First group of Bristol quantum entrepreneurs set out

May 22, 2017 by · Leave a Comment
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Quantum technology developed in Bristol is being used in medical screening, drone-based gas-leak detection and cryptography.

Three of the entrepreneurs on this year’s programme at the Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre (QTEC), the first, have been showing their plans. The course at the University of Bristol combines business training with technology development and is looking to recruit 11 more entrepreneurs for next year’s programme.

Neciah Dorh of FluoretiQ is developing a handheld fluorescent sensor that is 100 times more sensitive than today’s systems. The first product is for testing water quality by detecting bacteria at a level of parts per trillion.

Dorh is also looking at using the sensor to detect the bacteria that cause sepsis in hospital. This currently takes from 10 to 24 hours, so he is working with the department of medicine in an InnovateUK project to develop a chemical tag for the bacteria so that a handheld sensor that can provide a result instantly.

Meanwhile Xiao Ai has been working on ways to use single photon measurement technology to detect gas leaks from pipelines. Quantum Light Metrology is using quantum sensor technology licensed by the University of Bristol to Swiss company IDQ to build a lightweight sensor that can be installed on a drone.

The software allows the sensor to detect the gas leaks from a distance of 50m from a drone moving at 30mph, and QLM is working with drone operator Sky-Futures to monitor pipelines and gas installations around the world.

The most advanced technology in the programme is aiming to provide quantum cryptography for communications systems. KETS Quantum Security has developed a commercial chip that can make unbreakable cryptography systems that are ten times smaller, faster and cheaper than today’s systems, says Philip Sibson, chief technology officer. The technology has been demonstrated in the lab and the company, now with five people, is working with a European defence company on using the system on a drone.

You can apply for QTEC’s next programme here. See the story on the High Tech channel at TechSpark

MITIE launches £10m fund for entrepreneurs

February 10, 2011 by · 1 Comment
Filed under: News 

Support for innovation can come from unexpected places. Bristol-based outsourcing conglomerate MITIE has launched a £10m fund to help entrepreneurs with good ideas get customers.

Better known for cleaning windows and hospitals and gritting roads, the company has helped create 90 business over the last 23 years with only five failures, says John Telling, group corporate affairs director and nephew of the founder. MITIE  takes a 51% share and the businesses can access the groups 26,00o customers.  The group is particularly targetting information technology and new systems to increase the efficiency of managing the different companies.

“With a rapidly changing landscape in the UK public sector, the fund will be particularly targeted at teams that have considerable public sector experience and innovative business ideas to support the Government’s focus on efficiency and deficit reduction,” said the company, although there are definitely opportunities for private sector entrepreneurs as well, says Telling.

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