Latest news with #MSquared
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow tech M Squared Lasers' chief 'inspired by teacher'
Name Dr Graeme Malcolm Job title CEO and co-founder What is your business called? M Squared Lasers Where is it based? Glasgow What does it produce/do? We develop advanced photonics and quantum technologies, creating laser platforms that enable applications in quantum computing, chemical sensing, and biophotonics. Our lasers produce the purest light, powering healthcare imaging, climate monitoring, and next-gen computing. We work with Nobel-winning scientists, top universities, and industry leaders to solve pressing global challenges through precision light-based technologies. To whom does the business sell? Our tech is used where precision light can drive transformative impact. These include quantum computing, advanced imaging for healthcare, and environmental sensing technologies. What is its turnover? Up to £20m a year. Our turnover varies depending on project timing, as our big space projects are often multi-year endeavours. How many employees? 50 people, predominantly based in Glasgow. Tell us how the company's technology was developed, commercialised and scaled up? Are there lessons for others in that? I co-founded M Squared in 2006 with Dr Gareth Maker. Our name reflects the date we launched (May 2), our surnames, and the formula for the multiplication factor in a laser beam's propagation. My journey began with a fascination for lasers, inspired by a great physics teacher and a summer job at Barr & Stroud. I went on to study laser physics and quantum technologies, earning a PhD. Our technology is built on decades of expertise in photonics and optoelectronics, producing the world's purest light. This has enabled advances from quantum computing to medical imaging. We achieved commercial success by aligning technical innovation with global research demand and scaling through strategic partnerships with universities, space agencies, and global tech firms. To what extent is Scotland's deep tech sector, especially in quantum and photonics, underpinning UK ambitions in key sectors such as defence, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing? Scotland's expertise in photonics and quantum technologies is a significant contributor to the UK's ambitions in sectors like defence, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. The region has a rich history in optical technologies, a strong foundation for current advancements. Scotland has become a world leader in photonics, with over 60 companies employing more than 4,000 highly skilled staff and contributing over £1 billion to the economy. We collaborate with universities like Strathclyde, Glasgow, and Edinburgh to convert cutting-edge research into real-world technology. Glasgow celebrates its 850th birthday this year. What are your views on the city's legacy of scientific discovery, industrial problem-solving and global outlook? How does all of this position Glasgow to shape the next generation of breakthrough technologies? Glasgow has a remarkable history rooted in industry and innovation. The city is home to world-leading science and technology expertise, which positions it well to shape the next generation of breakthrough technologies. Our quantum computing system, Maxwell, is named in honour of Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell, whose theories underpin our light sources and quantum processes. What attracted you to your current role? During my schooldays, laser technology felt like the future, and I wanted to be involved in something that was future-looking. This passion led me to study laser physics and quantum technologies, ultimately co-founding M Squared. Read more What were you doing before? After studying laser physics and quantum technologies at Strathclyde, I co-founded my first company in 1992. That company, Microlase, became part of Coherent Inc. in 2000 before I went on to found M Squared in 2006. What do you least enjoy? The time spent dealing with the friction of unproductive bureaucracy – a growing global burden on small and medium-sized companies. What do you consider to be the main successes of the business? I'm proud that we've developed some of the world's purest light sources, powering breakthroughs in science and industry. We launched some of the UK's first commercial quantum systems and helped advance the national quantum ecosystem. Our lasers support ESA (European Space Agency) missions like Sentinel-5P and CO₂M, enabling better climate monitoring, and are used in healthcare imaging for early diagnosis of conditions like Parkinson's and dementia. We've also innovated in quantum sensing, navigation, and chemical detection. Over 90 per cent of our products are exported, and we've been recognised with multiple Queen's Awards, [and] a MacRobert Award shortlist. What are your ambitions for the firm? To harness the power of light to change the world, developing quantum-enabled technologies that support net-zero goals. We're developing laser-based solutions with real-world impact, from medical breakthroughs to climate science and space exploration. These technologies are already saving lives and tackling complex challenges in some of the most demanding environments. What are the challenges facing the sector and market, and what could be done to overcome or address these? One of the biggest challenges facing the sector is scale. To compete globally, we need to accelerate growth with better access to patient capital, stronger support for manufacturing scale-up, and greater visibility for deep tech innovations from Strathclyde, Glasgow, and Edinburgh universities. These institutions produce top UK talent and research, and with targeted government support and regional investment, we can build a stronger national advantage. Additionally, better integration between disciplines is crucial. Quantum, AI, and advanced manufacturing will thrive where technologies intersect to solve complex problems. What single thing would most help? Access to capital for the riskier but more rewarding deep tech plays, such as quantum. This could revolutionise our economy, but the appetite for long-term innovative deep tech is still limited here compared to that in the United States. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned? The most valuable lesson I've learned is on developing a long-term strategy in deep-tech, and that, with a dedicated team learning together in a collaborative effort, Scottish companies can be truly world-class. What was your best moment? When our technology successfully calibrated ESA's Sentinel-5P satellite. That mission was successfully launched to become the key state-of-the-art Earth observation mission in the world, critically important for climate change and global air quality. Watching the rocket launch, and later knowing the sensors were detecting tiny trace gas molecules that marked the human impact on the atmosphere, was the climax of lots of hard work by a large team of people. Read more What has been your most challenging moment in life or business? The challenges, as is the case for many tech startups, have ranged from creating and growing our product lines to building a business that sells globally. One of the most challenging times for me was the fallout from the global telecoms bubble in 2003, as it had a major impact on the laser industry. How do you relax? Spending time with my family, playing golf, and being in the hills of Perthshire. What phrase or quotation has inspired you the most? A quote I come back to often is by Henry Ford: 'Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – you're right.' Believing is most of the battle. What is the best book (fiction or non-fiction) you have ever read? Why is it the best? Novacene by James Lovelock, who founded Gaia theory and wrote this book near 100 years old, is the most profound and wise yet concise book I've read. His views of humanity's future and the age of superintelligence expose the amazing era we are entering. Where do you find yourself most at ease? When I'm deep in learning, that's when I know I'm in my flow state of mind. If you weren't in your current role, what job would you most fancy? I've always been fascinated by history and archaeology. I hope our Quantum Gravimeter, which is like a camera for mass and lets us see objects and densities beneath the earth, might one day give me the chance to explore that interest sometime soon. What countries have you most enjoyed travelling to, for business or leisure, and why? For business, I've especially enjoyed spending time in Japan. The way of life and how they do business is fascinating to me. I've also valued time on the road in the US, visiting labs and customers across the country. For leisure, South Africa stands out for the beauty of its nature and wildlife. It's a very special place
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scotch whisky sector and Women's Scottish Open in focus
He also looks at emerging markets for Scotch whisky, including Vietnam. Scott notes the Trump tariffs are 'presenting a huge challenge for the Scotch whisky industry at arguably the worst possible time'. Kristy Dorsey catches up with what is going on at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire as it gears up to host the Women's Scottish Open, with world number one Nelly Korda scheduled to play. Read more Craig Reekie, general manager of Dundonald Links, tells Kristy: 'It's a world-class field we've got this year, and we're excited to be doing it in the middle of Ayrshire, which has obviously got a rich golfing history.' I interview Graeme Malcolm, co-founder and chief executive of M Squared Lasers, who recalls: 'My journey began with a fascination for lasers, inspired by a great physics teacher and a summer job at Barr & Stroud.' He declares: 'I'm proud that we've developed some of the world's purest light sources, powering breakthroughs in science and industry.' And he talks about how the lasers of M Squared support European Space Agency missions and 'are used in healthcare imaging for early diagnosis of conditions like Parkinson's and dementia'. Read more Mark Williamson speaks to Offshore Energies UK chief executive David Whitehouse about the outlook for investment in the North Sea. João Sousa, deputy director of the University of Strathclyde's Fraser of Allander Institute, considers the following question: 'One year on, how different has economic and fiscal policy been under Labour?' Stephen Boyd, director of IPPR Scotland, writes: 'Economic development is a tortuously difficult endeavour, wrought with difficult decisions, trade-offs and sheer bad luck.' And he gives his view on how the Scottish Government is faring on these fronts. In her regular column, fashion entrepreneur Antoinette Fionda-Douglas writes: 'In Scotland, being an entrepreneur already takes grit. Being a female entrepreneur? That takes something more, something closer to defiance.' Gareth Cole talks to Sarah Campbell about putting Café Canna up for sale and his plans to take over a new space on Coll. Also on an island theme, Colin Cardwell profiles Bute Boatbuilders following the successful delivery of the ferry Arranmore Blu to its a new home in Donegal, proving in the process that bespoke ship building on the Clyde is alive and well. The Herald's business writers share their expert perspectives on a range of business and economic developments as they reflect on what they have been writing about during the past month. Scott Wright contemplates who has had a good month, and who has not. Tech entrepreneur Ian Ritchie, and business and life coach Ed Haddon offer their insights in their regular columns. I hope you enjoy this month's edition.
