The Australian Government has released the country’s first National Quantum Strategy, taking further steps into utilising quantum for the nation’s challenges.
As a global pioneer in cutting-edge quantum research for decades, the federal government is now moving to take this advantage into thriving quantum industries that will boost economic competitiveness.
“I can’t emphasise this enough, quantum technologies will be truly transformative,” Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said.
“We are already seeing how quantum sensing equipment is making a huge difference for industry.”
Check out: How does Australia’s electric vehicle strategy stack up? (publicspectrum.co)
The announcement of Australia’s first National Quantum Strategy backs in the government’s National Reconstruction Fund, which will provide targeted investment of $1 billion for critical technologies like quantum.
“In time, quantum computing will unleash incredible computing power that can phenomenally outperform traditional computing,” Minister Husic said.
“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.”
The Strategy, which will help guide collaboration between research pioneers, industry partners, start-ups and government, will prioritise 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.
Check out: $3.4B invested to transform Australia’s defence innovation ecosystem
The Strategy is based on extensive consultation across industry, researchers and the community led by Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley and with guidance from the National Quantum Advisory Committee.
It is estimated that Australia’s quantum industries could create 19,400 direct jobs, with $5.9 billion of revenue by 2045. Aside from this, quantum can also help cut down the time and cost of developing new medicines, helping the transition to net zero with more efficient battery storage and safeguarding cyber infrastructure.