International

Australia is a partner of choice for international collaboration

Australia has established a global leadership position in quantum technology through partnerships, agreements and activities with likeminded partners. We are a partner of choice for international collaboration, reflected in a growing list of international alliances, partnerships and joint statements of collaboration.

For example, in September 2024 UK-based quantum computing company Quantum Motion announced the establishment of a new quantum lab at Cicada Innovations in Sydney, drawn to Australia by the availability of excellent quantum talent. Shortly after, Canadian firm BTQ technologies announced a strategic research collaboration with Macquarie University to advance quantum algorithms and secure communications. 

Fora such as the MDQ and activities under the Joint Statements of Cooperation on Quantum Technology with the United States and United Kingdom have laid the foundation for investment, market access opportunities for our businesses, and greater opportunities for our researchers. Australia also plays a leading role in efforts to ensure appropriate global governance of this nascent technology that is in line with our national interests and values.

Success story: QuintessenceLabs

QuintessenceLabs specialises in quantum cybersecurity technology, advancing protection of sensitive data through quantum random number generation, quantum key distribution, and quantum-resilient cryptography. QuintessenceLabs is Australia’s first quantum startup, with a customer base that includes Fortune 500 and equivalent organisations and products deployed to more than 20 countries.

On 30 April 2024, QuintessenceLabs announced a partnership with Carahsoft, a Master Government Aggregator in the United States that delivers IT solutions to government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. This collaboration bolsters Carahsoft's support for the public sector by equipping it with quantum-safe cybersecurity capabilities it can deliver to clients.

The establishment of the Quantum Development Group helps us promote and protect quantum technologies with like-minded partners

Launched in July 2024, the QDG is a group of high-level government representatives from Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The group aims to coordinate approaches to promote resilient and reliable supply chains, research and development collaboration, and a quantum future underpinned by shared interests and values. The focus of this group complements the goals set out in the strategy.

The Joint Technical Committee on Quantum Technologies is developing standards to accelerate the development and adoption of quantum technologies

High-quality, industry-led technical standards will support economic growth by improving market access and facilitating international trade and innovation. The Australian Government supports development of quantum technologies standards in industry-led, multistakeholder, consensus-based forums like the International Electrotechnical Commission and International Organisation for Standardisation’s Joint Technical Committee 3 (JTC 3). 

JTC 3’s scope includes quantum information technologies (quantum computing and quantum simulation), quantum metrology, quantum sources, quantum detectors, quantum communications, and fundamental quantum technologies. It will improve coordination, reduce duplication and help make best use of the finite expert resources in Australia and around the globe. Australia’s early and ongoing engagement with JTC 3 ensures that Australian quantum expertise, experience and interests are reflected in the international standards development process.

The Quad Investors Network Centre of Excellence in Quantum Information Sciences aims to accelerate investment in critical and emerging technologies

The Quad Investors Network (QUIN) was created to accelerate investment in critical and emerging technologies for the Indo-Pacific region. The QUIN brings together investors, corporations, and public institutions across India, Japan, Australia and the United States to support its mission. Through collaboration and investment, the QUIN marshals private sector partners to create joint ventures and co-investment into technology opportunities with strategic potential. The QUIN launched their Centre of Excellence in June 2023. The Centre of Excellence aims to link together people and institutions across the Quad countries to promote greater technological collaboration, market access, and cross-border investment.