Next steps

There has been substantial progress and achievement since the launch of the strategy. It will be important to maintain this momentum and continue to work together to deliver on existing initiatives. At the same time, the work to date provides a solid foundation for addressing opportunities in other areas identified as priorities.

Establishing world-class quantum infrastructure

The strategy includes a commitment to a national audit of quantum-related research infrastructure. The audit is underway and is improving our understanding of existing infrastructure and capabilities. It will help identify gaps and infrastructure accessibility issues in Australia and give insights into how to address these. Stakeholders have already indicated that greater access to testbeds, nanofabrication facilities, shared cryogenics, test and evaluation capabilities and specialist engineering advice would support prototyping and manufacture of quantum devices, particularly for early-stage companies. More than 50 existing labs and facilities across the country have capabilities in fabrication, characterisation, testing and more. 

Ensuring quantum researchers and businesses have the materials and components they need

The strategy also commits to monitoring supply chain challenges and opportunities facing the quantum sector. The nascency of the sector means supply chains are still developing, and future needs and strengths are hard to predict. By improving our understanding of the sources of key inputs associated with quantum technologies we can begin to prepare for potential future disruptions and shortages. The Australian Government is also working to identify potential export opportunities for Australian producers of components and materials in the growing global market.

Success story: Silicon Quantum Computing and Silex Systems

Silicon Quantum Computing is the only company globally that manufactures qubits with atomic precision in silicon. In 2024, SQC provided customer access to its quantum machine learning processors, having built the full software-hardware stack.  It has also demonstrated the highest fidelity operation of Grover's algorithm across any quantum computing hardware platform to dateSilicon Quantum Computing is a company that manufactures with quantum precision. In 2024, SQC began providing access to its processors, having built the full software stack and demonstrated the highest fidelity operation of Grover's algorithm to date.

SQC works closely to build a strong supply chain in Australia working with Silex Systems, who has developed proprietary laser isotope separation technology to produce isotopically pure silicon for commercial applicationsSilex Systems has developed proprietary laser isotope separation technology to produce isotopically pure silicon for commercial applications. 

On 17 August 2023, the Quantum Silicon Production Project was launched. Silicon Quantum Computing has partnered with Silex as part of a 3.5-year, $5.1m project from the Defence Trailblazer program. The project will establish an end-to-end manufacturing facility for ~99.998% isotopically purified silicon creating sovereign capability in this critical resource in AustraliaOn 17 August 2023, the Quantum Silicon Production Project was launched. Silicon Quantum Computing has partnered with Silex as part of a 3.5-year, $5.1m project from the Defence Trailblazer program. The project will establish an end-to-end manufacturing facility for ~99.998% isotopically purified silicon creating sovereign capability in this critical resource in Australia.

Growing Australia’s quantum workforce

Talent is critical to Australia’s competitive advantage in quantum technologies and growth of the Australian quantum ecosystem. We will need more skilled workers to meet anticipated future demand. The growth of the quantum workforce needed to meet even conservative future workforce estimates presents a clear challenge. The Australian quantum industry will hire most of its future employees from a highly competitive STEM job marketplace, which has intense competition from overseas.

There are opportunities to get ahead of the curve and start to build the talent pool for the growth of Australia’s future quantum industry at all stages of the STEM pipeline.