University of Sydney scores $18.4 million from the federal government to launch ‘Quantum Australia’

The University of Sydney as won an $18.368 million grant to build a national industry hub, Quantum Australia, for the quantum computing sector.

The federal funding over four years for up to 75% of the cost of the centre, which is charged with raising awareness of quantum technology, fostering collaboration between industry and universities, encouraging the creation of more quantum startups, and connecting the sector more broadly.

University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Emma Johnston said Australia is among the top five countries in the world for high impact quantum research and quantum computing patents.

“The University is thrilled to accept this grant on behalf of Australia’s quantum ecosystem. Our stewardship of this new centre is in recognition of our commitment to research excellence, collaboration and translation,” she said

“Quantum technologies of the future will lift our capacity to tackle major global challenges, and we want Australia to remain at the forefront of this transformative work.”

Australia is home to more than 3% of global quantum startups, attracting 3.6% of global VC investment, more than double the country’s 1.6% share of global funding.

Quantum Australia will bring together leading Australian research institutions, industry partners and quantum companies, with a reach that will extend internationally.

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA), which also hosts the Australian Quantum Alliance (AQA), welcomed the federal support for ‘Quantum Australia’ as another important step forward in delivery of the National Quantum Strategy.

Acting CEO Ryan Black, said: “Quantum Australia – a centre focused on industry development – will help ensure our world-leading quantum research continues to be commercialised into cutting-edge technologies produced here in Australia.

“We are excited by the partnership the University of Sydney has brought together with industry leaders such as Q-CTRL and Quintessence Labs and academic partners such as Sydney Quantum Academy.”

Quantum information theorist Prof Stephen Bartlett, director of the University of Sydney Nano Institute, led the formation of the consortium to establish Quantum Australia and is its foundation director.

“Quantum Australia gives muscle and momentum to the national quantum strategy. Its arrival is a signal that industry, government and academia can work together to further press Australia’s quantum advantage,” he said.

“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 will deliver three key programs.

The Quantum Ecosystem Development program will deliver a deeply connected quantum stakeholder landscape with improved understanding of the potential for quantum technologies.

The Translation Accelerator program will grow the Australian quantum industry, unlock new use-cases for quantum technology, increase industry-academic research partnerships, and help grow the quantum workforce.

The Entrepreneurship Support program will attract quantum entrepreneurs nationwide and internationally, supporting them on their journey from experts to founders.

Programs such as our Quantum Safe Industry workshop, IP roundtable, and Elevating Quantum Women’s Voices will also feature to ensure an equitable, ethical, and secure quantum ecosystem.