Illuminating tomorrow: quantum & photonics at Heriot-Watt
Quantum leap: powering the future
Quantum and photonics are driving a powerful wave of innovation—transforming communication, revolutionising healthcare, and accelerating sustainable solutions. At Heriot-Watt University, we lead this movement, turning pioneering research into tangible outcomes that benefit society, industry, and governments alike. From ultra-secure quantum networks to groundbreaking medical advances, our work positions Edinburgh firmly as one of Europe’s premier quantum capitals. Step into the future—take the Quantum Leap with us.
Top reasons to collaborate with us
Quantum and photonics technologies sit at the heart of next-generation innovation.
Be part of the UK’s quantum capital in the making
Heriot-Watt is leading efforts to establish Edinburgh as Europe’s next quantum technology hub. Collaborating with us means aligning your business or institution with nationally significant programmes and a global research community driving forward quantum breakthroughs with commercial, clinical, and societal value.
Access world-class facilities and expertise
From our Quantum Photonics Lab and Hub Optical Ground Station to our leading role in the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub, Heriot-Watt provides unique access to testbeds, research infrastructure, and leading experts in quantum and photonics. We make it easy for partners to plug into cutting-edge projects with high commercial relevance.
Co-develop the next wave of quantum innovation
We work with businesses of all sizes to explore novel use cases—from quantum-enhanced imaging and secure data networks to photonic components for space and healthcare. Whether you’re looking to licence technology, develop a prototype, or scale a solution, our academics and commercialisation teams can help bring ideas to life.
Unlock funding and accelerate impact
Our researchers have a strong track record in securing UKRI, Innovate UK, and Horizon Europe funding, with over £40m in industrial support backing our current quantum portfolio. Through collaboration, you gain a partner skilled in navigating funding landscapes and delivering shared value.
Let’s shape the future, together.
Collaborate with us
Explore how working with GRID can help you stay ahead—through quantum and photonics partnerships that shape what’s next.
Get in touchAdvancing quantum communications and networks
Heriot-Watt leads the way in secure communications through pioneering quantum internet research. Our teams are unlocking large-scale quantum networks, promising ultra-secure global connectivity and reshaping how businesses, governments, and communities exchange critical data.
Discover how Professor Gerald Buller and the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub are building the foundations of a global quantum internet.
Transforming healthcare with biomedical photonics
Our biomedical photonics research is transforming healthcare. By leveraging ultrashort pulsed lasers, photon counting methods, and miniaturised fibre optic probes, we enable earlier disease detection, precision surgical interventions, and continuous patient monitoring.
Discover more through our podcast, On the GRID, where Professor Robert Thomson discusses how photonics is revolutionising personalised cancer treatment.
Achieving net-zero
Quantum and photonics underpin our ambitious sustainability research. From nature-inspired solar lasers designed to power future space missions sustainably, to next-generation satellite terminals offering affordable global connectivity, our solutions address the world’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges.
Find out how Professor Erik Gauger and colleagues at the Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences are developing a revolutionary new way to harvest solar energy in space—using nature-inspired lasers to power future space missions sustainably.
Celebrating International Year of Quantum and Photonics
Read our blog to explore Heriot-Watt’s 40+ year legacy in quantum and photonics research—and discover what’s next as we help shape the future of these game-changing technologies.
How quantum will change engineering
Find out how Professor Cristian Bonato and his team are pioneering advances in quantum imaging—opening up new frontiers in engineering and redefining what’s possible through cutting-edge research and collaboration.
Browse our quantum and photonics research capabilities
By bringing together experts in quantum sciences and photonics, our Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences (IPaQS) fosters a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can be developed. This interdisciplinary approach is strengthened through external partnerships, ensuring the research not only advances scientific understanding but also delivers real-world impact across multiple sectors.
Quantum sciences
Our research in quantum technologies is pushing the boundaries of computation, security, and communication. We are advancing quantum computing, cryptography, and networks to create powerful, future-proof systems.
Photonics
At the cutting edge of photonics, our research has led to some of the most successful spinouts in the field. Our innovations in light-based technologies are transforming industries from healthcare to telecommunications, resulting in world-leading products that push the limits of what is possible.
Explore our breakthroughs
Dive deeper into the latest achievements in quantum and photonics at Heriot-Watt.
Celestia: a spin-in success story driving inward investment in the UK space sector
Heriot-Watt University’s unparalleled expertise in antenna technology, signal processing, and space applications attracted Celestia to establish a spin-in partnership on campus.
Illuminating the quantum frontier: Heriot-Watt and NASA are transforming single-photon tech
Heriot-Watt University NASA & Caltech: quantum synergy
Integrated Quantum Networking (IQN) Hub: pioneering a ‘near-unhackable’ internet
Heriot-Watt leads the Integrated Quantum Networking (IQN) Hub, part of a national initiative supported by £19.5m from UKRI and over £20m from 40+ industry partners.
See the big picture: quantum and photonics at Heriot-Watt
Our flagship film explores how Heriot-Watt research teams are redefining possibilities—from next-generation communication systems to breakthrough healthcare and sustainable innovations.
Practical insights: quantum and photonics
Our researchers share practical insights and real-world applications of quantum computing, optical engineering, and advanced sensing technologies. Discover how these developments already influence global industries, from cybersecurity to manufacturing.
Workforce development: postgraduate and flexible learning opportunities
By engaging with our talent development programmes—from undergraduate degrees to PhDs and MScs—you can shape future leaders in quantum science and photonics-based technologies. Whether through student projects, mentoring, or strategic talent pipelines, your business plays an active role in nurturing the next generation.
MSc Quantum Technologies
Tailored for those aiming to lead in the growing quantum sector, this programme explores advanced topics in quantum mechanics, quantum computing, and experimental optics.
MSc Aerospace Engineering
This multidisciplinary programme explores advanced propulsion systems, materials, and space mission design—equipping graduates with the skills to innovate in sectors where photonics, quantum sensors, and satellite systems are transforming flight and communications.
Research degrees and PhD opportunities
We offer full-time and part-time PhDs in quantum photonics, ultrafast optics, quantum-enhanced imaging, and related fields. Opportunities exist to co-design or co-supervise projects with industry and translate research into innovation.
Collaborate with us
Together, we shape the future.
As part of the UK’s £160 million investment in quantum technologies, Heriot-Watt’s IQN Hub is not just a research centre—it’s a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, and Scotland’s emergence as a global quantum technology hub. Our mission: to deliver secure, large-scale quantum networks, transforming secure communications and distributed computing, and nurturing Scotland’s quantum innovation cluster.