Critical technologies
Scotland’s critical technologies supercluster unites our internationally recognised strengths in photonics, quantum, semiconductors, and connectivity and sensing. The supercluster supports 11,000 highly skilled workers and generates over £4 billion in revenue.
Critical technologies are strategically important for security, defence, and economic independence. They are driving Scotland's growth ambitions in net zero, smart transport, medical devices, space, energy, and our broader advanced industries. Find your next role in critical technologies and help shape the future of this vital sector.
Critical technologies in Scotland
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An expanding jobs market
The critical technologies supercluster plans to create 7000 jobs by 2035
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A £4 billion industry
The average industry salary was £52,000 in 2022, well above national average
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Global reputation
Our universities and companies attract technical talent from all over the world
Scotland's critical technologies industry
Critical technologies covers the areas of photonics, quantum, semiconductors and connectivity and sensing. All four sectors are well represented in Scotland and offer major opportunities in research and development (R&D), manufacturing and the wider supply chain.
Photonics
Photonics is the technology of harnessing light, including lasers, optics, and sensing. The properties of light form the basis for recent advancements in communications, healthcare, manufacturing, and space technologies. Scotland is home to a world-class cluster in photonics that includes:
- A vibrant industry generating over $1.7 USD billion in revenues
- A world-leading concentration of academic institutions, ranked in the top three globally for publications per head
- A powerful network for turning research into technologies, including the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics
Quantum
'Quantum technologies' covers a range of emerging technologies at the atomic scale. These are set to revolutionise communications, security, computing, sensing, and imaging. Building on existing strengths across critical technologies, Scotland aims to create a billion-dollar quantum industry with:
- World-leading capabilities in quantum component/device development and manufacture
- Strengths in key commercial markets for quantum technologies, such as space, defence, life sciences, and financial services
- 30 companies currently active in the development and application of quantum technologies
Semiconductors
Semiconductors have multiple applications and are essential for processing information and managing electrical power.
Semiconductors have been manufactured in Scotland for over 50 years. Today, compound and analogue semiconductors are made here for global markets.
We have the most diverse semiconductor cluster in the UK, with:
- A varied supply chain (wafers, equipment, design software) that supplies Europe.
- A strong analogue and mixed signal design community in Edinburgh.
Sensing and connectivity
Sensing and connectivity are crucial in today's world, where the air is filled with radio signals from RADAR systems to mobile phones.
Scottish companies are active in many areas in this sector, including:
- Advanced RADAR systems
- Novel satellite tracking antennas
- The use of the Internet of Things (IoT) for remote environmental monitoring and asset management
Your skills are in demand
Scotland has ambitious plans to expand in these fields, and it needs talented people to support these. In 2024 the Scottish Government announced an action plan that will support economic growth to more than £10 billion by 2035, creating 7000 jobs.
A key area for these plans is the critical technologies supercluster. It's full of opportunities and primed for growth. Finding a role in it gives you the chance to grow too.
Scotland’s critical technologies employers
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Clyde HISopens in a new window – end to end hyperspectral imaging systems
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Coherentopens in a new window – Glasgow is home to their Center of Excellence for ultrafast laser systems
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Edinburgh Instrumentsopens in a new window – global leader in spectroscopic instrumentation for over 50 years
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Horiba Scientificopens in a new window – 200 years of experience in developing high-performance scientific instruments
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Helia Photonics opens in a new window– Livingston-based innovators in thin film optical coatings
- Thalesopens in a new window – multinational working across a wide range of industries including aerospace, space, defence and security.
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Alteropens in a new window – frequency stabilized lasers in Livingston
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Chromacityopens in a new window – manufacturers of superfast lasers
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Kelvin Nanotechnologyopens in a new window – provider of quantum components for over 20 years
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M Squared Lasersopens in a new window – award winning developer of photonics and quantum technologies
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Photon Forcopens in a new window – leading provider of single-photon sensitive cameras and sensors
- Skylark Lasersopens in a new window – laser development company
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Celestiaopens in a new window – European specialists in radiofrequency
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Honeywell Aerospaceopens in a new window – global leader in sensing
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Leonardoopens in a new window – worldwide industrial group in aerospace, defence, and security
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North SVopens in a new window – integrated systems and networks
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Smiths Interconnect (TRAK)opens in a new window – provider of connectivity products and solutions
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Sofantopens in a new window – mobile satellite communications for ground, sea and air
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AMDopens in a new window – cutting-edge computing and graphics solutions
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Cirrus Logicopens in a new window - supplier of processing solutions based in Edinburgh city centre
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Clas-Sic Wafer Fabopens in a new window - dedicated silicon carbide wafer foundry
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Diodes Incopens in a new window – global analog and discrete power solutions
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Renesasopens in a new window – provider of leading-edge semiconductor solutions
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Semefabopens in a new window – power switching semiconductor production based in Fife
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Shin-Etsu Handotaiopens in a new window – produces high purity silicon wafers from its bespoke manufacturing facility in Livingston
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Sivers Photonicsopens in a new window - advanced supplier of customised III-V semiconductor photonics devices
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Synopsisopens in a new window – silicon to systems designs solutions
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Cadenceopens in a new window – leader in electronic systems design for over 30 years
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Vector Photonicsopens in a new window – innovative laser design and manufacturer from this University of Glasgow spin-out company
Explore roles in Scotland’s critical technologies
Scotland is at the forefront of innovation in critical technologies, so whatever your passion and however specific your expertise, they'll find a home here.
How Scotland supports critical technologies
Technology Scotlandopens in a new window is the representative body for the enabling technology sector in Scotland. Through its networks it supports a community of industrial and academic organisations. Its 2024 annual report identified developing the future workforce as a priority area, with plans to expand skills groups, internships and build a diverse talent pool.
In 2024 it joined forces with the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and the universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde to announce the creation of Scotland’s critical technologies supercluster.
This brings together Scotland’s strengths in photonics, quantum, semiconductors and connectivity and sensing to develop these sectors and the workforce needed to support them. Its strategy is to increase economic growth over the next 10 years by focussing on skills, investment, scale up support and internationalisation.
Collaboration and innovation
Scotland has a uniquely collaborative network across its universities in critical technologies. This community works to harness innovation, attract funding and drive commercial growth, creating an environment where start-ups can thrive. This collaboration is also supported by a wider ecosystem of professional services, manufacturing and consultancy.
Two of the five new UK quantum hubs are based at the University of Glasgow and Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, advancing the work of the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme (UKNQTP)opens in a new window. Other leading research and innovation centres include the James Watt Nanofabrication Centreopens in a new window and the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland which is setting up an advanced semiconductor packaging facility.
This growing network of universities, clusters and companies has given rise to Scotland’s ‘Quantum Valley’ otherwise known as Glentanglement®. This quirky branding was created by Frauhofer UK Research Ltdopens in a new window for use by the Scottish quantum community. Fraunhofer is at the heart of Scotland’s development and application of quantum technologies.
Quality of life
Scotland has lots to offer outside of work.
Wherever you decide to work in Scotland, you’ll discover welcoming communities, rich history and vibrant culture. Enjoy shorter commutes, world-class education, free healthcare, and plenty of green space on your doorstep.
Building a career in Scotland comes at a lower cost of living than many other major locations. You’ll benefit from flexibility for hybrid and remote working while being fully supported by reliable digital connectivity.
As one of the best-connected places in Europe, Scotland has six airports with daily direct flights to 150 destinations worldwide. We also have fast and frequent rail links to all parts of the UK.
Moving to Scotland
We welcome people from around the world who want to build exceptional careers across Scotland.
Learn more about moving to Scotland on Scotland.org opens in a new window