The Australian government has announced an $18.5 million investment to establish the Australian Centre for Quantum Growth, which will help scale the country’s quantum workforce and foster relationships with key international counterparts.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic officially opened the grant opportunity at QuintessenceLabs in Canberra today.
“When it comes to quantum tech, we have some emerging firms here in Australia and we’re determined to build on that,” said Minister Husic.
“Time and again Australia has been at the front of the pack in emerging tech only to see that lead fritter away, without proper investment and support.”
Through the investment, the nation’s quantum sector will benefit from a “single front door” for domestic and international customers to engage with researchers and quantum businesses.
The funding also aims to increase public understanding of quantum technologies and spread the word about how different industries could benefit from adopting them.
It also seeks to ensure Australian companies continue to capitalise on the emerging global quantum technologies market.
The investment is in line with initiatives in Australia’s National Quantum Strategy and its vision to boost economic competitiveness and help solve some of the country’s biggest challenges.
“Australia is one of the world’s top quantum destinations, based on decades of research excellence that’s translating into us having the fifth largest quantum workforce in the world,” Minister Husic added.
“Alongside the opening of the Industry Growth Program and sign off of the NRF’s Investment Mandate, this is part of the Albanese Government’s vision for a Future Made in Australia.”
Organisations can now apply for funding to set up the Australian Centre for Quantum Growth. Applications will be accepted until 24 January 2024.
