A startup focused on quantum timing technology has secured the £25,000 grand prize at the Reuben Entrepreneurship Forum.
Cloq, which is creating smaller and more affordable quantum clocks, claimed the top honour at the event, which is entering its fourth edition.
Joel Klein, a physics researcher at Christ Church, established the company alongside partners.
The presentation for the winning concept was handled by David McMahon, pursuing doctoral studies in atomic and laser physics.
Quantum clocks represent an emerging class of devices that leverage atomic properties to achieve unprecedented timing accuracy.
These instruments hold potential for enhancing satellite navigation, telecommunications, and experimental science through their superior precision capabilities.
Klein noted that the chance to engage with Oxford’s intellectual property under the guidance of dedicated mentors at Oxford Edge had proven extremely valuable.
He described his enjoyment of skill development within a supportive atmosphere and expressed enthusiasm about the company’s future direction.
Prior to this achievement, Cloq finished as runner-up at Oxford Edge’s StEP Demo Day.
The founders now look ahead to the Stage Two competition scheduled for Berlin in October.
The four individuals behind Cloq first connected through Oxford Edge’s eight-week StEP accelerator programme, operated jointly with Oxford University Innovation.
Their quantum clock technology stems from research conducted by Professor Arzhang Ardavan and collaborators in the physics department at Oxford, protected under university patent rights.
The timing mechanism operates by confining a nitrogen atom within a buckminsterfullerene molecular structure to provide enhanced accuracy for sectors previously unable to afford such instrumentation.
Last month’s StEP Demo Day named Cloq among three victorious groups, securing £5,000 in funding alongside advancement to the Berlin competition.
The company will represent Oxford at Stage Two while simultaneously validating the strongest commercial applications with prospective customers.