Quantum software startup Q-CTRL has won two contracts worth AU$38 million (US$24.4m) from the US Department of Defense agency DARPA under its Robust Quantum Sensors (RoQS) program.
The funding will support Q-CTRL’s work on quantum sensing technologies for advanced military vehicles, in partnership with Lockheed Martin.
This comes at a time when GPS systems are increasingly under threat from attacks and jamming, as seen in conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and elsewhere. These disruptions now affect over 1,000 flights daily and are estimated to cost more than $1 billion per day.
Quantum sensing offers a promising solution, with the market expected to reach US$5 billion by 2030.
Q-CTRL will build next-generation quantum sensors for navigation, building on successful trials in air, sea, and land vehicles. Their AI-powered software makes the sensors more reliable, even in harsh real-world conditions like interference, strong vibrations, and heavy g-forces.
Earlier in March 2025, Lockheed Martin and Q-CTRL also received a US Defense Innovation Unit contract to prototype a quantum-enabled Inertial Navigation System.
The Sydney-based startup, founded in 2017 by Prof. Michael Biercuk, was named Australia’s Most Innovative Startup at the 2023 Startup Daily Best in Tech awards.
It has developed a product called Ironstone Opal, which is undetectable and cannot be jammed or faked. The system utilizes quantum sensors to detect minute natural signals emanating from the Earth’s structure, which serve as magnetic “landmarks” to aid navigation.
Biercuk said the new US defence contract is an exciting development for the business.
“DARPA has an incredible track record of delivering innovations that change the face of society, from the internet and mobile phones to night vision and stealth,” he said.
“We’re honoured that our recent demonstrations and exciting new ideas earned Q-CTRL’s selection to deliver a new generation of software-ruggedised quantum sensors for the most challenging defence missions.
We’re here to win and are excited to work with the team at DARPA for the benefit of the warfighter.”
Jonathan Stock, chief scientist for innovation at NASA’s Ames Intelligent Systems division, said it’s one of several federal agencies also exploring how to use the emerging generation of highly capable, mobile quantum sensors to detect and assess mineral deposits.
“DARPA’s awards to Q-CTRL illustrate the potential for impactful new use of this technology, and NASA looks forward to pursuing a deeper relationship with Q-CTRL,” he said.
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