Quantum Launch Into The Future

A research centre in Sydney is developing world-leading technology that will transform the information economy and industries of the future.

The Morrison Government has provided $33.7M towards the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), which was officially launched today by Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski.

The centre is a global leader in quantum computing research, using atoms to develop quantum processes in silicon and optical platforms that can transfer information over secure communication networks.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the centre was led by 2018 Australian of the Year Professor Michelle Simmons.

"The centre brings together some of the world’s greatest minds to help unlock the potential of the quantum world and usher in a new era in computing," Mr Tehan said.

"This funding will enable the centre to build on its world-leading research to develop complex quantum processors that correct errors and transfer information across vast networks with absolute security.

"The Morrison Government is keeping the economy strong and that means we can invest in world-leading technology that will help create the jobs and businesses of the future."

Mr Falinksi said the funding would allow the centre to build on its strong successes.

"In addition to announcing major breakthroughs in the atomically precise 3D architectures for a large-scale silicon quantum computer, the centre has announced the development of the next generation of photonic microchips that will be the key to developing a large-scale photonic quantum computer," Mr Falinski said.

"Australia has firmly established itself as a global leader in this 21st century technology."

UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs said the CQC2T researchers are working at the forefront of quantum information technology and innovation which will lead to significant impacts across the global economy.

"Quantum computing not only has the potential to completely revolutionise the way many of us will work but could create jobs and even new industries we haven’t even imagined yet," Professor Jacobs said.

"We applaud the ARC’s recognition of CQC2T as a fine example of Australia’s truly world-leading research."

CQC2T is led by the UNSW, with nodes at the University of Melbourne, Australian National University, RMIT University, University of Technology, Sydney, University of Queensland and Griffith University.

For more information about the scheme, visit the ARC website.