Infleqtion, World View team to target quantum sensing’s stratospheric promise
Cold atom quantum computing firm Infleqtion has aligned with World View, a company that uses stratospheric balloon systems for remote sensing and Earth observation, with the aim of providing faster, more cost-effective quantum application testing by matching World View’s systems with Infleqtion’s compact quantum technology.
“Quantum sensing is here today, and capable of making communications, navigation and timing systems better,” said Dr. William Clark, Vice President of Quantum Development, Infleqtion. “Our collaboration with World View allows us to test our next generation quantum sensors in operationally relevant environments, from near earth to the edge of the atmosphere.”
“Both Infleqtion and World View are driving next generation technologies – in quantum and stratospheric exploration,” said Matteo Genna, President, Remote Sensing, World View. “Just a decade ago, these technologies would have appeared to be science fiction. Today, these collective capabilities will address many challenges of our modern world. I am excited about the potential of our partnership.”
The new partners said that combing their technologies into a new method of stratospheric testing represents a new era of quantum testing required for applications such as over the horizon communications, precision navigation and timing, and hyperspectral sensing. Infleqtion and World View will continue to collaborate on new solutions to potential defense, commercial, and public sector customers, the companies said.
Quantum sensing is widely seen as a potentially lucrative, near-term opportunity for quantum technology companies as other products, particularly quantum computers, face a longer gestation period before they are able to offer maximum commercial viability. IQT Research last year suggested that revenue from quantum sensors could reach $800 million by 2028. With that in mind, several companies in the sector over the last year have launched quantum sensing divisions and efforts, including Q-CTRL, while others, including Infleqtion (formerly Cold Quanta) have been focused on sensing developments for even longer. Multiple institutions also have pursued quantum sensing research projects focused around specific industrial applications.
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.
