Quantum Australia established to drive national quantum innovation
The new centre, Quantum Australia, represents an ambitious national endeavour aimed at strengthening Australia’s quantum technology sector. This pioneering organisation unites Australia’s top research institutions, industry leaders, and quantum-focused enterprises. Its aims to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technology by fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and nurturing a vibrant quantum ecosystem.
Funded by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, and administered by the University of Sydney, Quantum Australia aims to fundamentally shift the dial on the translation of quantum technologies, and position Australia as a global leader in this transformative domain.
The Director of the University of Sydney Nano Institute, Professor Stephen Bartlett, has been instrumental in the formation of the consortium to establish Quantum Australia. As its foundation director and board member, he believes that the centre gives momentum to the National Quantum Strategy.
“The University of Sydney is very proud to host this initiative. Quantum Australia will help accelerate and shape our quantum future: deepening our science, building entrepreneurial support, growing the quantum workforce, and ensuring an equitable and ethical ecosystem.”
Quantum Australia is poised to roll out an array of programmes that dovetail with the aims of the ACQG programme:
Quantum Ecosystem Development: This initiative is designed to establish a network of resources to facilitate industries’ journey from quantum curious to quantum advocates, bolstering nationwide collaboration and understanding of the potential presented by quantum technologies.
Partnerships programme: Zeroing in on industry expansion, this programme is focused on uncovering new industry opportunities for quantum technology, leveraging expertise to translate quantum research into real-world applications, and bolstering the quantum workforce in Australia.
Entrepreneurship Support Programme: Recognising entrepreneurship’s pivotal role in quantum innovation, this programme is geared towards drawing and nurturing quantum startups and fostering an ongoing culture of quantum innovation in Australia.
At the core of Quantum Australia’s ethos is the drive to foster an equitable and ethical quantum sector. ACQG initiatives such as Quantum Safe Industry workshop, IP Roundtable, and Elevating Quantum Women’s Voices are essential for cultivating a diverse and inclusive quantum workforce, ensuring opportunities reach a wide array of Australians.
Australia consistently ranks within the world’s top five countries for high impact quantum research and quantum computing patents. With one of the largest quantum workforces in the world, Australia is now the home of world-leading companies in quantum software, cybersecurity, sensing technologies and quantum computing.
The ACQG programme’s grant to Quantum Australia marks a significant milestone for the nation’s quantum industry, symbolising a united front to encourage innovation, collaboration, and talent development.
Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, said quantum computing will give Australia the technological muscle to develop a thriving home-grown manufacturing industry.
“Australian researchers have been responsible for some of the most important quantum breakthroughs, so we have an edge in this critical technology.”
“This investment and the Government’s support of quantum is about sharpening that edge and making sure it delivers an economic return for Australia in the shape of new jobs in new industries.”
The National Quantum Strategy sets out a long-term vision of how Australia can take advantage of the opportunities that quantum technologies present. The government support for Quantum Australia places it in a strong position to guide the national quantum industry towards unprecedented growth, capitalising on the collective expertise of research institutions, industry partners, and governmental agencies.
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