- SBQuantum, in collaboration with Spire Global, has been selected for the final phase of the MagQuest Challenge, led by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.
- The challenge aims to enhance the World Magnetic Model (WMM) used for navigation, with SBQuantum’s quantum magnetometer offering potential improvements in accuracy and longevity.
September 25, 2023, SHERBROOKE, Canada – SBQuantum, a pioneer in the development of diamond quantum magnetometers, has announced its selection for the concluding stages of the MagQuest Challenge. This recognition comes in partnership with Spire Global, a leader in satellite technology.
The MagQuest Challenge, orchestrated by the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, is a multi-million dollar initiative focused on refining the World Magnetic Model (WMM). This model is crucial for various navigation systems, from aircraft and ships to smartphones.
The urgency to update the WMM arises from the accelerating shifts in Earth’s magnetic field. David Roy-Guay, CEO and Co-Founder of SBQuantum, expressed, “It is an honor for us to be invited to participate in the final phase of this prestigious competition. We see this as a validation of our years of unwavering work in developing our diamond-powered quantum magnetometer and compensation algorithms. Testing the instrument in space represents a fantastic opportunity to show the entire industry what we have built, and to highlight the tremendous potential of quantum-enabled sensors not only for aerospace, but for various other industry verticals as well.”
SBQuantum’s solution for the challenge integrates its diamond-powered quantum magnetometer with a set of reference sensors. These sensors will train a machine learning algorithm to compensate for magnetic field interference, aiming to provide more precise measurements of the WMM. Preliminary analysis suggests that the SBQuantum magnetometer could offer stable and accurate readings for the WMM for durations exceeding current sensors by over ten times.
Chuck Cash, Vice President of Federal Sales at Spire, stated, “The MagQuest challenge is a prime example of how satellite technology plays a crucial role in powering technology and systems that each and every one of us use on a near-daily basis. We’re proud to leverage Spire’s expertise in satellite technology and existing infrastructure for manufacturing, ground stations, and data processing with SBQuantum’s magnetometer technology to provide a novel and more accurate solution to collect geomagnetic data.”
SBQuantum’s innovative magnetometer utilizes quantum properties in nitrogen vacancy diamonds, ensuring high accuracy with no blind spots. The application of a green laser and microwaves to the diamond produces a red glow, which directly translates to the magnetic field vector measurements foundational to the WMM.
The MagQuest Challenge’s final phase commences this month, with the launch of the finalists’ solutions into space scheduled for mid-2025.
About SBQuantum: Founded in the quantum technology hub of Sherbrooke, Canada, SBQuantum is at the forefront of quantum sensing. With substantial non-dilutive financing, the company is on a mission to harness the power of advanced sensors leveraging quantum effects. Their quantum magnetometer has undergone testing at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. Beyond the MagQuest Challenge, SBQuantum aims to deploy its miniaturized sensors in unmanned vehicles and other scenarios where current sensors fall short.
