Applications open under $36 million program for applying quantum technologies to national challenges

The federal government has called for applications from industry-research teams for the new $36 million Critical Technologies Challenge Program, aiming to “capture the power and potential of quantum technologies to address nationally significant challenges”. 

In a statement from industry minister Ed Husic on Wednesday, it was said that the program will speed up commercialisation for early-stage quantum technologies that address “market-led challenges of national significance.”

“Whether it’s the Net Zero transition, better medical products, smarter autonomous systems or cleaner, more efficient mining operations, quantum technologies offer a powerful tool to do these things better,” said Husic. 

(The four challenges are listed below.)

Funding up to $500,000 in stage one and $5 million in stage two will be available to consortiums made of at least one Australian industry-based partner and one Australian research organisation.

Stage one will assist feasibility projects, with successful stage one projects invited to apply for stage two funding to develop technology demonstrator projects and proofs of concept.

More information on eligibility and applying is available here. Round one applications close at 5 pm on July 2 (AEST.)

The four national challenges are:

1. Optimise the performance, sustainability, and security of energy networks to help the transition to Net Zero.
2. Improve medical imaging and medical sensors to support diagnosis, treatment of disease and monitoring activities inside the human body.
3. Enhance communication with autonomous systems in varying environments.
4. Optimise efficiency and reduce the impact of resource exploration, extraction, and mineral processing.

Picture: credit The University of Queensland