Input sought on National Quantum Strategy

The federal government has called for input to help it shape a National Quantum Strategy to strengthen Australia’s position as a centre in quantum research and applied technology.

The strategy aims to ensure Australia seizes the opportunity that quantum presents and envision a thriving quantum industry at the forefront of technological innovation.

Australian governments have heavily backed quantum science for decades, with numerous companies now established in the quantum hardware and software fields, from quantum computing error control to quantum chip manufacture.

The previous coalition government in April named Advanced Manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing, Hydrogen Production and RNA (including mRNA) Vaccines and Therapies as its 2022 priority areas of research cooperation.

The sector will also feature in Albanese Government’s $1 billion Critical Technologies Fund, which will form part of the National Reconstruction Fund.

Now a consultation paper has been released for industry and stakeholders to have their say on the proposed framework of the strategy.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said that Australia has a distinct advantage in quantum – with many Australian researchers and businesses behind existing and emerging quantum technology applications in both software and hardware.

Husic said: “We know Australia is already a global leader when it comes to quantum research and applied technology. This strategy will ensure we maintain our leadership position on the world stage.

“This week, the Nobel Prize for Physics went to pioneers in quantum information science, highlighting the importance of this emerging global industry. It is an industry in which our researchers and companies have an outsized role to play.

“Australia is being sought out for our expertise from international research institutions, corporate technology groups, investors and customers of quantum technologies.”

Husic said the Australian quantum industry is attracting 3.6 per cent of all global venture-capital investment in the quantum industry, well in excess of Australia’s global GDP share of 1.6 per cent.

“We are keen to hear from industry and other stakeholders to make sure we capitalise on those strengths and our potential.”

Submissions close on 5 November 2022.

Picture: Q-CTRL/quantum computing hardware