Q-CTRL

Q-CTRL is a leading quantum technology company specializing in quantum control infrastructure software that makes quantum computing hardware more stable, reliable, and useful.

Founded in 2017 by Michael Biercuk, a quantum physicist from the University of Sydney, Q-CTRL has developed a comprehensive suite of quantum firmware and software tools that apply machine learning and control theory to reduce errors in quantum systems.

The company's products include Fire Opal for quantum circuit optimization, Black Opal for quantum computing education, and Boulder Opal for quantum control optimization.

Q-CTRL's technology has been validated on quantum computers from major providers including IBM, Google, and Rigetti, demonstrating significant improvements in quantum algorithm performance through error suppression and noise mitigation.

August 2025: DARPA selected Q-CTRL for the Robust Quantum Sensors (RoQS) program with an A$38M (US$24.4M) contract for field-validated quantum sensing technologies for high-performance military vehicles.

On September 16, 2025, Q-CTRL announced a strategic partnership with QUCAN Quantum Technologies (QUCAN), merging complementary strengths in quantum control software and hardware to deliver quantum sensing solutions optimized for real-world field deployment, initially targeting defense and aerospace applications.

On October 9, 2025, Q-CTRL's Ironstone Opal, a ruggedized quantum sensor system designed for navigation in GPS-denied environments, was named one of TIME magazine's Best Inventions of 2025, recognized for its ability to provide precise positioning data where traditional navigation systems fail.

Market positioning: critical infrastructure provider in quantum computing stack, expanding into defense quantum sensing with major DARPA backing.