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Stealth quantum sensors unlock possibilities anywhere GPS doesn’t work
Phantom Photonics’ quantum remote sensing technology offers precision for industries operating in extreme environments
As commercial interest in quantum technologies accelerates, entrepreneurial minds at the University of Waterloo are not waiting for opportunities — they are creating them.
Among them is Alex Maierean (MMath ‘24), CEO of Phantom Photonics and part-time PhD student at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC). Her startup is developing ultra-sensitive quantum sensors that can filter out background noise and detect the faintest signals, even down to a single photon — the smallest unit of light. This offers new levels of precision and stealth for industries operating in extreme environments, from the depths of the ocean to outer space.
“The possibilities are wide ranging,” she says. “Many industries need our product and once we can get the device down to the size of a chip, then we're impacting industries like industrial robotics for manufacturing and consumer electronics.”
As quantum technologies mature, investor interest in quantum startups is gaining momentum, driven by real-world applications and growing market demands. Phantom Photonics is based at Velocity where it has established a dedicated lab space to continue to develop its quantum sensor technology and build its core team.
“At Velocity we can really organize what we are doing. We’ve built a strong team with one cohesive goal to develop and sell our product.”
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
