The Queensland Government has announced the launch of its new Quantum and Advanced Technology Strategy to be overseen by Quantum Innovation Queensland, a new governance group which includes representatives from academia, industry and government.

The group will be led by incoming Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson.

The new strategy aims to leverage the state’s research and fabrication capabilities across quantum and other technologies, including semiconductors, superconductors, photonics, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).

The quantum initiative will be backed by a $76 million investment from the Government to spur the development of new technologies, support school programs, and to build the required infrastructure.

These technologies will be subsequently applied across a number of industry sectors such as renewable energy, critical minerals, batteries, medicine and defence.

The new policy was prepared in consultation with Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, The University of Queensland, the University of Southern Queensland, and key quantum and advanced technology companies.

It is also expected to support commercial research and intellectual property (IP) creation in Queensland, attracting and building new advanced technology businesses as well as creating more high-value jobs.

The strategy has five key pillars which include:

• Deep science capability to maintain Queensland’s leadership position in quantum science
• Science commercialisation to grow the local quantum and advanced technologies pipeline
• Quantum workforce to train, attract and retain the skilled people needed for a quantum ecosystem
• Engagement and missions to help industry become adept at using deep science to solve Queensland’s challenges
• Investment to attract external commitments into the Queensland quantum ecosystem

Professor Andrew White, head of The University of Queensland-based Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems, commenting on the announcement, stressed that this level of investment would make Queensland a global player in the next era of quantum technology.

“Our researchers are leading the state’s first quantum technology startup, Analog Quantum Circuits (AQC), by developing superconducting circuits for quantum computers out of Brisbane,” he noted.

“Queensland has exceptional expertise in quantum technology which has the power to benefit industry, improve lives and help combat climate change.”

According to Science Minister, Leanne Linard, quantum science would be critical in helping solve national and global challenges and would revolutionise several key fields and industries. This, she added, was why investments in this field as well as building Queensland’s quantum ecosystem were so crucial.

“This ground-breaking investment in the suite of quantum-related technologies will also give Queensland businesses access to a range of fast-growing markets for both quantum and classical products including power electronics components, sensors, and LEDs,” she said.

“It will also position Queensland to supply critical inputs for the global quantum computing industry and will support the continued development of quantum biotechnology innovations.

“The Strategy includes commercialisation-focused funding programs across infrastructure, startup support, quantum skills, industry engagement and investment attraction, including $18 million for translation initiatives such as the Queensland Quantum Foundry and the Quantum Bioinnovator, and $20 million for industry-accessible fabrication infrastructure.”