Since the launch of the National Quantum Strategy so much has happened for quantum in Australia. Our progress and momentum over the past year puts Australia in a great position and proves that we are serious about growing a vibrant and diverse quantum industry. In Australia, quantum is no longer a laboratory curiosity for the quantum intrigued: we are actively seeing the adoption of quantum technologies across broad industry sectors.
In the past year, quantum has become a common topic on the front pages of newspapers, in governments and in businesses – it’s even discussed in taxis! Australian quantum science and technologies are winning awards, attracting investment, and increasing the number of products and services that offer quantum capabilities. Perhaps most importantly, we are showing how well the quantum sector works together in developing a thriving ecosystem, while boosting engagement with the wider community.
This year began with the annual Quantum Australia conference attracting international visitors as well as the local quantum community. It is now one of the global ‘go to’ quantum events. Another is the Quantum Australia consortium, with a breadth of representation across the sector, partnering to create a front door for Australian quantum technologies to drive the adoption of quantum in Australia.
A personal highlight has been the Quantum Meets series. These workshops have provided a valuable opportunity to explore how quantum technologies address real-world challenges in the broader economy. They have already fostered tangible collaborations and are building quantum literacy across several sectors – not least the opportunity to develop quantum capability to support the delivery of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games!
Quantum enthusiasm is not limited to the Australian Government. State and territory governments are supporting the growth of our quantum ecosystem too. They are investing in manufacturing infrastructure, attracting international investment, and developing strategies and policies to build research and businesses in quantum technologies in their jurisdictions. This includes the Queensland Government’s announcement of the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy, the Victorian Government’s support for the establishment of a quantum diamond foundry, and the New South Wales Government’s support for the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility and Quantum Computing Commercialisation Fund.
The national approach of coordination, cooperation, and collaboration, ensures efforts across the states and territories and the Australian Government are harmonised and complementary.
We should be proud of our progress to date. It is thanks to the efforts across the entire quantum community that Australia is well positioned to becoming a leader in quantum. This includes the individuals taking risks to start up quantum businesses, universities supporting the quantum research programs, students pegging their careers on quantum, existing industries adopting quantum technologies, and governments backing this horse so it can be a winner.
As a result, we look to an exciting and transformative future, where quantum technologies will create new possibilities and solutions for all Australians.