University of Sydney quantum sensing spinout lands $750,000 pre-Seed

A diamond-on-silicon quantum sensing startup cofounded by two University of Sydney professors has raised $750,000 in pre-Seed funding.

The raise for DeteQt was backed by deep tech CSIRO-backed Main Sequence Ventures and US deep tech investor ATP Fund.

DeteQt was founded by Adjunct Professor Jim Rabeau and Professor Omid Kavehei from the University of Sydney Nano Institute and Faculty of Engineering, combining their expertise in diamond-based quantum sensing and semiconductor design.

Rabeau’s career spans leadership roles at Microsoft’s quantum computing program, Deloitte, CSIRO and, more recently, president of the Australian arm of US-based quantum company Infleqtion. This month the duo were recently joined by Rupal Ismin as chief operating officer and spun the startup out of the Nano Institute.

Their startup is developing highly sensitive, portable, and scalable quantum magnetometers.

A collection of DeteQt’s CMOS patented chips for quantum sensing. Image: DeteQt

Current sensor technologies in mining, health and navigation have hit fundamental limits. DeteQt’s diamond-on-silicon quantum sensors provide an entirely new paradigm, integrating nitrogen-vacancy diamond technology with traditional silicon chip fabrication.

Professor Rabeau said their patented diamond-on-silicon tech results in low-cost and scalable highly sensitive sensors.

“Our technology is designed to address some of the world’s biggest challenges – navigation in GPS-denied environments, more effective critical mineral exploration and next-generation medical imaging,” he said.

“By integrating quantum sensors with scalable semiconductor processes, we’re delivering the sensitivity of quantum with the manufacturability and low-cost of silicon.”

The first revenue from the tech includes a $3 million contract with the Australia Defence Force for GPS-denied navigation systems.

DeteQt is also collaborating with Adelaide-based satellite platform Fleet Space for better detection of critical minerals, as well as OneScan in the US to assess the potential for portable MRI systems using quantum sensing.

“With strong backing from investors, a growing ecosystem of partners, and a clear pathway to commercialisation, DeteQt is well-positioned to lead the next wave of quantum sensing innovation,” Prof Rabeau said.