The Quantum Leap: Turning groundbreaking science into a game-changing startup

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Dr. Jim Rabeau, CEO of DeteQt, is transforming quantum research into practical, chip-scale sensors for industries like defense, mining, and healthcare.

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Dr Jim Rabeau, CEO of DeteQt, and Prof Peter Turner, CEO of SQA at the Quantum Innovators Network event [Photo: Sydney Quantum Academy]

Dr. Jim Rabeau has long been a trailblazer in the world of quantum technology. Now, as CEO and co-founder of DeteQt, Australia’s latest quantum sensing startup, he is revolutionising navigation and sensing with compact, chip-scale quantum magnetometers. Speaking at Sydney Quantum Academy’s (SQA) Quantum Innovators Network event, chaired by Prof Peter Turner, CEO of SQA, he shared insights on his journey, and DeteQt's unique technology. 

The network effect: Building relationships that matter 

Networking has been a key part of Dr. Rabeau’s entrepreneurial journey.  “It’s so important not just to meet people, but to foster those relationships over many years,” he said. Through programs like CSIRO ON, Rabeau forged connections that proved invaluable in securing industry roles, navigating the startup landscape, and laying the foundation for DeteQt’s launch. 

DeteQt's competitive edge 

DeteQt stands out with its miniaturised, chip-scale quantum sensors, offering accuracy and portability.  By integrating a CMOS chip with a room-temperature-stable diamond quantum sensing element, DeteQt’s technology delivers sensitivity and stability, even in challenging environments - without the complex cooling systems most quantum devices require. 

Describing the diamond as the “core nugget” of the technology, Rabeau explained, “As it’s so rigid it shields the nitrogen vacancy centers, which is why you can do everything at room temperature.”  DeteQt’s mission? To create deployable, field-ready quantum sensors that bring the lab’s capabilities into real-world environments. 

Real- world applications 

Dr Jim Rabeau at the Quantum Innovators Network event [Photo: Sydney Quantum Academy]

“Quantum sensing is reaching a level of maturity that can bring near-term value,” Rabeau noted. The global market is projected to reach $6 billion by 2040, according to McKinsey. DeteQt’s chip-based magnetometers are well-suited for industries that require precision and portability: 

  • Assured Position, Navigation and Timing (APNT) Systems: Quantum sensors offer secure alternatives to GPS, especially in critical defense and civilian applications vulnerable to GPS jamming and spoofing. 
  • Mining and environmental monitoring: Quantum sensors detect mineral deposits and can monitor environmental changes by tracking subtle magnetic or gravitational field shifts. 
  • Medical diagnostics: Their compact, affordable design holds potential for diagnostics and imaging, providing solutions that don’t require multimillion-dollar lab equipment. 

    • The road ahead 

    The journey for DeteQt is only beginning. The company is focused on refining its technology, establishing partnerships in critical industries, and exploring new application domains like healthcare. Dr. Rabeau highlighted the importance of engineering and supply chain expertise as DeteQt moves from prototype to market-ready product—and they’re actively recruiting talent to achieve this.  Confident in quantum’s ability to transform industries, Dr. Rabeau believes DeteQt is positioned to tackle the real-world challenges of tomorrow with revolutionary technology today. 

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