Quantum Base Holdings (AIM:QUBE) revealed on Wednesday that it has been awarded a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship Grant, worth £0.7 million, with Dr William Thom, the company's Head of Materials Science, receiving the Fellowship.
The AIM-listed quantum-authentication company, known for its patented Q-ID tags that use atomic-level randomness to prevent counterfeiting, said the non-dilutive funding will support a four-year research programme running from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2030, with an option to extend for a further three years.
The programme, titled "Next-Generation Quantum Materials for Intrinsic Authentication (Q-MAT)", will aim to develop the next generation of quantum materials underpinning Q-ID, extending the technology across new substrates including glass, metals and polymers.
Quantum Base said successful development could broaden the addressable market for Q-ID into new applications such as high-tech manufacturing, aerospace components and polymer banknotes.
The funding is expected to recover approximately 70% of the cost of a dedicated research team already included within the group's cost base, reducing net operating costs while increasing investment into innovation.
The research will be led by Dr Thom at Quantum Base's Lancaster facility, with all intellectual property generated through the programme owned by the company.
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"The Future Leaders Fellowship is one of the UK's most competitive research programmes, and securing this funding reflects the strength of our science and the commercial potential of our technology," said Tom Taylor, chief executive of Quantum Base.
The grant comes after the company reported revenue grew to £0.47 million for the year ended 30 April, up from £0.02 million, as it added a second paying customer and narrowed its pre-tax loss to £2.38 million.