QT Sense

QT Sense B.V., based in Groningen, Netherlands, is a leading company in quantum sensing technology, aiming to transform biomedical research by providing detailed insights into cellular processes. Their flagship product, Quantum Nuova, is an advanced single-cell Nano-MRI platform that enables researchers to monitor oxidative stress and its effects on health conditions with exceptional precision.

Quantum Nuova utilizes nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamonds to perform quantum measurements. Functionalized nanodiamonds are introduced into cells, where NV centers detect magnetic field variations caused by free radicals. This method, known as T1 relaxometry, allows for non-invasive, real-time monitoring of free radical concentrations at the sub-cellular level, providing valuable data on cellular responses to oxidative stress.

QT Sense's technology has been instrumental in various research areas. In antibiotic studies, it has provided insights into acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity by localizing free radical production within cells, advancing drug resistance research. In immune response research, measuring free radicals has offered understanding into the dynamics of oxidative stress, confirming increased free radicals in cells exposed to zinc. In arthritis studies, the diamond-based technique has differentiated between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in patient samples, revealing drug effects like piroxicam on reducing free radicals. Regarding male fertility, the technology has investigated oxidative stress in semen, detecting free radicals in real-time and identifying NOX5 as a principal source during the capacitation process of boar sperm cells. In cancer research, functionalized fluorescent nanodiamonds have been used to deliver cancer drugs directly into HeLa cells, ensuring sustained release over 72 hours and allowing measurement of the drug's impact on free radical generation at the site of release.

QT Sense has established a significant partnership with the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), focusing on early sepsis detection. In February 2025, the company secured €6 million in funding from QDNL Participations, angel investors, and Interreg Europe grants. This investment supports the refinement of Quantum Nuova and its deployment in clinical settings.

Leading experts have recognized the impact of QT Sense's technology. Prof. Geert van den Bogaart from the Department of Molecular Immunology at UMCG noted, "Using relaxometry, we were able to quantify free radical generation in dendritic cells in real time." Dr. Olga Shenderova, CEO of Adamas Nanotechnologies in the USA, stated, "The technology behind QT Sense is a great asset for the characterization of nanodiamond particles and optimizing them towards sensing applications."

Through continuous innovation and collaboration, QT Sense B.V. is poised to advance our understanding of complex diseases, contributing to the development of more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.