Quantum technology is often associated with quantum computing. But some of the most commercially relevant applications may emerge sooner in quantum sensing—where quantum effects are used to measure physical phenomena with exceptional precision.
A recent European Space Agency programme illustrates this transition. Honeywell Aerospace, Quantum Brilliance and Jagiellonian University are developing a compact quantum magnetometer designed to measure Earth's magnetic field from orbit, with delivery targeted for 2027.
The significance goes beyond a single space instrument. Traditional sensors have powered Earth observation and spacecraft missions for decades. Quantum sensing opens the possibility of making these instruments smaller, more sensitive and more power-efficient, potentially enabling capabilities that were previously impractical for smaller satellites and autonomous systems.
Quantum Brilliance's approach uses nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centres in synthetic diamond. Unlike many quantum technologies that require cryogenic environments, diamond-based quantum sensors can operate at room temperature, making them particularly attractive for compact, deployable systems.
Quantum magnetometers and related quantum sensors could support applications across space and Earth observation, navigation, geophysics, autonomous systems and scientific instrumentation.
The broader trend is important: quantum technologies are increasingly being engineered for environments where size, power consumption, robustness and scalability matter as much as raw laboratory performance.
We believe the next phase of quantum innovation will not be defined solely by the race to build larger quantum computers. It will also be defined by the miniaturisation, integration and deployment of quantum technologies into existing systems.
For investors, that creates an opportunity at the intersection of quantum, photonics, semiconductors and advanced sensing. Technologies that can deliver quantum-level performance while operating at room temperature, consuming little power and integrating into conventional hardware have a potentially broad path to commercialisation.
At Cloudberry Ventures, this sits squarely within our Scaling Compute investment thesis. We look for technologies that address fundamental limitations in today's computing and information infrastructure—and quantum sensing is another example of how advances at the intersection of physics, materials and hardware can unlock new capabilities.
The future of quantum may not only be about computing information. It may be about sensing the world itself—with unprecedented precision.
Source: Aerospace Global News