Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has launched the Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program, a $3.6 million initiative to empower Australian quantum students.
Administered by CSIRO, the program will support PhD students from 11 universities, engaging in four cutting-edge research projects selected by an international panel of experts.
Dr Aaron Quigley, CSIRO’s Data61 Science Director, emphasised the significance of these grants, stating that the research has the potential to transform computing and our understanding of the world.
“This pipeline of homegrown talent will help accelerate our thriving local quantum technology industry, right here in Australia. This is a key time for quantum technology globally, and projects like these further demonstrate Australia’s leadership,”
The projects cover diverse areas, including Deakin University’s Distributed Quantum Computing program, aiming to develop algorithms for a quantum internet.
The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biology focuses on observing biological processes through quantum technology, with applications in agriculture, energy, health, and manufacturing.
Professor Bronwyn Fox, CSIRO Chief Scientist, highlighted the importance of building a steady pipeline of quantum technology specialists for Australia’s promising quantum industry.
“And we need to be developing their capabilities and connections through professional development in complementary, including business, management, entrepreneurship, ethics or human-centred design,” Fox noted.
The program, backed by the Australian Government, includes 16 PhD scholarships and leverages existing university resources.
Several successful projects have been unveiled as part of the Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program.
These initiatives include Quantum Biotechnology by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology, aspiring to pioneer paradigm-shifting quantum technologies for observing biological processes at a subatomic level.
Deakin University is engaged in Distributed Quantum Computing: Algorithms and Software, delving into the intricacies of quantum networking and the development of a quantum internet.
This project, in collaboration with Cisco Quantum Lab, focuses on investigating algorithms and software for distributed quantum computing, contributing to the evolution of networking based on quantum engineering.
The Sydney Quantum Academy is driving “Creating the Future Leaders in Quantum Technology,” allocating funds to nurture the future leaders of Australia’s quantum industry.
The program aims to establish a framework for developing projects that propel advancements in quantum technology, spanning hardware, software, and responsible innovation.
Swinburne University of Technology, in collaboration with Infleqtion Australia, is spearheading the project “Developing an integrated, miniaturised experiment platform for cold atom quantum technologies.”
Leveraging promising cold atom technology and 3D printing, this initiative seeks to create integrated, miniaturized experiment platforms, addressing challenges in making cold atom experimental setups portable for real-world applications.
Australia, a leader in quantum technology for nearly 30 years, aims to train the next generation of quantum graduates, fostering skills and innovation in this rapidly advancing field.
For more details about the Next Generation Quantum Graduates Program, visit the official website.
