Pioneering progress: New innovation centre launched for scientific advancements


Leading technology provider Oxford Instruments has launched the Oxford Instruments Innovation Centre, an advanced facility at its High Wycombe site, showcasing its analytical innovations. This state-of- the-art centre serves as a testament to the company’s dedication to scientifi c progress in alignment with its mission: enabling a more sustainable, healthier, and interconnected advanced society.


To mark the inauguration of this Innovation Centre, distinguished fi gures from the scientifi c and research communities, alongside representatives from the local community, were invited to take part in a comprehensive tour and witness fi rst-hand the capabilities of the facility. Among the guests were Countess Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and Cllr Paul Turner, Mayor of High Wycombe, alongside luminaries from the materials analysis research sector spanning academia and industry.


Dr Ian Wilcock, Managing Director of Oxford Instruments’ Materials Analysis group, delivered a welcoming address to the assembled guests. The occasion included live demonstrations showcasing the diverse materials analysis techniques developed by Oxford Instruments, offering a glimpse into the potential applications and impact across various scientifi c domains. Attendees were also treated to guided tours of the manufacturing facility, providing insights into the processes behind the company’s cutting-edge analytical instrumentation.


“Understanding the nature, structure and property of materials is fundamental to advancement in many fi elds of scientifi c research and product development, from renewable energy and advanced communications to healthcare and food science, and a wealth


of areas in between,” said Ian Wilcock. “The centre allows us to showcase our world-leading analytical instrumentation and facilitate the provision of training by our technique experts. It is also intended as a hub for collaboration, where invited scientists and researchers can access both the technology and the expertise at the core of the Innovation Centre.”


Oxford Instruments’ solutions empower scientists and engineers in their quest for knowledge by enabling precise analysis and characterisation of materials, often down to the nanoscale level. From exploring the composition of meteorites to capturing live video of embryonic vascular development and investigating structural damage in lithium-ion battery cathode particles, the applications of Oxford Instruments’ solutions are diverse and impactful.


Founded in 1959 as the fi rst academic spin-out from Oxford University, Oxford Instruments has evolved into one of the UK’s leading technology fi rms, with a global footprint. Its equipment is consistently cited in Nobel prize-winning scientifi c research, and the company has earned 14 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Innovation and International Trade since 1967. Oxford Instruments continues to push the boundaries of scientifi c exploration, utilising its capacity to image, analyse, and manipulate materials at the atomic and molecular levels, contributing daily to the advancement of scientifi c knowledge worldwide.


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L-R: Dr Ian Wilcock, Managing Director of Oxford Instruments’ Materials Analysis group, Countess Howe, Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and Cllr Paul Turner, Mayor of High Wycombe, Dr Christian Lang, Managing Direct of Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis.


Customers to benefit from fully integrated service provision


Anton Paar, a global leader in laboratory and process measurement technology has announced a new chapter in the company’s journey, having assumed control since January 1st, of the global sales and service network of Brabender which it acquired in August 2023.


Backed by around 4,200 employees, including more than 650 certifi ed technicians and 11 producing fi rms in the Europe and the USA, providing research, development manufacturing and support services in 110 countries worldwide, Anton Paar believes that a key added value for customers lies in its 37 global sales and service centres. Offering local expertise for the varied Brabender product portfolio, these centres also guarantee direct access to demo instruments, detailed sample analysis and tailored application advice. Customers also have the possibility to select elements from the parent company’s comprehensive training program and adapt them to their needs.


Operating with the understanding that quick support is crucial, customers can expect to receive a fi rst, personal response – from real experts, not automated systems - within 24 hours, said the company.


As Brabender’s strengths are integrated, the focus remains on innovative solutions and outstanding service. The company aims to not just fulfi l the needs of its existing – and new – customers, but to go beyond them and looks forward to a future full of possibility and success.


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Launch brings new era for quantum computing in Finland


of qubits to be placed on a single silicon chip and to conduct their electrical signals at temperatures close to absolute zero.”


Advances in quantum technology and computing are expected to enable societies to overcome challenges that are impossible for contemporary supercomputers, including pandemics similar to COVID-19.


Having completed its fi rst 5-qubit model in 2021, the newly launched version represents the second stage of Finland’s ambitious goal to build three quantum computers in four years relying solely on domestic industry. The project was supported by €20.7 million from the Finnish government, which also announced a budget of €70 million for continued development to scale up the quantum computer towards 300 qubits.


Antti Vasara, VTT’s President and CEO and Jan Goetz


VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland (Espoo) and IQM Computers have announced successful completion of a 20-qubit superconductive computer providing scalability along with increased power for solving complex problems.


“We have, for example, improved integration methods and signalling,” said VTT’s Research Manager Pekka Pursula. “We have also developed manufacturing and packaging methods that allow a greater number


“We have set ourselves very ambitious goals to build three quantum computers in four years, relying on our domestic industry. Our fi rst goal was to complete a 5-qubit quantum computer, and now we have reached our second goal of a 20-qubit quantum computer. Furthermore, development of a 50-qubit one is already underway,” said Antti Vasara, VTT’s President and CEO.


CEO and Co-founder of IQM Quantum Computers Dr Jan Goetz said: “We are proud of this moment. It is a pivotal achievement in our journey for our team, Finland, and the European quantum ecosystem. This is not just a testament to working with partners in the ecosystem, but also to our technological capabilities. The launch of the 20-qubit quantum computer represents a signifi cant step and


President of the Republic of Finland Sauli Niinistö visits VTT’s new 20-qubit quantum computer.


we are now on track for the development of the next generation of processors with 54 qubits and more for customers. As IQM is a European quantum leader contributing to the strategic European agenda, we will continue to promote collaboration and engage various stakeholders to drive more investments in supporting the ecosystem in scaling up and becoming more competitive.”


VTT and IQM plan to complete the upgrade by the end of 2024. More information online: ilmt.co/PL/M5L0


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