Element Six of De Beers Group is establishing a technology solutions business that leverages lab-grown diamonds to unlock new opportunities in high-value industries such as quantum technologies, semiconductors and water purification.

In November, the company announced an investment in Lightsynq, a new quantum interconnect startup that is building faster and more robust solutions to scale quantum computing, which can pave the way for computational capabilities in sectors like chemistry and cybersecurity. In recent years, scientific research has focused on single, small-scale quantum computers, but their use in real-world commercial applications has been limited because of challenges associated with scaling individual systems. However, Element Six’s engineered synthetic diamonds, thanks to their stability and the way they interact with light, will enable the solutions needed to create complex quantum connections.

“This is just one example of how Element Six is shaping the future of several high-tech industries through new synthetic diamond-enabled solutions,” the company said. 

In June 2024, De Beers announced that Element Six will enhance its focus on delivering high-tech industrial solutions as part of the company’s wider Origins strategy. Since then, several key collaborations have been announced, including partnerships with Japan’s Orbray to create the world’s highest-quality wafer-scale single crystal diamond; and with US-based Lummus Technology to introduce innovative methods for eliminating ‘PFAS’ – harmful ‘forever chemicals’ – from water.

As synthetic diamond paves the way towards novel applications for advanced technologies in high-value markets, Element Six said ti will continue to focus on commercialising synthetic diamond-enabled technology solutions, working in partnership with its global network of partners. 

Siobhán Duffy, CEO of Element Six, said, “Synthetic diamond has the potential to shape our future – from the water we drink to the internet connections our societies rely on. Element Six is proud to have innovation in its DNA; we have been a leader in the field for many decades and will continue to drive new opportunities and exciting applications through our pioneering synthetic diamond solutions and technology.”