Australia's new quantum strategy a “pivotal” step

Several leaders in Australia’s quantum landscape have welcomed the federal government's first national quantum strategy.

Last week, the federal government released its first national quantum strategy, setting a long-term vision for Australia to take advantage of the opportunities that quantum technologies present.

Over the next seven years, the strategy will focus on five key areas, investing in research and development and commercialisation, securing infrastructure and materials, growing a skilled workforce, supporting national interests and promoting a trusted, ethical, inclusive ecosystem.

Kate Pounder, CEO of the Tech Council of Australia said the strategy is a "pivotal step" in cementing Australia’s leadership in this critical sector.

She said, “Quantum technology is at an inflection point. Australia is a leader in the research and development of quantum technology. We have built leading homegrown companies, and attracted some of the world’s leading global companies in quantum to undertake research in Australia.”

Ed Husic, the minister for industry and science said, “The strategy will be the North Star to help guide collaboration between research pioneers, industry partners, start-ups and the government into the future.”

Husic said if Australia gets this right it’s estimated quantum industries could create 19,400 direct jobs, with $5.9 billion of revenue by 2045.

He said, “I can’t emphasise this enough, quantum technologies will be truly transformative. We are already seeing how quantum sensing equipment is making a huge difference for industry.

“In time, quantum computing will unleash incredible computing power that can phenomenally outperform traditional computing. By pairing a National Quantum Strategy with the National Reconstruction Fund we’re aiming to turn Australia into a global technology leader, building stronger industry and creating jobs for the future.”

“Ambitious” strategy

Professor Emma Johnston, deputy vice-chancellor (research) at The University of Sydney said it is "heartening to see such an ambitious strategy for quantum technologies".

“Combined with continued and deepening investment in fundamental research through the Australian Research Council and other government initiatives, this can deliver a positive platform to deliver Australia’s quantum future,” she said.

While this announcement is welcomed by the quantum community, professor Stephen Bartlett, head of the University of Sydney Quantum Theory Group said it is vital that the government continues its strong investment in fundamental quantum science research.

“Delivering on the promise of quantum computing still requires us to tackle big open challenges in basic science and engineering. That’s why the University of Sydney is investing in the Future Qubit Foundry. Tomorrow’s quantum computers will use qubits that are yet to be invented,” he added.

“An important step”

Kate Pounder at the TCA said the new quantum strategy is an “important step” for Australia and highlights the “significant opportunity” for increased commercialisation of quantum technologies.

She said, “The strategy builds on the momentum from the Australian Government’s $1 billion commitment to critical technologies under the National Reconstruction Fund, the recent announcement of a $3.4 billion Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator in response to the Defence Strategic Review, and the Australian Quantum Graduates Program.”

The challenge now for Australia, Pounder highlighted, is to become a leader in commercialisation.

“Early commercialisation will deliver billions of dollars in economic value and thousands of jobs by 2030 globally and in Australia while supporting our strategic and national security objectives,” she said.

“We welcome the strategy’s focus on improving investment and commercialisation opportunities for quantum in Australia as these are crucial to get right.”

Pounder added, “Our strength in quantum has been the product of strong government support for decades, and we look forward to working with the Government to build on these existing measures and help propel our quantum sector toward an even brighter future.”

Charles Burnard, head of government engagement, at quantum technology company Q-Ctrl said he is looking forward to the continued growth in Australia.

“As the Minister has made clear, the release of this Strategy is the beginning of the journey, not the end. Turning ambition into outcomes will require a whole nation's support, close coordination at all levels of government, and sustained, meaningful backing for the sector,” he said.

Critical time for quantum

CSIRO forecasting shows that Australia’s quantum technology market is set to be worth $2.2 billion and generate 8,700 jobs by 2030. By 2045, this could reach nearly $6 billion in total.

Professor Elanor Huntington, executive director for digital national facilities and collections at the CSIRO said, “Australia has world class quantum technology research and development capabilities, and we are well placed to be a global leader in the field. The National Quantum Strategy is a call to action for Australia to act now to capitalise on this potentially paradigm-shifting wave of technology.”

She said the global quantum industry is maturing rapidly as nations invest in technology advancement.

"We are now at an inflection point with a wave of quantum technological disruption on the horizon."

She said, “Without quantum physics, there would be no internet, computers, or magnetic resonance imaging. Now, scientists and engineers can unlock unprecedented capabilities to isolate, control and sense individual quantum particles – such as electrons and photons – like never before.

“Commercialising these technologies will create a new high growth industry with the potential to create economic growth and jobs across a range of sectors.”

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