Queensland aims for quantum advanced technologies strategy

The Queensland Government will partner with universities and industry to develop a Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy aiming to develop compound semiconductors, photonics and quantum technologies.

The strategy will support commercialisation of research and intellectual property in Queensland, building and attracting advanced technology businesses to keep high value jobs local rather than going offshore.

The new strategy will be delivered by the end of the year, building on the National Quantum Strategy.

According to the state government, quantum technologies have applications across renewable energy, critical minerals, batteries, medicine and defence.

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry (pictured) said the strategy would actively contribute to the growth of Queensland’s capabilities.

Professor Terry said: “Quantum technologies promise to help address national and global challenges, and our researchers are at the forefront of discovery science and are connected with the most advanced experimentation taking place anywhere.

“Importantly, they are also collaborating with industry partners to translate their discoveries into practical applications and devices.

“We are already an important training ground for the next generation of quantum scientists and the strategy will help create a pipeline of talent to ensure continued excellence for the years to come.”

Existing industry and research capacity in Queensland includes Silanna Semiconductor Pty Ltd, Queensland Semiconductor Technologies Pty Ltd, Semefab Limited and the Queensland Microtechnology Facility.

There is significant research grade equipment including at ANFF-Q, Griffith University, at the University of Queensland, the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Southern Queensland to support the emerging quantum and advanced technologies sector.

The next step is to develop production scale facilities to support commercialisation.

Advanced technologies are compound semiconductors (particularly power electronics and photonics), photonics, MEMS, and quantum technologies.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said: “If we can develop production facilities for advanced technologies in Queensland, we can commercialise research and IP here instead of seeing it go offshore

“The Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy will be developed to support training for quantum technologies and investment to ensure that those ongoing high value jobs are available in Queensland.”

Picture: Queensland Futures Institute/Professor Deborah Terry