MODUS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION LIMITED

Their core work

Modus Research and Innovation is a Dundee-based SME that provides specialist R&D services across photonics, health technology, and applied sensing. Their core technical strength lies in ultrafast laser systems and their industrial applications — from micro-structuring and additive manufacturing to medical imaging and surface texturing. They also contribute research management and innovation expertise to clinical and health technology projects, including Alzheimer's patient engagement and mHealth platforms. Their cross-domain portfolio suggests they operate as a flexible research partner capable of delivering targeted work packages in both deep-tech and health innovation consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2017), Modus split focus between quantum cascade laser sensors for security applications (CHEQUERS, which they coordinated) and health technology projects covering HIV, mHealth, and Alzheimer's research. From 2018 onward, their portfolio shifted decisively toward high-power ultrafast laser systems and their applications — kW-class industrial processing, fibre lasers for medical imaging, and grating-based optical components — while maintaining a secondary thread in neuroscience (Parkinson's disease). The trend shows a consolidation around photonics and laser technology with increasing emphasis on translating laser science into clinical and industrial end-use.

Modus is converging on high-power ultrafast laser applications with growing emphasis on medical photonics — expect them to pursue projects where laser technology meets clinical or industrial manufacturing needs.

How they like to work

Modus operates predominantly as a specialist partner, joining established consortia (12 of 15 projects as participant) rather than leading them. Their two coordinator roles — CHEQUERS and Hi-SIDE — were in niche areas (laser sensors, satellite data) where they held specific technical leadership. With 168 unique partners across 27 countries, they maintain a broad but non-concentrated network, suggesting they are sought after for specific technical contributions rather than building repeat partnerships with a fixed set of collaborators.

Extensive European network spanning 168 unique partners across 27 countries, indicating broad reach and demand for their specialist contributions. As a UK-based SME, they have maintained strong continental European ties through predominantly RIA-funded consortia.

What sets them apart

Modus occupies an unusual niche as a small research company that bridges photonics engineering and health research — a combination rarely found in a single SME. Their ability to contribute meaningfully to both a kW ultrafast laser project and a Parkinson's disease study makes them a versatile consortium partner for projects requiring cross-disciplinary translation. For consortium builders, they offer the agility of an SME with the breadth of a research institute, particularly valuable when a project needs someone who can connect laser physics to real-world medical or industrial applications.

Highlights from their portfolio

• AMPLITUDE
  Highest-funded project (EUR 250,709) combining their photonics expertise with clinical application — multi-photon fibre laser imaging for bladder cancer diagnosis during endoscopy.
• Hi-SIDE
  One of two projects they coordinated (EUR 208,500), and their only space-sector project — developing high-speed satellite data processing and transmission systems.
• INDIA-H2O
  Their largest non-photonics project (EUR 235,837) in water purification using bio-mimetic and phyto-technologies, demonstrating reach beyond their core laser expertise.