Australia to make quantum leap in quantum tech research

Australia’s quantum technology sector could create as many as 16,000 jobs and $4 billion in annual revenue by 2040, according to a new report by CSIRO.

With applications in drug development, national security and mineral exploration, large numbers of skilled quantum physics researchers will be needed to meet demand for quantum technologies in these high-growth industries, the report highlights.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said the push for quantum technology development — as part of the Growing Australia’s Quantum Technology Industry roadmap — would help the nation in its quest to grow a sustainable economy.

“As Australia recovers from the impacts of COVID-19, we will need to create new industries to give Australia unfair advantage globally to produce unique high-margin products that support higher wages,” Dr Marshall said.

“Science and technology are the key to economic prosperity in a world driven by disruption.”

To further accelerate growth in this space, The Pawsey Supercomputing Centre and Quantum Brilliance will also be collaborating to develop Australia’s first quantum-supercomputing hub for innovation.

Under this collaboration, Pawsey staff will develop quantum expertise, install and provide access to a quantum emulator and work with leading Australian researchers.

CSIRO’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, is excited to see what the partnership will bring.

“[It] represents an important step in translating this technology into real applications that create impact. This kind of collaboration is exactly what Australia needs, and is aligned with the recommendations of the Quantum Roadmap that CSIRO just released,” she said.

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