The Quantum Computing Application (QCA) Cluster, a collaboration between the Universities of Edinburgh, Strathclyde, and Glasgow, seeks to advance quantum computing technologies in Scotland. Despite strong academic expertise and industry ties, the cluster needs to strategically position itself in the UK and internationally to attract foreign investment and remain competitive. Anchored In was engaged to evaluate the QCA Cluster's strengths by analysing data from sources like UKRI, publication databases, and private investment records. This analysis focused on metrics such as expertise in quantum software, novel hardware, academia-industry collaborations, government funding, international partnerships, research outputs, and commercialization prospects. The resulting insights identified the QCA Cluster's competitive advantages and opportunities for increased funding and investment, providing strategic recommendations. This assessment helped the cluster refine its strategy and leverage its strengths more effectively.

We worked with a Scottish start-up based on photonics technology to conduct an independent review of its viability in preparation for fundraising and grant applications. Our analysis covered: Technology benchmarking the technology against the state of the art and competition. Market analysis identifying the potential market segments and respective market sizes, and exploring different business models. Team evaluating the proposed team to identify capability gaps. Project plan assessing the proposed activities with a view of developing a robust prototype by the end of the project. Our recommendations led to a more robust team, and a more efficient project plan, ultimately enabling the company to raise the necessary financial resources to advance with their plans.

The Scottish university associations: SUPA (Physics), SULSA (life-sciences ) and SINPASE (medical imaging) received a Leverage Grant from the Scottish Funding Council to explore increasing impact from research funding and drawing more innovation funding. Scotland’s academic output in optical imaging is world-class and receives high science funding. However, the translation of the output into industrial applications is low. To change this reality, Anchored In was approached because of its knowledge of the photonics landscape and good network, to investigate growing markets for optical imaging techniques. Since optical imaging is broad and the sectors have numerous applications, we agreed with our customers the boundary conditions, for both the technology and the biology sector. We then investigated each market segment separately through interviews with experts and other stakeholders, complemented by secondary research. Finally, we mapped the techniques and their trends to broader market trends in each of the three application areas, including opportunities and barriers. The results of our study were presented at a conference, encouraged more interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure research outputs address market segments' needs, and informed longer-term funding and project development strategies.