The Queensland Government has committed $53 million across five grants programs to develop quantum and advanced technologies under its nation-leading Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy.
Applications for these technologies include Quantum computing, novel materials and biomedicine.
Quantum science explores the behaviour of particles and energy at the atomic and sub-atomic scale, with the potential to transform industry.
The five grant programs spanned diverse goals including tackling decarbonisation and quantum-based innovations in sportstech ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Minister for Science and Innovation Leanne Linard said this investment positions the state as a major hub for quantum technology development in the Asia Pacific.
“Queensland is pioneering the quantum economy, reaffirmed by the $53 million provided through these five grant programs, to continue delivering deep technology solutions for global opportunities and challenges, from sportstech to decarbonisation,” said Linard.
“Quantum science and technology is predicted to bring billions of dollars in economic opportunity for Queensland, in the form of economic returns and high-paying jobs.
The largest share of funding has been directed to the Quantum and Advanced Technologies Commercialisation Infrastructure Program ($28.1 million) to support the establishment of six new state-of-the-art facilities.
This critical infrastructure will enable the development and manufacturing of semiconductor devices, cryogenics-based quantum sensing and computing components, and advanced photonics.
Another significant investment ($10 million) was awarded to University of Queensland to establish the Queensland Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance.
This alliance will bring together 27 partner organisations, leveraging Queensland’s investment in pioneering quantum computing company, PsiQuantum.
This is set to accelerate the development and application of quantum technologies to address pressing decarbonisation challenges.
The grant programs are part of an $89.7 million investment over five years for the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy and the Queensland Quantum Academy.
The Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy looks to build on more than 30 years of Queensland quantum expertise to turn world-class science into practical applications across diverse industries.
A key priority of the Strategy is to increase the participation of women and other underrepresented groups, ensuring a more inclusive and diverse future for the industry.
The Miles Government also committed $6 million in the 2024-25 State Budget for the Queensland Quantum Academy.
The Academy initiatives are showcased through a virtual Quantum Academy web portal, designed to ensure that Queensland school, TAFE and university students have access to information and opportunity, helping to ensure that everyone can be part of quantum.