A $2.2 million funding boost from the Australian Government’s Critical Technologies Challenge Program will support FeBI Technologies in developing a quantum-based blood test to directly measure iron levels. The new technology aims to improve iron diagnosis, particularly within First Nations communities where existing tests often yield inaccurate results due to chronic health conditions.
Associate Professor David Simpson says the funding will support FeBI Technologies’ mission to improve access to advanced diagnostic tools in First Nations communities and to advance the diagnosis of iron disorders. The project builds on an initial grant and will strengthen partnerships with communities in the Northern Territory.
Quantum Sensing Measures Iron Directly, Addressing Diagnostic Limitations
This approach addresses a critical diagnostic gap, as existing tests can be inaccurate in individuals with chronic health conditions, a disparity disproportionately affecting First Nations peoples and leading to delayed treatment. “Iron is vital for health, and iron disorders affect up to one in three people globally,” said Dr Nicole Jenkins, highlighting the widespread need for improved diagnostics. The project received a $2.2M funding boost.
Through decades of research, we have developed quantum sensing technology that harnesses the fundamental properties of atoms and light to make physical measurements with unparalleled reliability and precision,” Associate Professor Simpson said. This funding will also strengthen existing partnerships with communities in Katherine, Northern Territory and expand the consortium to include new organizations like the Dijan Training Program and Planet Innovation.
Professor Sean Taylor, Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health group Onemda, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “Strong partnerships with First Nations communities and local health services are central to this work,” Professor Taylor said.
“This funding will help us build on our engagement in the Katherine region, ensuring community priorities guide the development of technology that could improve access to accurate iron testing and support culturally safe care, and better health outcomes, particularly for people facing geographical barriers to accessing health services.” Key project outcomes include increased First Nations participation in the quantum ecosystem, a functional prototype for clinical blood sample testing, and a robust plan for commercialization and regulatory approval. The team is using quantum sensing to directly measure iron’s magnetic properties in blood, aiming to improve health outcomes and wellbeing for First Nations communities.
Current iron tests are confounded by chronic health conditions, which disproportionately impact First Nations peoples, resulting in misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Dr Nicole Jenkins, FeBI Technologies
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