How to work with us

The Sheffield Quantum Centre builds on the rich legacy and strong foundation of quantum activities at the University of Sheffield. We unite expertise across physics, engineering, materials science, photonics, quantum theory and algorithms. With this interdisciplinary breadth, we are uniquely placed to serve both hardware and software aspects of quantum technologies and to work with industry and end users from conception through to demonstration.

What we bring

• Photonics & quantum photonic hardware: We have deep capabilities in photonic device design, integrated photonics, single-photon sources/detectors, semiconductor fabrication and nanofabrication.
• Materials and device innovation: Development of new quantum-technology materials (semiconductors, 2D materials, novel nanostructures), advanced growth, lithography and patterning infrastructure.
• Theory and algorithms: We provide strong theory teams working on quantum computing, quantum machine learning, sensing/imaging, communications, and algorithms targeting real-world practical problems.
• End-user and application focus: We engage with industry partners to move beyond proof-of-principle to use-cases, deployment pathways and demonstrations.

Industrial collaboration track record & ecosystems

We currently collaborate with a range of industrial partners, including companies active in the quantum domain such as PsiQuantum, Pasqal and Riverlane. In addition, we have strong links to spin-out companies originating from our group (for example Aegiq and a Sheffield photonics start-up) which demonstrates our capacity to turn research capability into commercial endeavour.

Why choose SQC

• Strong interdisciplinary base: physics, engineering, materials, algorithms.
• Deep infrastructural and fabrication capabilities (semiconductor/photonic growth, nanofabrication, patterning).
• Proven track record in quantum research and in building industry-facing collaboration.
• Flexible: we engage with mature companies, SMEs, start-ups, and end-users across sectors (energy, aerospace, defence, pharmaceuticals, communications).
• Ecosystem mindset: we are not a black-box vendor but a partner within an ecosystem of academia + industry + government aiming for real impact.

How you can partner with us

• Joint research projects (industry & academia), leveraging SQC’s hardware, materials or algorithmic capabilities.
• Co-development of quantum-enabled applications: whether in sensing/imaging, communications, computing, machine-learning-driven workflows, or hybrid classical–quantum systems.
• Access to SQC facilities (growth, lithography, patterning, photonic fabrication) and expertise.
• Use-case identification and technology transfer: We can help map industrial challenge → quantum opportunity → pathway to prototype/demo.
• Workforce and skills development: Internships, research placements, customised training in quantum-hardware and algorithms.

Next Steps

We invite interested organisations (industry, public sector, research councils) and academic partners to engage with SQC. Please contact us to explore:

• Collaborative project opportunities
• Access to our facilities and expertise
• Use-case workshops or sandpits to identify quantum-readiness and innovation pathways
• Spin-out/technology transfer discussions
• Training and workforce development in quantum technologies

We look forward to building the next generation of quantum-enabled solutions together sqc@sheffield.ac.uk