A groundbreaking innovation from the University of Stuttgart could revolutionize industries worldwide, as researchers introduce palm-sized quantum sensors capable of assessing food shelf life, chemical processes, and more. The university spin-off, SpinMagIC, has secured funding under Germany’s EXIST Research Transfer Program, backed by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK). The two-year funding will enable the team to refine its technology and prepare for market entry.

Miniature Quantum Sensors: A Giant Leap Forward

SpinMagIC’s innovation centers on electron spin resonance (ESR) technology, traditionally found in devices weighing over a ton and priced in the hundreds of thousands of euros. ESR measures free radicals — highly reactive molecules that influence food decomposition, chemical stability, and environmental factors. By drastically miniaturizing ESR devices, SpinMagIC delivers the same precision in a compact, hand-held form factor that could democratize access to quantum sensing solutions.

“This quantum sensor technology is already just around the corner. Now we need to launch it on the market with full momentum,” said Prof. Jens Anders, head of the research team at the university’s Institute for Smart Sensors.

How Does It Work?

The sensor combines advanced microchip technology and a 3D-printed lightweight magnet — weighing just 40 grams — to generate the necessary magnetic field. Measuring no larger than a square millimeter, the chip interacts with liquid samples:

1. The sensor excites the unpaired electrons in the sample.
2. It detects their quantum response, which correlates to the concentration of free radicals.
3. Results are displayed instantly, providing fast and reliable insights into product quality.

The sensor can be directly immersed into a liquid or used alongside a micropump for sample delivery.

Belal Alnajjar, a physicist on the team, emphasized the innovation’s precision:
“The rings are selected to ensure that the magnetic field is highly homogeneous.”

From Lab to Market

SpinMagIC is a collaborative effort, uniting expertise in engineering, physics, and business from Stuttgart and Berlin. The team includes:

• Belal Alnajjar and Anh Chu (Stuttgart): Focused on developing the core technology, including the sensor’s microchip and magnet.
• Michele Segantini (Berlin): Exploring industry applications, particularly food quality testing.
• Jakob Fitschen: Leading the business strategy, ensuring financial sustainability and scalability.

The startup’s name, SpinMagIC, encapsulates its core components: “Spin” for electron spins, “Mag” for magnetic fields, and “IC” for integrated circuits.

Immediate Applications: Food Quality and Beyond

SpinMagIC’s first target market is the food industry, where shelf-life measurement and product quality assessment are critical. The sensors can determine freshness, detect spoilage, and provide critical insights for manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers alike.

Anh Chu, a key developer, explained:
“Extremely small, incredibly affordable, and with very high measurement accuracy — this is exactly what the food industry needs.”

Beyond food, the technology holds significant potential in:

• Battery diagnostics: Assessing rechargeable battery health and performance.
• Environmental monitoring: Measuring air and water contamination levels.
• Chemical manufacturing: Optimizing catalytic processes.
• Pharmaceuticals: Ensuring chemical consistency and purity.

Looking to the Future

While the current prototype is compact, the team has ambitious plans to further miniaturize the technology, eventually integrating it into wearables like smartwatches.

“We have a fixed budget from the BMWK for the next two years,” said Chu. “But we are also open to venture capitalists and private investors to accelerate our growth.”

The Road Ahead

SpinMagIC’s palm-sized quantum sensors represent a paradigm shift for industries reliant on precise chemical measurements. By combining portability, affordability, and quantum-level accuracy, the startup is poised to attract pilot customers and venture funding within the next two years.

As quantum technology continues to evolve, SpinMagIC is set to lead the way, proving that big breakthroughs can come in small packages.