QLM Technology: Pioneering methane detection with impact

Cardiff-based QLM Technology is on a mission to transform how the world detects and manages methane emissions. Corporate Finance Director, Joe Coghlan, spoke with Gavin Lindsay, Head of Business Development, and Chris Wardle, Chief Manufacturing Officer, about their cutting-edge technology, scaling challenges, and global ambition.

Can you each tell us a bit about yourselves and your roles at QLM?

Chris Wardle: I’m QLM’s Chief Manufacturing Officer. My background is in engineering and operations, particularly photonics, aerospace instrumentation, and high-volume electronics. I’ve been in the South West for over 25 years, and at QLM I lead the manufacturing and operations functions - engineering, supply chain, and field support.
Gavin Lindsay: I’m Head of Business Development. I spent 20 years in oil and gas with a global service company before moving into high-growth startups. I joined QLM three years ago, initially consulting on strategy and commercialisation. Today I’m focused on driving global partnerships and scaling our business model.

And for those unfamiliar - what does QLM do, and what’s the problem you’re solving?

Gavin Lindsay: QLM is focused on detecting and quantifying methane emissions using our proprietary LiDAR-based technology. This tool is critical for companies with net-zero targets or ESG commitments, but it also opens up commercial opportunities, like capturing methane for use as biofuel.

We operate in oil and gas, water utilities, landfills, and increasingly agriculture. We’ve deployed systems globally - in the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, and the US. We’re working with partners like Severn Trent and Jacobs, so we’re already seeing our technology in action at scale.

Can you explain the science behind your solution and why it matters?

Chris Wardle: Our system uses tunable laser absorption spectroscopy, which enables us to identify methane specifically, even in challenging environments. The key differentiator is that we not only detect methane, but we also quantify it and map it in 3D. That means customers can see exactly where emissions are coming from and how significant they are.

It’s about visibility and accountability. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it—and our tech gives customers reliable data to make smarter, greener decisions.

What kinds of clients are using your tech, and how are they engaging with you?

Gavin Lindsay: We see three main profiles:

1. Emerging biogas developers evaluating methane capture and whether a site can deliver energy at a commercial scale.
2. Large asset owners and operators, especially in utilities and waste, who need to measure and reduce emissions as part of ESG goals.
3. Global engineering consultancies, who are embedding methane measurement into early-stage design and compliance strategies.

Some want full monitoring systems. Others want mobile survey tools. The use cases vary, so our business model is designed to flex accordingly.

Let’s talk scale-up. What are the major challenges you’re facing in commercialising the technology?

Gavin Lindsay: There’s no shortage of interest. But different customers have different drivers. Some are responding to regulations and want cost-effective, quick solutions. Others are more strategically focused on net zero and are willing to invest in quality data.
The challenge is building a platform that can meet both needs—affordable, flexible, but still accurate and robust. We’ve had to be agile, adapting our technology roadmap as the regulatory environment evolves.

From a manufacturing and engineering perspective, what does that mean for product development?

Chris Wardle: It’s a big shift. Our initial assumption was that regulation would rapidly drive demand for permanent monitoring installations. That’s been slower than expected, so we’ve evolved toward offering mobile and survey-based solutions.

Technically, that means the product has to work in more variable environments. It has to be smaller, lighter, and more ruggedised. Our current device is about 40cm long - we’re working toward a mobile phone or telecom-style short form factor pluggables (SFPs) model, for cost and size reduction. That’s a multi-year journey, but these industries have shown it can be done.

You’ve mentioned capturing methane for productive use. Can you explain that opportunity?

Gavin Lindsay: Absolutely. Methane is a greenhouse gas, but also an energy source. If we can help customers detect and quantify emissions accurately, they can capture and convert them into biomethane, for example. That’s already happening in sectors like agriculture and wastewater.

It’s a win-win: it reduces emissions and offsets reliance on fossil fuels like diesel.

How are you preparing to scale the technology for broader adoption?

Chris Wardle: We’re partnering with high-volume manufacturers who specialise in systems like our and have experience in electronics, photonics and imaging. That’s helping us mature the product from an R&D prototype to a scalable commercial system. Design for manufacture, quality control, and cost-efficiency are all top of mind.

The miniaturisation journey will take several iterations, but we’re progressing fast. Our Gen 2 system has already been deployed, and Gen 3 is in development.

Beyond the tech, what keeps the team motivated?

Gavin Lindsay: Mission. We’re not just building a business, we’re trying to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a meaningful way. That brings energy to the team. People are here because they want to be.

We’ve built a collaborative environment with people from science, engineering, and business who challenge each other to improve the product. That culture is a big part of why we’re succeeding.

Chris Wardle: Agreed. Everyone here understands the impact and we are all invested in what we are trying to do. We know that if we get this right, we can move the needle, and do something really positive with greenhouse gas emissions.

To find out more about QLM Technology, visit their website.