Quantum Base, a quantum science company spun out from Lancaster University in 2013, has announced plans to list on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market in April 2025. The company aims to raise between £3 million and £5 million through a placing and retail offer to fund product development and commercial expansion, joining a growing number of quantum technology companies scaling their authentication solutions.
The listing will be managed by Strand Hanson Ltd as nominated adviser, with Cavendish Capital Markets Ltd serving as broker. The company plans to offer shares to both institutional investors and UK retail investors through the RetailBook platform.
Quantum Base’s core offering is its Q-ID authentication technology, which uses quantum randomness at the atomic level to create tags that are virtually impossible to replicate. These tags can be integrated into various products including tax stamps, banknotes, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods, with verification possible through standard smartphone technology. The technology is part of broader industry efforts to develop quantum-safe security solutions for protecting against future quantum computing threats.
“For over a decade, we have been developing our patented Q-ID solution – a quantum-secure tag that is virtually impossible to replicate or clone,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Quantum Base. “As the first innovation of its kind to be easily integrated with the most common printing methods and quickly authenticated with a smartphone, it has been vital for us to maintain independence and credibility so that we can grow our solution in a sustainable manner.”
The company has already achieved significant commercial progress, with over 500 million Q-ID units produced to date. Quantum Base operates on a “design and licence” model and has secured framework agreements with major security printers, including a provider of government tax stamps and Madrid-based Signe SA. The progress reflects a broader trend of governments and institutions implementing advanced security features in official documents and products, as seen in recent initiatives for secure identity verification systems.
“Our Quantum Identity (Q-ID) solution has incredible potential to benefit society by protecting industries, governments, and consumers from the damaging impacts of counterfeiting,” said Professor Rob Young, Founder of Quantum Base. “Listing on the London Stock Exchange is a critical next step for our company’s future growth and development.”
The technology’s integration capabilities stand out, as Q-ID can be incorporated into most common printing methods and substrates with minimal disruption to existing production processes. Authentication is performed using unmodified smartphones in conjunction with Quantum Base’s software, which can be accessed either through a dedicated app or via a software development kit for third-party integration, similar to other modern mobile authentication solutions.
The development comes amid global counterfeiting challenges, with businesses and tax authorities losing an estimated $2.8 trillion in revenue annually due to counterfeit goods. The growing threat has accelerated the adoption of quantum-based security solutions across various sectors, particularly in financial services and government applications.
Sources: Lancaster University, LSE, Shares Magazine
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