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The Queensland Government has announced AU$53 million in funding for five grant programmes aimed at advancing quantum and related technologies. The funding, part of the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy, is intended to support research and development in fields such as quantum computing, new materials, and biomedicine, with applications spanning various sectors.
Quantum science examines the properties and behaviour of particles and energy at atomic and sub-atomic levels, offering transformative potential for industries. The five programmes backed by the recent funding address a broad range of goals, including decarbonisation initiatives and quantum-based innovations for sports technologies ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The largest portion of this funding, AU$28.1 million, is allocated to the Quantum and Advanced Technologies Commercialisation Infrastructure Program. This initiative will establish six new cutting-edge facilities that will bolster research and commercialisation capabilities in the state. The facilities are expected to support the development and manufacturing of semiconductor devices, cryogenics-based quantum sensing and computing components, as well as advanced photonics technology. These critical infrastructure projects will contribute to creating a robust environment for translating scientific breakthroughs into commercially viable solutions.
In addition to this major infrastructure investment, AU$10 million has been directed to the establishment of the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance. Led by the University of Queensland, this alliance unites 27 partner organisations in an effort to harness quantum technologies to address complex decarbonisation challenges. The alliance builds on Queensland’s past investments in pioneering quantum technology initiatives, such as its partnership with a prominent quantum computing firm. By leveraging existing resources and collaborations, the alliance aims to accelerate the development and deployment of quantum solutions that can contribute to the state’s sustainability goals.
Overall, these grants are part of a broader AU$89.7 million investment over five years, covering the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy and the establishment of the Queensland Quantum Academy. The strategy seeks to build on more than three decades of quantum expertise in Queensland, transforming high-level research into practical, industry-ready applications. By doing so, it aims to position the state as a leading hub for quantum innovation in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.
A key aspect of the strategy is to foster greater diversity within the industry. The plan includes measures to increase the participation of women and other underrepresented groups, aiming for a more inclusive and balanced workforce in the quantum and advanced technology sectors.
Further support for workforce development comes from the AU$6 million allocation in the 2024-25 State Budget to the Queensland Quantum Academy. The academy offers a virtual platform that connects school, TAFE, and university students with information and opportunities in quantum science and technology. By promoting educational engagement, the academy seeks to nurture the next generation of talent and ensure broader participation in this burgeoning field.
This strategic focus on quantum technologies is expected to yield significant economic benefits for Queensland. According to state officials, the anticipated economic impact from advancements in quantum science could be substantial, bringing high-paying jobs and economic returns to the region. This vision for the future aligns with earlier efforts, dating back to the early 2000s, when the then Beattie Government laid the foundation for a quantum-driven economy through the Smart State Strategy, which included supporting the first quantum centres of excellence and developing nanotechnology capabilities to bring quantum innovations out of research labs and into real-world applications.
By investing in research, infrastructure, and educational initiatives, Queensland is preparing to capitalise on opportunities in quantum science and advanced technologies, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of technological innovation for years to come.
