DeteQt, a quantum sensing spinout from the University of Sydney, has secured AUD $750,000 ($471K USD) in pre-seed funding from Main Sequence Ventures and ATP Fund to scale development of its diamond-on-chip magnetometry platform. The raise builds on a AUD $3.3 million ($2.1 million USD) defence contract awarded last year via the Defence Innovation Network to demonstrate dual-chip quantum magnetometers targeting real-world applications such as inertial navigation, resource detection, and medical diagnostics.
DeteQt’s approach integrates nitrogen-vacancy (NV) diamond sensing elements with silicon CMOS control and readout circuitry, fabricated via Global Foundries, into a compact, manufacturable platform. The architecture enables strong coupling between quantum and classical components and is designed for low-cost, scalable deployment. The company is currently building a functional prototype that combines its diamond quantum chip with a co-designed control ASIC to demonstrate high-sensitivity magnetic field measurements.
Founded in 2023 by Dr. Jim Rabeau and Professor Omid Kavehei, DeteQt has licensed core technology from the University of Sydney’s Nano Institute. The team plans to launch a U.S. entity later this year to deepen commercial engagement and prepare for a larger funding round. With a secure contract from the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), DeteQt is accelerating toward product readiness in quantum sensing—one of the earliest forecasted markets for commercial quantum technologies.
DeteQt is also engaged in early-stage collaborations with Fleet Space for critical minerals detection and with U.S.-based OneScan to explore portable MRI imaging using quantum sensors. The company aims to position its platform as a scalable solution for high-impact sectors by leveraging established semiconductor manufacturing methods to deliver quantum sensing performance at commercially viable costs.
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March 29, 2025
