Andrew Lamb on Pioneering Quantum Sensors and Embracing Flexibility

Andrew Lamb, the chief technology officer (CTO) and co-founder of Delta.g, has made significant strides in the field of quantum technology. Based in Birmingham, the company specializes in quantum gravity sensors, having recently achieved notable milestones, including the delivery of the first industry-developed quantum gravity gradiometer under contract to the UK Department for Transport.

Under Lamb’s leadership, Delta.g received the 2025 qBIG prize from the Institute of Physics, recognizing the innovation and commercialization of quantum technologies in the UK and Ireland. Lamb, alongside colleagues Jonathan Winch and Benjamin Adams, was also honored with the 2025 Clifford Paterson Medal and Prize for their work on the first commercial quantum sensor for gravity gradients, demonstrating its practical relevance to transport applications.

Building Groundbreaking Technology

Quantum sensors consist of various components working in unison. This includes a sensor head that contains atoms while isolating them from environmental interference, a laser system to probe quantum structures, and sophisticated electronics and software that drive the device’s performance. As CTO, Lamb’s role encompasses overseeing these technical aspects, setting research and development priorities, and acting as the company’s leading technical authority.

In a rapidly evolving field such as quantum metrology, Lamb emphasizes the importance of evidence-based decision-making. He notes that challenges often arise that may be unprecedented, requiring a deep dive into the underlying causes of problems. “Once the root cause is identified, a creative solution needs to be found,” he explains. This could involve devising entirely new methods or borrowing strategies from other disciplines.

The collaborative nature of Delta.g’s multidisciplinary team allows for a rich exchange of knowledge and expertise. Lamb believes that surrounding oneself with specialists opens numerous opportunities for learning and growth.

Insights on Career Development

Before co-founding Delta.g, Lamb honed his technical skills as a researcher at the University of Birmingham. Transitioning to a start-up environment, he focused on overcoming operational, regulatory, and technical challenges to introduce a disruptive product to the market. This shift highlighted the value of a diverse team, which enhances the company’s innovative capabilities.

As CTO, Lamb finds himself at the intersection of technical and commercial domains. This dual responsibility involves translating commercial objectives into actionable scientific plans while articulating complex scientific progress to non-expert stakeholders. “This can be challenging and quite stressful at times,” he admits, especially when striving to present scientific advancements in an accessible manner.

Reflecting on his career journey, Lamb acknowledges that he once struggled to find a clear direction. He has since realized that the lack of a predefined path does not hinder progress. “Instead of fixating on finding a perfect path early on, it’s far more valuable to focus on developing skills that open doors,” he states. Technical, managerial, or commercial knowledge, he believes, is never wasted.

Lamb also wishes he had recognized earlier the importance of remaining open to new opportunities. “Every pivotal point in my career came from being willing to make a shift when an opportunity appeared,” he notes. His experiences illustrate that flexibility and curiosity can lead to significant advancements, often more so than meticulously planned trajectories.

In a field as dynamic as quantum technology, Andrew Lamb’s insights serve as a reminder that adaptability and a continuous thirst for knowledge are vital components of success.