TIME Names Q-CTRL’s Ironstone Opal One of the Best Inventions of 2025

On October 9, 2025, TIME magazine recognized Q-CTRL’s Ironstone Opal as one of the best inventions of the year. This groundbreaking technology represents a huge leap in navigation systems, especially in situations where traditional GPS fails. As our world becomes more connected and reliant on technology, the need for reliable navigation grows. Ironstone Opal steps up to meet this demand and offers a solution to a growing problem: GPS jamming and spoofing.

Ironstone Opal uses quantum sensing to guide aircraft and ships accurately, even when GPS signals are disrupted. Jamming refers to intentionally blocking GPS signals, while spoofing means sending false signals to mislead devices. These threats put many military and commercial operations at risk. With Ironstone Opal, Q-CTRL has created a navigation tool that maintains accuracy without relying on vulnerable satellite signals.

During airborne trials, Ironstone Opal achieved an impressive accuracy of just 4 meters over distances of 700 kilometers. This performance surpassed conventional GPS alternatives by an astonishing factor of 111. Traditional navigation systems struggle to match this level of precision under similar conditions, often reaching accuracies between 400 and 500 meters. Ironstone Opal's quantum sensors maintain sub-centimeter precision, even during rapid turns or sudden altitude changes.

This extraordinary accuracy stems from Q-CTRL's proprietary software that stabilizes and calibrates the quantum sensors. The software ensures that the system functions seamlessly during dynamic maneuvers, making it ideal for both military missions and commercial flights. By providing accurate navigation without the vulnerabilities tied to satellite systems, Ironstone Opal creates a safer environment for pilots and crews.

Q-CTRL also tested Ironstone Opal in maritime conditions aboard the Australian Navy’s MV Sycamore. Over an incredible span of 144 hours, the vessel navigated solely using gravimetric navigation powered by quantum sensors. Gravimetric navigation detects slight variations in Earth’s gravitational field, serving as natural landmarks for positioning. Ironstone Opal's sensors sense these variations with remarkable sensitivity and cross-reference them against detailed geophysical maps to pinpoint the vessel's location.

The success of this trial highlights two important facts: first, Ironstone Opal can sustain accurate navigation for long periods; second, it can do so under challenging real-world conditions like saltwater environments and electromagnetic noise. Traditional inertial navigation systems often require frequent updates from external sources to maintain accuracy during extended use. In contrast, Ironstone Opal demonstrates its reliability by operating independently for days at a time.

Q-CTRL's innovative approach has attracted attention from major defense contractors like Northrop Grumman. The company recognizes that quantum-based navigation systems represent a strategic advantage in today’s complex threat landscape. Jonathan Green, Chief Technology Officer at Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, emphasized how quantum sensing offers resilience against jamming and denial attacks.

This recognition from industry leaders underscores why Ironstone Opal matters beyond just being another gadget. It provides a critical solution for various sectors—ranging from military operations to commercial aviation—and enhances safety by protecting against potential disruptions caused by adversarial actions.

Quantum technology is transforming many fields, including computing and communications. Now it is stepping into the world of navigation as well. Understanding how these advancements work helps us appreciate their significance in everyday life. For instance:

  • Military Operations: Troops rely on precise location data for planning strategies and executing missions.

  • Commercial Aviation: Airlines depend on accurate navigation to ensure timely flights while avoiding potential hazards.

  • Maritime Travel: Ships use reliable navigation systems to traverse vast oceans safely.

As our reliance on technology continues to grow, innovations like Ironstone Opal ensure that we can navigate confidently through challenges posed by modern threats.

In conclusion, Q-CTRL’s Ironstone Opal represents a significant advancement in quantum sensing technology that transforms how we approach navigation today. By combining cutting-edge quantum sensors with robust software solutions, this invention not only wins accolades but also offers real-world applications across various sectors. As we look ahead into an increasingly complex technological future, tools like Ironstone Opal will play an essential role in keeping us on course—no matter what obstacles arise along the way.