Bosch and Element Six Collaborate on Diamond Quantum Sensor

Bosch is taking a significant step by spinning out its quantum sensor startup into a joint venture with synthetic diamond maker Element Six. Quantum sensors have become a crucial technology area for Bosch, and the collaboration between the two companies has been ongoing for the past few years. Building on a decade of research at Bosch, they have successfully developed a quantum sensor prototype that is comparable in size to a modern smartphone. The ultimate objective of this joint venture is to integrate these advanced sensors onto a chip, marking a significant advancement in the field.

The newly formed entity, Bosch Quantum Sensing, will be headquartered in Ludwigsburg, Germany. The in-house company currently boasts a team of 30 dedicated staff members. Bosch will take the lead in the partnership, overseeing operations, while Element Six will hold a 25 percent stake in the venture. Although specific financial details have not been disclosed, the collaboration signifies a strategic move for both companies to capitalize on the potential of quantum sensor technology.

Element Six, a subsidiary of diamond firm De Beers and part of mining giant Umicore, is ramping up production of its diamond substrates to 4-inch single crystal wafers. These synthetic diamonds are engineered with nitrogen vacancies that enable them to detect magnetic fields as low as picoTesla at room temperature. This unique capability positions diamond-based quantum sensors for a wide array of applications, ranging from aircraft navigation to advancements in medical technology.

One promising application of this technology lies in the realm of mobility, where it could revolutionize navigation systems, offering a robust alternative to traditional GPS solutions. By the mid-2020s, Bosch anticipates that the global market potential for medical and mobility applications utilizing quantum sensors could reach an impressive $6 billion annually. This underscores the immense opportunities presented by quantum sensor technology across various sectors.

Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch, emphasized the strategic importance of quantum sensors, stating, “Quantum sensors are a future technology with huge potential. They will bring about fundamental changes in many sectors of our economy, and improve people’s lives.” Katrin Kobe, CEO of Bosch Quantum Sensing, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the goal of making quantum sensor technology economically viable for industrial-scale production to drive innovation and set new standards for precision and efficiency.

Siobhán Duffy, CEO of Element Six, expressed enthusiasm about the joint venture with Bosch, emphasizing the alignment with Element Six’s contribution to De Beers Group’s Origins strategy. The integration of synthetic diamond technology with Bosch Quantum Sensing’s expertise is expected to unlock new possibilities in critical sectors such as healthcare and navigation. This collaboration signifies a significant step forward in harnessing the potential of quantum sensor technology for transformative applications.