Lancaster University has been shortlisted for the Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year Award in the Times Higher Education Awards 2025.

The competition entry is for “Quantum Base Q-ID®: Setting a New Global Standard in Anti-Counterfeiting Technology Through Physics Knowledge Exchange”. Quantum Base became Lancaster University's first spin-out company to float on London's AIM market earlier this year, raising £4.8 million through an IPO.

Quantum Base Co-Founder Professor Robert Young said: “I'm delighted and especially proud as this nomination is a direct recognition of Quantum Base’s incredible journey. This is a fantastic acknowledgment of how we've transformed fundamental quantum research into a powerful, market-leading technology.”

The company has transformed fundamental quantum physics research into a commercial anti-counterfeiting solution that's now deployed on over 500 million products worldwide. Their Q-ID security tags, which use atomic-level quantum effects to create unclonable identifiers, directly addresses the £2.8 trillion global counterfeiting crisis across pharmaceuticals, government, security, aerospace, and luxury goods.

Lancaster University's Knowledge Exchange with Quantum Base represents one of the UK's most successful examples of quantum technology commercialisation. The initiative combines dual-location operations, strategic funding, infrastructure access, and shared intellectual property to bridge academic advancement and commercial application.

In addition, several formal knowledge transfer mechanisms drove success: strategic EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account funding, access to university infrastructure including cleanroom facilities and a carefully structured intellectual property agreement

There is also a seamless connection between research advancement and commercial development with Professor Young also serving as Quantum Base’s Chief Scientist alongside Dr Alan Gilchrist from Lancaster University Management School as Marketing Director (pre-IPO) and Lancaster Professor Benjamin Robinson as Scientific Materials Advisor.

In recognition of their shortlisting, THE Campus invited the team to share insights from this journey. Their article, "From lab to London Stock Exchange: six lessons for quantum tech founders who want to change the world," is now published, offering advice to other academics on the successful commercialisation of university research.

Professor Young said: “Our journey from the lab at Lancaster to a successful IPO in April 2025 exemplifies the immense potential of university-industry collaboration. I've seen first-hand how this seamless partnership has been crucial to our success.”

The partnership demonstrates how universities can maintain productive relationships with spinouts long after their initial formation, creating an effective ecosystem for translating research into commercial impact. Quantum Base has maintained close ties with Lancaster for over a decade, currently employing more than 10 Lancaster graduates.

Professor Young said: “Huge congratulations to the entire Quantum Base team for their relentless hard work and innovation, and a heartfelt thank you to our partners at Lancaster University for their unwavering support. It's a privilege to see our shared vision recognised on such a prestigious platform.”

More than 120 institutions are competing in this year’s THE awards, dubbed the “Oscars of higher education”.

THE editor Chris Havergal said: “That we received well over 500 entries for this year’s awards is a sure sign that the sector’s commitment to transforming lives for the better is undimmed. We offer our sincere congratulations to all those institutions and individuals shortlisted – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage in a very competitive year.”

Winners will be announced on 13 November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.