Insider Brief
- Q-CTRL has appointed quantum sensing expert Dr. Malo Cadoret as Principal Scientist to strengthen its quantum navigation and gravimetry capabilities.
- Dr. Cadoret will focus on advancing mobile quantum gravimeters to support applications including navigation, resource exploration, and underground target detection.
- The appointment supports Q-CTRL’s development of resilient, GPS-independent navigation systems validated across air, land, and maritime environments.
PRESS RELEASE — Q-CTRL, the global leader in quantum infrastructure software, today announced that quantum sensing pioneer Dr. Malo Cadoret has joined the company as a Principal Scientist.
Dr. Cadoret’s role within Q-CTRL’s Quantum Sensing Division will focus on advancing the company’s leadership in quantum gravimetry, accelerating the development of reliable mobile gravimeters capable of performing precise measurements relevant to applications like navigation, minerals prospecting, and underground target detection.
Q-CTRL is the first company to successfully bring commercial quantum navigation solutions to market through Ironstone Opal, its quantum-sensing-based system, which has been field-validated in air, land, and maritime trials. With partners including DARPA, the DIU, defense primes, and aerospace leaders, Q-CTRL is providing a resilient solution to GPS denial that is unjammable, unspoofable, and undetectable, and offers 100x improvement over typical GPS-backup alternatives.
Q-CTRL’s primary quantum navigation technology is based on comparing local measurements of Earth’s magnetic field against a pre-existing map, an approach that enables precise positioning no matter how long a mission is. The company is also developing a complementary technology based on measurements of gravity using another form of quantum sensor. In combination, these two technologies provide a comprehensive suite of measurements to ensure resilient navigation across all operating domains.
Dr. Cadoret has co-authored the world-first technical demonstrations of mobile quantum gravimeters functioning on both aircraft and sea-surface vessels. These works place him as one of the world’s most renowned experts in real-world quantum gravimetry, and give him special insights into the true challenges of quantum sensor deployment for defense and commercial applications.
“I am delighted to be joining Q-CTRL, whose recent demonstrations highlight its strong ability to turn advanced quantum technologies into reliable, real-world systems,” said Dr. Cadoret. “My experience has focused on the development of sensors based on atomic interferometry in dynamic environments, and I am excited to leverage this background to help address the remaining challenges and contribute to the delivery of next-generation navigation and other mission-critical sensing applications in demanding operational environments.”
Before joining Q-CTRL, Dr. Cadoret served as an associate professor at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (Paris, France) and research associate at the French Aerospace Lab ONERA (Paris Saclay – University). He has a Doctorate in Physics from École Normale Supérieure.
“Dr. Cadoret has pushed boundaries within the quantum sensing discipline, including key developments in improving sensitivity, reducing size, and increasing the portability and robustness of quantum sensors,” said Michael Hush, Chief Scientist at Q-CTRL. “As we continue to prioritize the rapid development of quantum navigation solutions across air, land, and sea, we’re confident that Dr. Cadoret’s exceptional experience will help us further unlock the power of quantum navigation for industry and defense, and look forward to working together.”
Q-CTRL has assembled one of the largest and most prominent teams of quantum sensing and navigation specialists globally in support of its Ironstone Opal product line. The group includes Aaron Canciani, the world’s leading authority on magnetic navigation. With a focus on advancing both software and hardware development for real-world deployment on manned and autonomous systems, Q-CTRL will continue to augment its quantum navigation technology for commercial and defense missions.
