The Queensland Government has announced its intention to deliver a Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy by the end of this year, in a move expected to add more “high-value technology jobs” to the state.
The Government has promoted the state as a world leader in quantum and advanced tech, including compound semiconductors used in power electronics, LEDs and optoelectronic devices, photonics used in sensing and optical computing and Micro Electrical-Mechanical Systems (MEMs).
Existing industry and research capacity in Queensland also includes Silanna Semiconductor Pty Ltd, Queensland Semiconductor Technologies Pty Ltd, Semefab Limited and the Queensland Microtechnology Facility.
There is also significant research-grade equipment based within the state’s tertiary education institutions, including at ANFF-Q, Griffith University, the University of Queensland, the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Southern Queensland, to support the emerging quantum and advanced technologies sector.
According to the announcement, the next step would be to “develop production-scale facilities to support commercialisation”.
“If we can develop production facilities for advanced technologies in Queensland, we can commercialise research and IP here instead of seeing it go offshore,” said Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, commenting on the strategy.
“The Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy will be developed to support training for quantum technologies and investment to ensure that those ongoing high-value jobs are available in Queensland.
“We will develop this strategy in consultation with universities and industry to support the development of a new quantum and advanced technologies sector in Queensland.”
According to University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry, the strategy would actively contribute to the growth of Queensland’s capabilities.
“Quantum technologies promise to help address national and global challenges, and our researchers are at the forefront of discovery science and are connected with the most advanced experimentation taking place anywhere,” he noted.
“Importantly, they are also collaborating with industry partners to translate their discoveries into practical applications and devices.
“We are already an important training ground for the next generation of quantum scientists and the strategy will help create a pipeline of talent to ensure continued excellence for the years to come.”
