Australia's first National Quantum Strategy released

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic yesterday released Australia’s first National Quantum Strategy, setting out a long-term vision for how Australia will take advantage of the opportunities of quantum technologies.

Quantum technology uses the study of the smallest building blocks in nature — subatomic particles — to help solve some of the biggest challenges we face, such as the development of new medicines, efficient battery storage and safeguarding cyber infrastructure. It is estimated that quantum industries could create up to 19,400 direct jobs for Australia, with $5.9 billion of revenue by 2045.

Set to help guide collaboration between research pioneers, industry partners, startups and the government, the new strategy is based on extensive consultation across industry, researchers and the community led by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, with guidance from the National Quantum Advisory Committee. It identifies five priority areas:

• Investing in R&D and commercialisation
• Securing infrastructure and materials
• Growing a skilled workforce
• Supporting national interests
• Promoting a trusted, ethical, inclusive ecosystem.
   

“I can’t emphasise this enough: quantum technologies will be truly transformative,” Husic said.

“We are already seeing how quantum sensing equipment is making a huge difference for industry.

“In time, quantum computing will unleash incredible computing power that can phenomenally outperform traditional computing.

“By pairing a National Quantum Strategy with the National Reconstruction Fund, we’re aiming to turn Australia into a global technology leader, building stronger industry and creating jobs for the future.”

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA), home to the Australian Quantum Alliance, has welcomed the release of the new strategy, with CEO Kate Pounder describing it as a pivotal step in cementing Australia’s leadership in this critical sector.

“Quantum technology is at an inflection point,” Pounder said. “Australia is a leader in the research and development of quantum technology. We have built leading home-grown companies and attracted some of the world’s leading global companies in quantum to undertake research in Australia.

“The National Quantum Strategy provides national leadership at a crucial time for Australia’s quantum industry.

“Our challenge is to now become a leader in commercialisation. Early commercialisation will deliver billions of dollars in economic value and thousands of jobs by 2030 globally and in Australia, while supporting our strategic and national security objectives.

“We welcome the strategy’s focus on improving investment and commercialisation opportunities for quantum in Australia as these are crucial to get right.”

Pounder said the nation’s strength in quantum has been the product of decades of strong government support — as a result, Australia is already home to more than 3% of global quantum startups and attracts 3.6% of global venture capital investment.

“We look forward to working with the government to build on these existing measures and help propel our quantum sector toward an even brighter future,” she said.

Also commenting on the news was Professor Emma Johnston, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at The University of Sydney. She said it is “heartening to see such an ambitious strategy for quantum technologies”, and looks forward to working with the Australian Government to deliver on the promise of quantum technologies.

“Combined with continued and deepening investment in fundamental research through the Australian Research Council and other government initiatives, this can deliver a positive platform to deliver Australia’s quantum future,” she said.

Image credit: iStock.com/Bartlomiej Wroblewski