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Quantum computing entered 2025 with higher expectations than at any point in the last decade. By Q4, the mood is more grounded but not pessimistic. The industry has matured. Roadmaps have sharpened. Hardware performance has normalised. The loud claims have quietened. And a clearer picture of what is genuinely achievable in the next three years has begun to emerge. The final quarter of 2025 shows…

Q-CTRL Quantum Navigation

A revolutionary quantum gravimetric navigation technology is introduced by Q-CTRL after successful marine defence experiments.

Q-CTRL, a leader in quantum infrastructure software, announced groundbreaking software-ruggedized quantum sensing for navigation after a large field test with the Australian Defence. An experiment on the Royal Australian Navy's Multi-role Aviation Training Vessel (MATV) MV Sycamore confirms Q-CTRL's leadership in developing and implementing quantum-assured navigation systems for maritime operations.

Maritime Navigation Breakthrough

The Q-CTRL quantum gravimetric navigation system, which completed its initial defence trials at sea, underpins this advancement. The device demonstrated GPS-independent navigation by mapping gravity variations throughout the 144-hour Royal Australian Navy trial. Amazingly, the software-ruggedized sensor navigated ship tremors and outside disturbances without human assistance on a moving ship. Given the growing threat of GPS denial, quantum navigation becomes a defence option soon. The Boston Consulting Group forecasts a $3–5 billion quantum sensing industry by 2030.

Quantum Gravimetric Navigation: How

Q-CTRL field-deployed a quantum dual gravimeter in these investigations. A next-generation quantum-assured positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) system uses this device to detect minute gravity changes. This technique works fully when GPS is unreliable.

The quantum gravimeter automatically detects Earth's gravity's hills and valleys. A navigation computer compares observations of valleys and mountains to gravity maps, similar to orienteering. This built-in technology replaces GPS and provides solid backup in contested areas.

Unmatched Trial Performance and Autonomy

The first test showed over 144 hours of uninterrupted operation and data collection without human intervention during marine activities. The Royal Australian Navy's Q-CTRL demonstration differs from most quantum sensing field demonstrations, which requires optimal performance with complete autonomy and no external infrastructure. The sensor must work as a navigation system during a defence mission.

Under 14 months, the dual gravimeter was developed and implemented. It was “strapdown” on the floor of the MV Sycamore's communications room like a server rack. The sensor also beat the SWaP (size, weight, and power) record by utilising 180W, ten times less than a home toaster.

Solving Real-World Problems with Software-Ruggedization

Q-CTRL CEO and creator Michael J. Biercuk noted that early quantum sensor installations had trouble providing defense-useful performance. Biercuk said Q-CTRL's plan for transferring quantum sensors out of the lab relies on software for real-world performance. “Operating on a real going vehicle is not the same as a science experiment.”

Standard operational methods utilised in research investigations caused the ship's movements and engine vibrations to destroy the signal during the test. To offset these losses, Q-CTRL's software-ruggedization solutions restored operation to almost world-record levels while MV Sycamore was moving. This skill helped the team beat international rivals making comparable technology.

Miniature light and matter are used in quantum sensing to detect tiny signals. Because they follow physics rather than drift like other GPS alternatives, these devices' outputs must remain constant over time for long-term stability. Q-CTRL's software-ruggedization solution tackles the problem of these devices degrading when transferred from a lab to the real world. Q-CTRL published a peer-reviewed demonstration in Nature for technical information.

Addressing GPS Denial Threats and Market Potential

GPS denial has become a key concern in defence and business because to the possibility for significant delays to military and civilian operations. Quantum navigation provides a reliable, spoof-proof GPS backup.

Q-CTRL navigation is crucial in contested sea circumstances. Recent events, such as the June 23 “spoofed” signals that interrupted ships in Middle Eastern waters, raise safety concerns, logistical issues, and collision avoidance efforts.

Ironstone Opal, a novel quantum-magnetic navigation system, was successfully tested in the air this year. In challenging real-world settings, it surpassed traditional solutions by 50 times. New gravimetric navigation technology gives marine vessels a chance when magnetic navigation fails.

Jean-Francois Bobier, Partner & Vice President, Deep Tech, Boston Consulting Group, said, “It expect the quantum sensing market to reach $3bn-5bn by 2030.” He added that “field-validated quantum sensors are more important than ever for navigational safety,” given the rise in GPS denials. Bobier concluded that Q-CTRL's achievements are enabling economies of scale and wider adoption in the defence sector due to its evident use cases and early adopters.

About Q-CTRL

In November 2017, Michael J. Biercuk established Q-CTRL, a leader in AI-driven quantum infrastructure software. The company exploits quantum technologies for practical effects. Leading quantum computing hardware manufacturers employ Q-CTRL's performance-management software with their silicon and superconducting platforms to give consumers unprecedented possibilities.

Two quantum-adjacent technologies — quantum sensing (QS) and quantum communication (Qcomm) — are as important as quantum computing hardware itself since they help make quantum computers function more accurately.  A Sydney-based startup called Q-CTRL has built quantum-sensing software that helps reduce errors on quantum computers. Today, the company announced that it has raised another $27.4…

Q-CTRL lança curso de computação quântica para pessoas que não estudaram física

O Black Opal foi criado para tecnólogos curiosos que desejam dominar o básico do quantico sem obter um diploma avançado ou ter dor de cabeça. O curso de treinamento Black Opal da Q-CTRL é projetado para engenheiros de software, analistas de segurança e cientistas de dados e inclui mais de 90 módulos sobre computação quântica.Imagem: Q-CTRL Se você está confuso no conceito de portas quânticas ou…