Dutch quantum startup QT Sense has secured €6 million in funding to further develop its innovative Quantum Nuova product, which aims to revolutionize disease diagnostics. The investment comes from a combination of equity funding from quantum-focused venture capital firm QDNL Participations, a group of angel investors, and grant funding from Interreg Europe.
Founded as a spin-off from the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), QT Sense emerged from the pioneering research led by Prof. Dr. Romana Schirhagl in the field of quantum sensing for biomedical applications.
QT Sense’s breakthrough technology leverages quantum sensors embedded in nanodiamonds, which are exposed to individual cells. By measuring changes in the brightness of light emitted by these nanodiamonds, the company can track cellular activity with unprecedented precision. This real-time, single-cell-level monitoring enables the early detection of conditions such as sepsis, and promises to enhance personalized cancer treatments, as well as support drug development across both pharmaceutical and academic sectors.
“We differentiate ourselves by focusing on single-cell-level detection, offering far greater spatial resolution and sensitivity than existing quantum sensing solutions,” said Dr. Deepak H. Veeregowda, co-founder and CEO of QT Sense. “This allows us to provide a much deeper understanding of cellular activity and disease processes, addressing significant gaps in current healthcare diagnostics.”
The newly raised funds will help QT Sense further refine the Quantum Nuova, a Nano-MRI platform based on diamond magnetometry. This cutting-edge technology monitors oxidative stress in real-time, providing valuable insights into cellular behavior. It also enables the precise measurement of free radicals within individual cells, supporting research in diverse fields such as drug toxicity, immune responses, arthritis, male fertility, and cancer.
The first Quantum Nuova system is set to be delivered to QT Sense’s inaugural customer, the University Medical Center Groningen, where it will be used in advanced sepsis diagnostics at the Emergency and Acute Care Center.
In addition to the Quantum Nuova, QT Sense manufactures a specialized miniature incubator designed for multi-well plates. This device creates an optimized environment for cell cultures, regulating temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide levels to ensure optimal conditions for research and experimentation.
“QT Sense’s team represents a rare combination of deep quantum sensing expertise and a strong understanding of life sciences and product commercialization,” said Ton van Noordende, general partner at QDNL Participations. “It is this kind of exceptional team that will help move quantum sensing from the lab into real-world healthcare applications.”
With this new round of funding, QT Sense is poised to continue its mission to transform disease diagnostics and drug development, offering new avenues for precision medicine through quantum technology.
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