Quinas Technology Becomes Joint First UK Recipient of WIPO ICT Start-Up Award

UK’s Quinas Technology Honoured with 2025 WIPO Global Award

In the dynamic realm of innovation and entrepreneurship, intellectual property (IP) is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of technological progress, commercial viability, and societal benefit. In recognition of this, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) annually honours startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that demonstrate outstanding use of IP to stimulate growth and innovation.

Within this framework, Lancaster University spinout Quinas Technology has reportedly secured a 2025 WIPO Global Award in the ICT Start-Up category, positioning it among just ten global winners and marking it as one of the first UK recipients of this distinguished honour. This accolade not only underscores Quinas’ strategic deployment of intellectual property but also reflects its broader contributions to economic development and technological advancement.

Selected from over 780 applicants across 95 countries, Quinas was recognised for its patented ULTRARAM™ technology, which combines the high speed of DRAM with the non-volatility of flash memory. This innovation enables faster, more energy-efficient computing with wide-ranging applications in data centres, mobile devices, and artificial intelligence hardware. The technology, developed at Lancaster University under the leadership of Professor Manus Hayne, who also serves as Quinas’ Chief Scientific Officer, has already led to five granted patents across four countries, with an additional eight patents pending. Professor Hayne described the award as a major milestone in the company’s journey and highlighted the relevance of ULTRARAM™ during the UN International Year of Quantum, given its foundation in quantum resonant tunnelling.

Science Minister Lord Vallance reportedly praised the achievement as a clear example of the UK’s capacity to convert world-class university research into commercially competitive ventures. He reaffirmed the government’s support for such technological breakthroughs through its Industrial Strategy. Similarly, Adam Williams, CEO of the UK Intellectual Property Office, congratulated Quinas and noted that the award illustrates the UK’s strength in quantum innovation and IP-intensive enterprise. He further emphasised that Quinas exemplifies how SMEs can effectively leverage intellectual property to achieve global impact.

The awards were presented during the 66th WIPO General Assembly in Geneva, attended by over 1,400 delegates, including representatives from WIPO’s 193 member states and various international organisations. Marcelo Di Pietro, Director of the WIPO Awards Programme, described the 2025 winners as inventive, impact-driven, and globally minded, reaffirming WIPO’s commitment to supporting their continued progress. Jessica Wenmouth, Head of Research Commercialisation at Lancaster University, reportedly viewed the award as significant validation of how strategic IP management can translate scientific excellence into transformative global technologies. She also underscored the University’s role in supporting the UK’s ambition to scale deep-tech spinouts through publicly funded research.

As part of the WIPO award, Quinas will receive bespoke support including international exposure, strategic mentoring, and access to WIPO’s global network of IP and business partners. With backing from Innovate UK and global collaborations, the company is now advancing ULTRARAM™ for AI, secure low-power computing, and in-memory systems, further cementing the UK’s leadership in emerging memory technologies. Moreover, Quinas has already secured top innovation accolades, including wins at the IC Taiwan Global Challenge and the Flash Memory Summit in Silicon Valley. The WIPO Global Award celebrates Quinas Technology’s scientific and entrepreneurial excellence, reaffirms the critical role of intellectual property in shaping the future of deep-tech innovation.

Editor’s Note:

Quinas Technology’s recent recognition at the 2025 WIPO Global Awards is a proud moment not only for Lancaster University but also for the UK’s innovation and research community. At a time when the role of science and technology in solving global challenges is more vital than ever, Quinas stands as a shining example of how university-led research can be transformed into real-world impact. The company’s ULTRARAM™ technology, built on groundbreaking quantum principles, has shown how intellectual property can be used not just to protect inventions but to drive economic growth and practical change. This achievement also reflects the growing importance of supporting spinouts and small enterprises in bringing advanced technologies to market. The recognition by WIPO highlights how well-managed research, combined with strong partnerships and strategic thinking, can lead to global success. The tailored support package Quinas will now receive offers valuable opportunities for the company to grow and share its innovation worldwide.

Skoobuzz has stated that this victory highlights the importance of investing in universities and the commercialisation of research. With ongoing support from the government and industry, spinout companies like Quinas have the potential to position the UK at the forefront of emerging technologies, demonstrating that, with the right backing, British science and innovation can help shape the future.