An Australian quantum technology start-up has successfully raised US$20 million ($32 million) to develop diamond-based quantum devices.
On Jan. 15, Sydney-based Quantum Brilliance announced that it had received investment from several domestic and foreign organisations.
They include Australia’s CSIRO-backed fund Main Sequence, the sovereign National Reconstruction Fund Corporation, In-Q-Tel (IQT) in the United States, and Intervalley Ventures in Japan.
Founded in 2019 out of research at the Australian National University, Quantum Brilliance now specialises in designing, fabricating and manufacturing small diamond quantum devices.
Unlike normal quantum devices that are bulky and require ultra-cold temperatures to operate, diamond-based quantum devices can operate at room temperature due to the exploitation of a natural imperfection in the structure of diamonds.
Its hoped the technology can be further miniaturised and become mobile.
“We believe this technology will play a pivotal role in addressing strategic challenges across industries and critical national priorities.”
Quantum Brilliance said the new funding will allow the company to create a quantum diamond foundry, facilitate the development of emerging quantum sensors, and advance intellectual property development.
What Are Its Uses?
Currently, quantum devices have a wide range of applications.For example, quantum sensors can be used in various devices to identify minerals, explore the ocean, enhance aerospace and defence technologies, and improve GPS accuracy.
Simon Wright, a managing partner at InterValley Ventures, said Quantum Brilliance’s innovative approach aligned with the growing urgency in the semiconductor and quantum sectors.
Prior to the successful fundraising, Quantum Brilliance entered into a partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States to integrate diamond accelerators into high-performance computing systems.
