- Q-CTRL, a startup that applies the principles of control engineering to accelerate the development of quantum technology, announced a strategic investment by In-Q-Tel
Q-CTRL — a startup that applies the principles of control engineering to accelerate the development of quantum technology — announced a strategic investment by In-Q-Tel (IQT). IQT is a not-for-profit strategic investor that identifies innovative technology solutions to support the national security communities of the U.S. and its allies.
IQT achieves this through market and trend analyses, strategic investments, technology adaptation, and applied research. Launched in 1999 as the independent, not-for-profit strategic investor to the CIA, IQT’s role and scope has since evolved, and IQT now partners with 10 U.S. government agencies. And its Sydney-based Australian subsidiary IQT International Australia Ltd. collaborates with the Office of National Intelligence on behalf of Australia’s national intelligence community to support a partnership between the intelligence and national security communities of the U.S., UK, and Australia.
What does Q-CTRL do? Q-CTRL is known as a pioneer in the field of quantum control engineering thus delivering software products and professional services to help customers and partners harness the exotic properties of quantum physics for real-world benefit. And the company’s practice in quantum computing solves the Achilles heel of this new technology (hardware error and instability) by delivering a set of techniques that allow quantum computations to be executed with greater success.
More recently, Q-CTRL started applying its tools and expertise to quantum-enhanced sensing, helping to improve the efficiency and performance of standoff detection as well as precision navigation and timing for defense and aerospace. And in recognition of this work, Q-CTRL founder and CEO Michael Biercuk was invited to present the U.S. Office of Naval Research distinguished lecture in February 2020.
“We have assembled the world’s leading collection of specialists in quantum control, and this investment by In-Q-Tel is a validation of the critical role our team will play in the development of quantum technologies for national security,” said Professor Biercuk. “We’re committed to leveraging our products and expertise to benefit national security, and we’re thrilled to participate in this cross-border collaboration between the U.S. and Australia.”
Professor Biercuk and his team have previously received scientific research funding from U.S. defense and intelligence organizations, including the U.S. Army Research Office and the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA), part of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
“Q-CTRL focuses on building the foundational software that will lead to the advent of effective quantum technologies more quickly,” explained Mike Ferrari, Managing Director and co-head of IQT’s Australian office. “We see the company as a key strategic partner to guide efforts towards suitable applications of effective quantum technologies to efficiently solve mission-critical and computationally demanding problems.”
