ELEMENT SIX (UK) LIMITED

Their core work

Element Six is a world-leading manufacturer of synthetic diamond and superhard materials, headquartered at the Harwell Science Campus in Oxfordshire. They supply engineered diamond components for quantum sensing, industrial tooling, and advanced manufacturing applications. In H2020, they contributed diamond substrates and quantum-grade materials to projects spanning quantum technology, medical imaging, secure communications, and robotic manufacturing — consistently acting as the critical materials provider that enables frontier research to reach application.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2016-2018), Element Six focused on traditional superhard materials for industrial tooling (Flintstone2020) and foundational diamond quantum sensing (ASTERIQS), reflecting their core business in engineered materials. From 2018 onward, their participation shifted decisively toward applied quantum technologies — quantum internet infrastructure (QIA), medical hyperpolarisation imaging (MetaboliQs), and eventually robotic manufacturing (RESURGAM). This evolution shows a company moving from materials supplier to active technology partner in high-value quantum and digital manufacturing applications.

Element Six is transitioning from a materials supplier into an applications-oriented partner in quantum technology and advanced manufacturing, making them increasingly relevant for consortia targeting real-world quantum deployment.

How they like to work

Element Six participates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator — consistent with their role as a specialist materials and technology provider embedded within larger research efforts. With 67 unique partners across 19 countries in just 5 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia (averaging 13+ partners per project). This pattern suggests they are a sought-after industrial partner whose materials expertise is a prerequisite for many quantum and advanced materials projects.

Element Six has built a broad European network of 67 partners across 19 countries through just 5 projects, indicating participation in flagship-scale consortia. Their collaborations span major quantum research hubs across Western and Central Europe.

What sets them apart

Element Six occupies a rare position as one of very few companies globally that can manufacture quantum-grade synthetic diamond at industrial scale. This makes them an almost irreplaceable partner for any European project requiring diamond substrates for quantum sensing, quantum communication, or hyperpolarisation applications. Their combination of industrial manufacturing capability with deep engagement in fundamental quantum research is unusual for a private company of their size.

Highlights from their portfolio

• MetaboliQs
  Their largest H2020 project (EUR 960,290) combining diamond quantum dynamics with medical imaging — a striking crossover from materials science into precision healthcare diagnostics.
• QIA
  Part of the Quantum Internet Alliance, one of Europe's flagship quantum communication initiatives, positioning Element Six within the quantum internet supply chain.
• Flintstone2020
  Addressed the EU critical raw materials challenge by developing tungsten-free superhard tooling — directly aligned with European strategic autonomy in manufacturing.