Singapore-based deep tech startup Atomionics has received a $12.7 million Pre-Series A round to rapidly scale its quantum gravimetry sensors for mineral discovery.

The firm said in a statement on Tuesday that the Pre-Series A round was led by Paspalis and includes BHP Ventures, In-Q-Tel, Wavemaker, VU Venture Partners, SG Growth Capital, Alex Turnbull, among others, bringing a diverse mix of strategic expertise to Atomionics’ global expansion efforts.

In Australia, Atomionics will expand nationwide with the strategic backing of Paspalis, establishing an office and building capabilities across the country.

Early deployments and test-bedding opportunities are already underway in the Northern Territory on behalf of Paspalis, which offers vast potential to support humanity’s critical mineral needs but remains underexplored.

The deployment of Gravio enables rapid, high-resolution mapping of these expansive terrains, positioning the Northern Territory as a vital launchpad for scaling the technology across the broader Australian market.

In North America, Atomionics will also establish a US office to expand its capabilities, focusing on resource exploration and potential dual-use applications for both commercial and defence sectors.

With backing from investors like In-Q-Tel, Atomionics will explore opportunities in national security and strategic resource applications, advancing both commercial and government partnerships.

With this latest funding round, Atomionics is doubling down on global expansion and advancing the next generation of resource exploration.

“We’re taking a critical step towards scaling quantum-driven exploration at a country level,

“The strategic capital from investors with an interest in both Australia and North America gives us a way to accelerate the deployment of our quantum gravity sensors,” said Sahil Tapiawala, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Atomionics.

“We will further use this capital to use quantum sensors to help find copper, lithium and other critical minerals, providing the mining and energy industries with an unprecedented ability to locate and assess resources sustainably,

“High-quality data is the foundation for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered decision-making, and our sensors have the potential to acquire the most detailed gravity datasets ever collected,” he added.

Atomionics is a deeptech startup specialising in quantum sensing technologies.

The firm’s Gravio device is the size of a portable, basketball-sized sensor and works like a “virtual X-ray” for the Earth to identify what could lie beneath the ground without ever penetrating the earth or emitting any electromagnetic radiation.

Their quantum gravimetry technology enables high-resolution subsurface mapping at speeds up to ten times faster than conventional methods by combining ultra-sensitive quantum sensors with AI-driven interpretation.

“Supporting Atomionics aligns with our vision of fostering technological innovation in the Northern Territory,

“Their quantum technology is set to revolutionize mineral exploration and strengthen Australia’s role in securing global critical mineral supply chains,” said Harley Paroulakis, Chief Executive Officer of Paspalis.

Laurel Buckner, Vice President Ventures at BHP, said Atomionics’ portable, high-resolution gravimetric sensor could unlock the ability to explore large areas of subsurface terrain quicker and more accurately than previously possible.

“Our investment in Atomionics supports BHP’s goal of producing metals and minerals that are essential to the global economy, increasing the world’s long-term supply of the essential resources needed to support global megatrends,” he added.

Justin Wilder, Managing Director in Singapore for In-Q-Tel said quantum sensing has the potential to transform not just commercial mineral exploration but also broader strategic applications.

“Atomionics’ expansion into North America will unlock new frontiers in resource discovery and national security, and we are excited to support their journey,” he added.

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