Photonics Enabling Productivity Throughout the UK

UK Photonics

UK Photonics

A £15.2bn industry employing over 89,400 people in the UK with nationally leading productivity and global industrial and societal impact

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UK Photonics and Quantum Directory

UK Photonics and Quantum Directory

A fully searchable directory of all companies, research organisations and universities engaged in Photonics and Quantum in the UK

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Vision for UK Photonics in 2035

Vision for UK Photonics in 2035

The future size and impact of photonics across the economy

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UK Photonics output increases to £13.5 billion –

UK photonics output reaches £13.5 billion according to the latest update from the PLG. The industry now contributes £5.3 billion of gross added value to the UK economy annually and employs 69,000 people in the UK at a productivity of £76,400 per employee, significantly above the UK average of £67,000 per manufacturing employee

UK Photonics Industry - key statistics
UK Photonics Industry – key statistics

The UK photonics industry is now equivalent in size to the UK pharmaceutical, fintech or space industries in the UK.  The continued growth of UK photonics reflects the critical role that light plays in current and next-generation products and manufacturing.

Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr Liam Fox MP launches High Priority Opportunity in Photonics and Microelectronics

In the keynote talk at London tech week, Secretary of State for International Trade, Dr Liam Fox, MP announced that Photonics and Microelectronics would be added to the Department of International Trade (DIT) High Priority Investment Opportunity (HPO) programme to support further investment in the UK. With special focus on the South Eest region the…

OBE for PLG chair Chris Dorman

Dr Chris Dorman, PLG chair and Vice president Coherent Scotland was recognised in the Queens Birthday Honours list with an OBE for services to Laser and Photonic Technology and to Exports. Congratulations to Chris for many years of dedication to growing Coherent’s manufacturing in the UK and raising the profile of UK photonics as a…

Future Aviation Security Solutions funding competition

The latest £4.5million competition from the future aviation security solutions programme seeks novel solutions that can enhance security at airports, the border and other screening locations strengthening the detection of dangerous, illicit and contraband items. Innovations should address at least one of 5 defined challenges Improving the screening process for passengers, staff and their belongings…

Space to Innovate competition

£2 million will be available through the Defence and Security Accelerator for innovative Space ideas.  Photonics is a key space technology with many leading UK innovators with sensing and free space optical communications particularly relevant to this call. The aim of this competition is to develop science and technology (S&T) solutions that address four challenges:…

Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2019 features leading photonics companies

The Photonics Leadership Group congratulates photonics companies who have won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2019 including:- Yelo, Carrickfergus. The globally leading manufacturer of Photonics burn-in and life test systems, Yelo wins the Queen’s Award for International Trade for Outstanding Short Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years. Optos, Dunfermline.…

Scottish Optoelectronics Association celebrates 25th anniversary

The Photonics Leadership Group joins the whole photonics community in celebrating the silver anniversary of the Scottish Optoelectroincs Association. The Scottish Optoelectronics Association is one of the oldest photonics networks in the world, raising awareness of photonics and bringing local stakeholders together. Scotland remains a vibrant cluster of photonics manufacturing and reseach in the UK…

Who are the Photonics Leadership Group?

The PLG is a voluntary collective of photonics industry and academic leaders nudging policy, strategy, industry and research in mutually beneficial directions