SLB invites startups, entrepreneurs, and early‑stage ventures to submit proposals for commercial applications of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) and associated technologies that leverage their unique optical and quantum‑sensing properties. This initiative aims to accelerate the transition of FND‑enabled concepts from academic research into scalable, real‑world products.
About SLB and Schlumberger‑Doll Research
SLB is a global technology and innovation company with a long history of developing advanced technologies across a wide range of industries. The opportunity is coordinated by Schlumberger‑Doll Research (SDR) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, SLB’s corporate research center focused on breakthrough technologies with 10– 15 year impact horizons.
SLB has developed an industrial‑scale process to produce quantum‑grade FNDs at volume, removing a key barrier to commercialization and opening the door to new industrial and societal applications. Proposals may address, but are not limited to, applications:
- Biomedical sensing, imaging, and diagnostics
- Quantum sensing and quantum‑enabled devices
- Security labeling and anti‑counterfeiting
- Strain, magnetic, or electric field sensing
- Telecommunications and advanced materials characterization
- Both hardware‑ and system‑level innovations are welcome, including technology to develop a scaleable add-on quantum sensing package compatible with commercial fluorescence microscope systems. Full
What Selected Teams May Receive
Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis by SLB technical experts and business leaders. Selected ventures may be offered a combination of:
- In‑kind support, which may include:
- Financial support
Proposal Guidance
Please read the full Call of Proposals
Applications deadline: May 10, 2026
Submissions should focus on non‑confidential information only and clearly describe:
A standardized proposal template and contact information will be provided through the hosting channel.
Interested teams are encouraged to reach out informally with questions or submit a formal proposal through the MIT Startup Challenge . This is an opportunity to collaborate with SLB in shaping the next generation of FND‑enabled commercial technologies.
Disclaimer: MIT Startup Exchange can make introductions that ideally provide open ended discussions in order to share mutual interests and potentially create common ground that incite the parties to collaborate. MIT Startup Exchange introductions may eventually lead to mutual partnerships, but that is not in any way guaranteed by MIT, MIT Corporate Relations, MIT Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) or MIT Startup Exchange, which takes no responsibility for these outcomes and no formal part in such discussions following our introduction. MIT Startup Exchange and its activities and events are not for purposes of soliciting investment or offering securities.