Bosch and Element Six’s Artificial Diamonds Cut Through Quantum Frontiers

Stuttgart, Germany, April 7, 2025 — Bosch partners with synthetic diamond expert Element Six to launch Bosch Quantum Sensing, a new joint venture aimed at improving quantum sensor technology. Based in Ludwigsburg, Germany, the venture combines Bosch’s expertise in industrial-scale manufacturing with Element Six’s advanced synthetic diamond solutions to address high-growth markets in healthcare, mobility, and natural resource exploration.

Fast-tracked innovation in quantum sensors

Synthetic diamonds, particularly those with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers, are essential to the next generation of quantum technology. These diamonds enable quantum sensors to detect ultrafine magnetic fields, offering unprecedented accuracy and operating efficiently at room temperature. Unlike natural diamonds, these lab-grown variations are engineered to balance performance and affordability for industrial applications.

Quantum sensors are already finding use in several cutting-edge applications. They are utilized in medical imaging to measure subtle changes in magnetic fields within the human body, enabling advancements such as improved brain activity scans or cardiac diagnostics. Navigation systems also benefit, with quantum sensors offering more accurate alternatives to traditional GPS, particularly in environments where satellite signals are unreliable, such as underground or underwater. Additionally, mineral exploration relies on the precision of these sensors to map subsurface conditions with far greater detail.

Looking ahead, Bosch Quantum Sensing envisions new possibilities such as integrating quantum sensors into autonomous vehicles for enhanced navigation and obstacle detection. The technology also shows promise in healthcare wearables, where smaller, more portable quantum sensors could enable real-time monitoring of vital signs or early disease detection. Industrial manufacturing could see applications in precise non-invasive testing of materials, while quantum-enhanced sensors may make strides in environmental monitoring and even quantum-enhanced cryptography.

Market potential and strategic advantage

Bosch forecasts the quantum sensor market to grow into a multi-billion-euro opportunity by the next decade, driven by demand in sectors like medical technology and mobility. While companies like Quantum Brilliance and NVision are advancing diamond-based quantum tech in computing and imaging, Bosch Quantum Sensing sets itself apart by prioritizing industrial scalability and affordability. The venture’s focus on miniaturization and production-ready devices positions it uniquely in the competitive landscape.

Unlike Quantum Brilliance, which develops diamond-based quantum accelerators for computing, or startups like Diatope specializing in low-volume engineered diamonds, Bosch Quantum Sensing targets mass-market adoption. It also leverages decades of Bosch expertise in advanced sensor integration, paired with Element Six’s leadership in producing quantum-grade diamond materials.

The Bosch-Element Six partnership signals a step toward commercializing quantum technology for real-world applications. With synthetic diamond-enabled sensors that are compact and cost-efficient, this venture could transform multiple industries, making quantum innovation accessible and impactful on a global scale. From healthcare and navigation to industrial manufacturing and beyond, the practical use cases for quantum sensors continue to grow, potentially reshaping how businesses and consumers interact with the world.

YouTube: Quantum Sensing Technology – Unlocking New Dimensions | Bosch Future Insights (promotional clip)

Photo credit: All images shown are owned by Bosch and were made available as part of a press release for media usage.
Source: Bosch press release