- The Miles Government has committed $53 million in funding to ignite a new era of quantum and advanced technologies development and application in Queensland.
- Quantum technology could revolutionise environmental sustainability and materials science, sports technology and medicine.
- Queensland is the first Australian state to deliver a comprehensive quantum strategy.
The Miles Government has committed $53 million in funding across five grants programs to develop quantum and advanced technologies, with applications including Quantum computing, novel materials and biomedicine, under its nation-leading Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy.
Quantum science explores the behaviour of particles and energy at the atomic and sub-atomic scale, with the potential to transform industry.
The five grant programs spanned diverse goals including tackling decarbonisation and quantum-based innovations in sportstech ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The largest share of funding has been directed to the Quantum and Advanced Technologies Commercialisation Infrastructure Program ($28.1 million) to support the establishment of six new state-of-the-art facilities.
This critical infrastructure will enable the development and manufacturing of semiconductor devices, cryogenics-based quantum sensing and computing components, and advanced photonics.
Another significant investment ($10 million) was awarded to University of Queensland to establish the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance. This alliance will bring together 27 partner organisations, leveraging Queensland’s investment in pioneering quantum computing company, PsiQuantum, to accelerate the development and application of quantum technologies to address pressing decarbonisation challenges.
The grant programs are part of an $89.7 million investment over five years for the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy and the Queensland Quantum Academy.
The Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy looks to build on more than 30 years of Queensland quantum expertise to turn world-class science into practical applications across diverse industries.
A key priority of the Strategy is to increase the participation of women and other underrepresented groups, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse future for the industry.
The Miles Government also committed $6 million in the 2024-25 State Budget for the Queensland Quantum Academy.
The Academy initiatives are showcased through a virtual Quantum Academy web portal, designed to ensure that Queensland school, TAFE and university students have access to information and opportunity, helping to ensure that everyone can be part of quantum.
As stated by the Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard:
“The Miles Government is committed to propelling quantum and advanced technologies forward, positioning Queensland as a major hub for quantum technology development and implementation in Australia and the Asia Pacific, and industry leaders on a global scale.
“Queensland is pioneering the quantum economy, reaffirmed by the $53 million provided through these five grant programs, to continue delivering deep technology solutions for global opportunities and challenges, from sportstech to decarbonisation.
“Quantum science and technology is predicted to bring billions of dollars in economic opportunity for Queensland, in the form of economic returns and high-paying jobs.
“The opportunity for Queensland to be a leader in the emerging quantum economy was seeded in the early 2000s under the Smart State Strategy, when the-then Beattie Government supported the establishment of the very first quantum centres of excellence whilst also fostering the nanotechnology capabilities needed to bring quantum out of the lab and into the real world.
“The collaboration behind developing quantum-driven solutions to accelerate Queensland’s move towards decarbonisation is both exhilarating and important. I’m also excited to see how new quantum sensing technologies will enhance the health and performance coaching of athletes as we approach the year 2032.”
As stated by Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson:
“I am excited to see the successful recipients under the five programs striving to make waves in the quantum and advanced technologies space. This investment from the Government underpins the importance of quantum technology for all Queenslanders, laying the foundation for a resilient and innovative economy ready for the future.
“Queensland is home to some of the world’s most distinguished and innovative quantum scientists. By affirming our position as ‘The Quantum State’, with our proactive measures such as the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy, we strengthen our role as industry leaders in the quantum age, ready to adapt, thrive and pave the way forward.
“We will continue to build on our world-leading research and innovation in related areas such as compound semiconductors and photonics, exploring more collaboration, research, development and implementation of quantum and advanced technologies for a better, stronger Queensland.”
