Spotlight: Critical technologies
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Critical Technologies have the potential to transform the way we live.
As a tool, these technologies can improve our security, wellbeing and provide opportunities to create a more sustainable environment.
The case studies below include:
- Photonics – a technology that uses light to carry information.
- Quantum – technologies that leverage quantum mechanics.
- Semiconductors – technology using tiny fragments of raw materials such as silicon.
- Sensing – a technology that responds to electrical or optical signals from various physical phenomena such as humidity sensors.
- Imaging – a technology that creates, preserves or duplicates images such as X-rays.
Photonics technology
Scotland 5G Centre
University of Strathclyde, University of Glasgow
Between 2019 and 2025 the Scottish Government-funded Scotland 5G Centre played a national role in accelerating the deployment of 5G technologies across Scotland across a wide range of sectors. The Centre was hosted at the Universitiy of Strathclyde’s Technology and Innovation Centre building,
5G enables the use of multiple devices and the transmission of high volumes of data at high speed. One application explored by the team in Glasgow was a 5G-enabled Smart Campus offering sustainable, healthier and smarter ways of learning. The Centre also worked on the development of 5G energy and environmental monitoring software, allowing businesses to assess energy usage, monitor occupancy and access other data to reduce costs.
Photonics & Quantum Accelerator
University of Glasgow, Univesity of Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt University, University of St Andrews
The Photonics & Quantum Accelerator brings together researchers as well as local authorities and industry bodies to help advance the growth of the photonics sector in Scotland.
An example of its innovative work is a portable scanner developed at the University of St Andrews and already being used by libraries to detect harmful arsenic used as a colouring pigment for 19th century book covers.
The scanner’s speed and portability offer a major improvement over previous testing methods, which were often time-consuming, expensive and impractical for large collections.
Quantum
AI Laser Stethoscope
University of Glasgow
Researchers at the University of Glasgow have engineered a laser camera that can remotely monitor a person’s heartbeat, potentially revolutionising healthcare monitoring.
The system uses quantum technologies and high-speed cameras to record images of the throat at 2,000 frames per second, with a laser beam measuring the subtle movements of their main artery through the skin.
Quantum internet
Heriot-Watt University, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow
Heriot-Watt’s leads the Integrated Quantum Network Hub as part of a nationwide initiative supported by UK Research and Innovation. Also involving the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow together with over 40 partners from industry, the Hub is pioneering a ‘near-unhackable’ internet. The aim is to design large-scale quantum networks capable of distributing quantum entanglement across local, national, and satellite-based links
The quantum internet could drastically reduce cut the UK’s cybersecurity costs and to avoid ‘Q-Day’ – a moment when a quantum computer would be powerful enough to break the encryption safeguarding most of the internet.
Semiconductors
Advanced manufacturing
University of Strathclyde
The National Advanced Semiconductor Packaging and Integration Centre is part of the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland.
The Centre is the UK’s only open-access advanced semiconductor packaging and integration scale-up facility, supporting the development and commercialisation of the next-generation of semiconductor technologies.
The Centre supports industry collaboration and innovation across several sectors including energy, aerospace, transport and telecommunications.
Customised semiconductor photonics devices
Fibre optic broadband requires high-quality lasers to meet the increasing demand for global connectivity. Each fibre optics-based telecommunications network has an optical link equipped with semiconductor lasers.
A long-running research and development collaboration between the University of Glasgow and Sivers Photonics, a University of Glasgow spin-out company, has resulted in Sivers Photonics becoming the world’s most advanced supplier of customised III-V semiconductor photonics devices.
The company has helped to bring internet access to households around the globe with fibre-to-the-home connectivity. It currently employs 70 people at a facility near Glasgow and supports supply chain companies across the UK.
Sensing
Detecting water pollution
University of St Andrews
Researchers at the University of St Andress have taken optical chemical sensors to the next level by applying them to monitor water quality and particularly in the detection of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
The innovation can be used in managing environmental events, particular in responding to pollution incidents where fast access to comprehensive data is vital.
Seeing the previously invisible
University of Edinburgh
Singular photonics innovative technology can reveal previously invisible details of the material world.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have launched a new generation of image sensors called SPADs (single photon avalanche diodes) that will improve the quality of medical imaging with higher accuracy and, in the case of cancer, will enable diagnosis in an earlier phase.
New materials could also be discovered for use in other quantum applications such as navigation and space exploration.
Imaging
Facial recognition
Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh
A pioneering sensitive light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system developed by scientists at Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh has the potential to greatly improve facial and activity recognition at long distances. It is capable of seeing through obstructions like fog, smoke or camouflage.
The system is also able to accurately measure distances in broad daylight, a process previously made difficult by the effects of scattered light from the sun. A further advantage is that the laser output of the system ‘eye safe’ – meaning safe to look at from any distance.
Applications include the detection of natural hazards, security and defence.
Understanding the brain
The University of Glasgow’s new Imaging Centre of Excellence (ICE) is a pioneering hub developing ground-breaking scientific research into real benefits for patients with chronic disease. The state-of-the-art £32 million ICE building offers greatly enhanced medical imaging technology, most notably in the area of brain imaging.
In partnership with the spin-out company, Aurum Biosciences, University of Glasgow researchers are working to develop significant life-saving benefits for patients and healthcare providers by using the scanner in clinical research trials to devise advanced imaging methodologies to improve prognosis in early stroke.
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