)
Geelong-based deep-tech startup Space CoLAB has secured pre-seed funding from global early-stage venture capital firm Antler to develop the world’s strongest quantum data communications system which is being designed and built entirely in Australia.
Space CoLAB, which was founded in 2023 by Carley Scott, is engineering a room-temperature, diamond-based quantum communications platform, known as HaloCore, which the company says overcomes the field’s most persistent barriers, namely harvest risk and the dependence on cryogenic cooling.
The result is a system designed to deliver improved data rates for secure quantum data transmission across distances of up to 10km without fibre infrastructure.
While Space CoLAB has not disclosed the size of the investment from Antler, the startup says its HaloCore solution is poised to reshape allied defence conversations around secure communications through a field-focused technology that has “long eluded researchers and industry alike”.
According to Scott, who led the development and approval of Australia’s first commercial spaceport, Antler’s backing reflects growing confidence that Space CoLAB is on track to breakthrough a fundamental challenge in quantum communications.
“Quantum communications can literally freeze in the lab, requiring cryogenics to function,” she says.
“We’re taking a different approach to make real-world, leap-frog security deployment possible for defence, space and critical infrastructure.
“The challenge is significant. What we’re working on isn’t incremental. It’s a step-change.
“For this journey, having the best people around us is a priority.”
Scott, a former CEO of Equatorial Launch Australia which undertook Australia's first commercial space launch at Arnhem Space Centre, has served on national advisory boards in the space, science and manufacturing sectors.
Amrit Bagia, founding team member and COO, is a former White House National Security Council director who brings global intelligence, strategy and innovation leadership to the startup.
Scott says Melbourne’s “deep bench of quantum expertise” makes it the natural home for the company’s ambitions.
“Australia has world-leading capability in diamond physics, quantum research and precision manufacturing, and Melbourne sits at the centre of that.
“We’re not just building a company here. We’re showing that sovereign deep tech can lead globally.”
Space CoLAB says it has successfully demonstrated a virtual model showing fidelity levels surpassing global benchmarks, with independent validation from leading quantum physicists.
The startup notes that its work points to “a scalable path beyond conventional quantum key distribution", which is a secure communication method that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to distribute cryptographic keys.
Scott was recently named “best presenter” at the AMDA Indo-Pacific Innovation Pitch, where a panel of defence leaders and venture capitalists recognised the company’s potential to reshape secure communications across AUKUS-aligned markets.
The startup has also signed a letter of intent with an undisclosed Australian spaceport operator to explore future deployment pathways, while it is also in “active discussions” with critical infrastructure and advanced manufacturing groups to identify joint applications.
Space CoLAB plans to focus on technical validation in 2026 ahead of a planned scale-up raise to support early deployments and commercial pilots.
)
