Meet the Company: UBIQUT
UBIQUT (pronounced ubiquity) is a pre-seed spin-out from UNSW developing platform quantum sensing technology. Using a novel OLED-based approach, it creates quantum sensors that are cheaper, more robust, and scalable-unlocking opportunities in areas like defence, minerals exploration, and healthcare - markets where cost and complexity can prohibit widespread adoption.
An Organic Light Emitting Diode, the core sensing element in UBIQUT’s quantum sensor. Credit: Supplied
Tell me about your interest in quantum sensing technology. Why does UBIQUT adapt OLED technology so that it can function as a quantum sensor, and how is this innovation used in the real-world?
The name UBIQUT represent the philosophy – UBIquitous QUantum Technologies. Our view is that the availability of affordable quantum sensors that can operate at room temperature will help drive innovation in use cases beyond those that currently exist. OLEDs bring many advantages aligned with this goal – they operate at room temperature, have long lived quantum states that can be read-out electrically or optically, and are readily manufactured at scale. And the molecular materials which they are made are really engineerable, in a way that many other quantum systems are not.
What’s been the company’s most rewarding achievement or moment?
Early support for UBIQUT from Out the Back Ventures has given us the resources we need to move our technology out of the lab with field deployable prototypes. Seeing others aligned with our vision for a quantum sensing platform technology really helped assure us that our direction was the right one.
From left to right: UBIQUT Director John Rock; UNSW Research Fellow Dr Adrian Mena; and Professor of Physics at UNSW and UBIQUT research partner, Professor Dane McCamey. Credit: Supplied
What’s next for the company?
We’re working toward field trials, and in discussions with potential partners who have interesting applications for our devices.
Why does UBIQUT’s work matter?
The ability to provide highly sensitive sensors which can be used in settings where cost effectiveness is critical will enable quantum technologies to have impact in many more sectors and applications that currently envisaged, helping to demonstrate the value of these technologies where it ultimately matters – providing information which helps in achieving an outcome or making a decision.
Words by Professor Dane McCamey