Quantum Technology Expert to Discuss Quantum Sensors for Defense Applications at Office of Naval Research (ONR)

Michael J. Biercuk, founder and CEO of Q-CTRL, will describe how quantum sensors may provide exceptional new capabilities to the warfighter at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) on Jan. 13, 2020, as part of the ONR's 2020 Distinguished Lecture Series.

Quantum sensing is considered one of the most promising areas in the global research effort to leverage the exotic properties of quantum physics for real-world benefit. In his lecture titled "Quantum Control as a Means to Improve Quantum Sensing in Realistic Environments," Biercuk will describe how new concepts in quantum control engineering applied to these sensors could dramatically enhance standoff detection and precision navigation and timing in military settings.

Biercuk is one of the world's leading experts in the field of quantum technology. In 2017, he founded Q-CTRL based on research he led at the Quantum Control Lab at the University of Sydney, where he is a professor of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technology.

Funded by some of the world's leading investors, including Silicon Valley-based Sierra Ventures and Sequoia Capital, Q-CTRL is dedicated to helping teams realize the true potential of quantum hardware, from sensing to quantum computing. In quantum computing, the team is known for its efforts in reducing hardware errors caused by environmental "noise." Computational errors are considered a major obstacle in the development of useful quantum computers and sought-after breakthroughs in science and industry.

Now in its 11^th year, the ONR Distinguished Lecture Series features groundbreaking innovators who have made a major impact on past research or are working on discoveries for the future. It is designed to stimulate discussion and collaboration among scientists and engineers representing Navy research, the Department of Defense, industry and academia.

Past speakers include Michael Posner, recipient of the National Medal of Science; Mark Hersam, MacArthur Genius Award recipient and leading experimentalist in the field of nanotechnology; and Dr. Robert Ballard, the deep-sea explorer best-known for recovering the wreck of the RMS Titanic.

"I am honored to be taking part in this renowned lecture series," Biercuk said. "Quantum technology, which harnesses quantum physics as a resource, is likely to be as transformational in the 21^st century as harnessing electricity was in the 19^th. I look forward to sharing insights into how Q-CTRL's efforts can accelerate the development of this new field of technology for defense applications."

About the Office of Naval Research

The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 55 countries, 634 institutions of higher learning and nonprofit institutions, and more than 960 industry partners.

ABOUT Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL was founded in November 2017 and is a venture-capital-backed company that provides control-engineering software solutions to help customers harness the power of quantum physics in next-generation technologies.

Q-CTRL is built on Professor Michael J. Biercuk's research leading the Quantum Control Lab at the University of Sydney, where he is a Professor of Quantum Physics and Quantum Technology.

The team's expertise led Q-CTRL to be selected as an inaugural member of the IBM Q startup network in 2018. Q-CTRL is funded by SquarePeg Capital, Sierra Ventures, Sequoia Capital China, Data Collective, Horizons Ventures and Main Sequence Ventures.