2012, the CAP has expanded into the second floor of the Inovo Building at the University, doubling its office and lab capacity.

With additional government funding of £500,000 and £300,000 from Scottish Enterprise, Fraunhofer CAP will support student training, research and development, and aims to go on to win contracts and grants.

The centre delivered over £5m of applied R&D projects for industry in just the last year.

The name Fraunhofer, from the Germany physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer, has been bestowed to a range of research organisations across the globe.

The Glasgow centre specialises in lasers and optical systems, addressing challenges in security, defence, renewable energy, healthcare, and communications.

“The Scottish Government is a proud supporter of Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, having providing core funding for the Institute since its inception in 2012,“ minister for business and employment Richard Lochhead said.

“As the only Fraunhofer in the UK, it plays an important role in turning cutting-edge research into real-world industrial solutions across critical industries.

“I am pleased that increased Scottish Government funding this year has helped it expand operations in Glasgow, increasing its capacity to support vital projects across energy, net zero and space, while growing Scotland’s Critical Technologies Supercluster.

“The Supercluster is strategically important to the Scottish economy and the Scottish Government will continue to support the incredible capability, talent and innovation across the industry as it pursues ambitious growth over the coming decade.”

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Lochhead refers to the Scottish Critical Technologies Supercluster which was recently convened to promote key technical areas in Scotland’s tech ecosystem, including photonics, semiconductors, sensing, and quantum.

“We have proven the success of the Fraunhofer model here in Scotland, as evidenced by the large number of projects we deliver for industrial partners,” Simon Andrews, executive director of Fraunhofer UK research said.

“Our photonics and quantum expertise is helping industry stay at the forefront of innovation and this ministerial visit demonstrates the importance of the part we have to play in the economy.

“Both the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are key stakeholders for our organisation and have provided support since our inception in 2012.“