Glasgow-based M Squared Lasers — a pioneering photonics and quantum technology company — will create 24 new jobs with help from a £2.9 million R&D grant from Scottish Enterprise.

This funding will accelerate the company’s research programme, and it will work closely with Scottish Enterprise to help develop the photonics and quantum sectors in Scotland.

M Squared’s lasers (www.m2lasers.com) produce the world’s purest light, and they are helping to address some of society’s greatest challenges.

In quantum technology, the company is developing systems to detect hidden objects and navigate the planet.

In the field of bio-photonics, it is creating systems to help detect, diagnose and treat brain disease; and in chemical sensing, it is developing ways to detect threats, as well as oil and gas leaks.

Its lasers provided the means for the European Space Agency project Sentinel 5P to measure pollutants such as ozone, formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide from space.

Founder and CEO Graeme Malcolm said: “Our ambition is to create the world’s most important photonics and quantum technology company, independently headquartered in Scotland.

"Our home city of Glasgow has a great tradition of science and engineering, where local companies have been developing optical technology for around 100 years.

"The support of Scottish Enterprise will enable M Squared to scale its operations locally but also continue stepping into new global markets.”