Quantum

We are supporting the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Australia.

Quantum technology can create efficiencies and expand capabilities for businesses across the economy.

Promoting and protecting quantum technology

The Australian Government identified quantum as a critical technology in the national interest.

The list includes:

  • post-quantum cryptography
  • quantum communications (including quantum key distribution)
  • quantum computing
  • quantum sensors.

List of critical technologies in the national interest

Find out more about the 63 technologies listed.

Shaping Australian quantum

Our department is developing the National Quantum Strategy. It will set out the process to help Australian quantum meet its economic potential.

Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley will guide the strategy with a committee of other quantum experts and stakeholders.

Chief Scientist | Industry Innovation and Science Australia board deputy chair
Dr Foley is Australia’s Chief Scientist and has expertise in research, quantum physics, sensors, devices and systems, research translation, leadership, advisory and advocating the role of women in STEM.

Investing in quantum

Quantum technologies are critical for our future.

That’s why the Australian Government is investing millions in growing the quantum industry.

So much of what we do relies on computers. Even simple tasks require a lot of processing power.

We are reaching the processing limits of our current classical computers for solving these everyday problems.

Quantum technologies will take us beyond current limits.

Thanks to nanotechnology, we have learned to see and control tiny quantum particles.

This means that we can build ‘qubits’, which are the building blocks of quantum computers.

Quantum computers can solve some problems much faster. For example, if you asked a classical computer to find a needle in a haystack. It would look at every piece of hay to ask: 'needle or hay?'

A quantum computer would look at all the hay pieces at the same time to find the needle.

Back in 2019, a quantum computer performed a maths calculation in 200 seconds. The same calculation could take between 3 days and up to 10,000 years on a supercomputer!

Quantum computers are showing promise in solving certain types of problems, like traffic and weather forecasting.

As these technologies develop, we will find more and more uses for them that will improve our lives for the better.

We will see more accurate sensors, communications that are virtually un-hackable, and computers that are more powerful than any we have seen before!

Thanks to quantum technology, we will see a future with;

Simulations on virtual humans, supporting faster drug trials.

Detection of disease at very small scales.

Simulations of catastrophic weather events to help us prepare.

Mapping with extreme precision through barriers and at vast distances.

A quantum internet and better cybersecurity.

Modelling renewable energy systems such as solar and wind.

And much, much more!

Australia’s vision for the quantum industry will be set out in the National Quantum Strategy.

Find out more by visiting industry.gov.au/quantum

Collaborate with Australia on quantum

We are a member of the Entanglement Exchange, a multinational initiative connecting quantum students, researchers and professionals with international exchange opportunities. 

International collaboration advances Australia’s capability and builds a strong global quantum ecosystem.

International research postdoctoral and fellowship opportunities

Visas for studying, training and innovating in Australia

Studying and training visas

Find visas that allow you to study or take part in workplace-based training.

Visas for innovation

Participate in Australia’s global talent programs.

Partnering on quantum technologies

We are forming international partnerships with like-minded countries to:

  • share quantum skills, ideas and resources
  • help Australian quantum businesses access new markets.

Australia signed a quantum technology cooperation agreement with the United States in 2021.

Quantum news

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National Quantum Strategy proposed framework: have your say

Share your feedback on a proposed framework for the National Quantum Strategy. Submissions are welcome until 5 November 2022.
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National Quantum Advisory Committee to strengthen Australia’s quantum industry

The committee will provide expert advice to bolster Australia as a quantum leader.
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2022 update to the List of critical technologies in the national interest: have your say

The 63 technologies identified in the list are current and emerging technologies with the capacity to significantly enhance or pose risk to our national interest.