Quantum Sensing Innovators: How Nomad Atomics is taking on the world
Nomad Atomics represents the significant possibilities of combining cutting-edge research in quantum sensing with real-world impact.
Kyle Hardman, Paul Wigley and Christian Freier worked at the Australian National University on a post-doctoral research project on precision measurement, that ultimately led them to set up Nomad Atomics, where they build state-of-art miniaturised quantum sensors specifically designed for in field applications.
It has been recently announced that Nomad Atomic has raised $12 million in funding from two of Australia’s major deep-tech venture capital firms, Blackbird Ventures and Right Click Capital. Nomad Atomic will utilise this funding to accelerate the commercialisation of their state-of-the-art quantum gravimeters and accelerometers.
Nomad Atomics’ technology and research enables them to provide valuable services to a variety of industries, such as mining, resource exploration and water utilities. The NSSN was proud to partner with Kyle and Christian on one of the NSSN’s earliest projects "Advanced Pipe Sensing to Reduce Leaks and Breaks". The flagship project succeeded in developing innovative technologies for leak detection in urban pipes to help reduce the loss of water, including a world-first demonstration of quantum sensing for this application.
The project collaborated with a number of industrial partners, including Sydney Water, Water NSW, Hunter Water, Melbourne Water, SA Water, Queensland Urban Utilities, Downer and the United Kingdom Water Industry Research. The team from the Australian National University were identified by the NSSN as a key partner on the project, who could utilise their ground breaking research to address a key industry need.
Co-Founder Kyle Hardman highlighted the importance of the project in providing an early platform for the cutting-edge technology the team were developing.
"I really can't overstate the importance of having early adopters for emerging technologies, especially unique deep tech like quantum sensing. Having NSSN and Sydney Water as partners to demonstrate use cases for our technology has been amazing."
Co-Director of the NSSN, Professor Ben Eggleton said that working with the team helped address not only environmental concerns, but significant economic ones across Australia, and the world in water usage.
“This project needed innovative research to succeed, and the quantum sensing research played a key role in addressing leak detection in urban pipes and helping to quantify the key benefit of smart sensing technology in providing key environmental and economic benefits for our industry partners in what was ultimately a world-first.
“Everyone at the NSSN is delighted to see the significant investment in Nomad Atomics and they are a wonderful example of what happens when there is collaboration between world-class research in smart sensing and industry partners who have key issues that need to be addressed.
The National Quantum Strategy from the Australian Government highlights the key need for Australia to innovate and champion new technology and research. The NSSN is proud to be working on pushing the boundaries of quantum sensing, and we are looking forward to seeing the continued success of Nomad Atomics.”