Company · Glasgow
Chip-scale parts for cold-atom and trapped-ion systems come out of Kelvin Nanotechnology (KNT), which sells the services of the University of Glasgow's James Watt Nanofabrication Centre to industry. Its catalogue includes grating magneto-optical trap chips that laser-cool rubidium atoms with a single beam, 3D ion traps, MEMS gravimeters and DFB lasers, built on electron beam lithography. KNT was one of five industry partners in DISCOVERY, the M Squared-led programme launched in November 2020 on photonics for scaling quantum computers, and is a partner in the Glasgow-led QEPNT navigation hub. In July 2025 the university reported KNT had served more than 170 clients in 23 countries over three years.
Founded in 1997, Kelvin Nanotechnology is a company in Glasgow focused on quantum components, photonics and hardware. It is a partner in 3 UK projects: QEPNT, Centre for Quantum Technology, University of Glasgow and DISCOVERY.
Sources: University of Glasgow: Introducing our sponsors: KNT (July 2025) · Novus Light: Kelvin Nanotechnology advanced photonics and quantum components · Technology Scotland: Cold atoms made simple by Kelvin Nanotechnology · Quantum Communications Hub: £10 million project launched (DISCOVERY) · QEPNT hub on Gateway to Research (EP/Z533178/1)
QEPNT
A national research hub for quantum position, navigation and timing, led by the University of Glasgow. It aims to reduce reliance on satellite signals such as GPS.
Role: Partner
Funding: £21.9m
Themes: Timing and navigation, Sensing, Defence and security
A University of Glasgow centre that brings together the university's quantum research and development.
Role: Partner
Themes: Imaging, Sensing, Computing
DISCOVERY
An M Squared-led consortium that worked on the photonics needed to scale neutral-atom, trapped-ion and optical quantum computers.
Role: Partner
Themes: Computing
Recent articles from Quantum Zeitgeist that mention Kelvin Nanotechnology.
The uk quantum adjacent companies build the technology that makes quantum computing possible without building the quantum computers themselves, from the cryogenics that cool the chips to the lasers, photonic components, sensors and security hardware around them. Britain is unusually strong in this e
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
UK quantum computing companies: Quantinuum’s Nasdaq listing, OQC’s 260 million pound round, Oxford Ionics under IonQ, Riverlane, Quantum Motion and the rest of the British stack.
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
We have gathered over 400 quantum companies from around the globe into one place. From quantum start-ups to well-established companies, the list often includes written-about entities such as Xanadu, IBM, and Microsoft, but also includes newer start-ups and scale-ups who are popping up to tackle ever
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
The United States has Silicon Valley, the UK has Silicon Roundabout and Silicon Fen, but what about Scotland – technically part of the United Kingdom? Famous for some of the best universities around, so it should be no surprise that Quantum technologies feature heavily in the portfolio. Welcome to Q
Image © Quantum Zeitgeist
Chosen by shared specialisms, then location and type.
Start-up · Glasgow · 4 shared specialisms
Company · Glasgow · 3 shared specialisms
Company · Southampton · 3 shared specialisms
Company · Nottingham · 3 shared specialisms
Company data from Entangled Future. News from Quantum Zeitgeist. Last checked 2 October 2026.
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