Quantum technologies are often understood as being synonymous with quantum computing. In a set of recently announced Executive Orders, the United States has sought to accelerate quantum computing, sensing, networking and post-quantum cybersecurity. While these initiatives reflect the strategic importance of the quantum sector as a whole, they also serve as a reminder that “quantum” extends well beyond the pursuit of quantum computers alone.
Co-author: Matthew Ford
A similar breadth can be seen in Australia’s own policy and industry landscape. The Australian Government’s National Quantum Strategy identifies quantum technologies as an area of strategic importance and sets out a framework for building Australia’s quantum ecosystem across computing, sensing and communications. The Australian Quantum Technology Industry Capability Report (developed by Quantum Australia and Austrade), highlights opportunities across quantum computing, communications, sensing and the broader technologies that support the quantum ecosystem.
Whether the application is computing, sensing or communications, practical quantum systems require sophisticated devices that can be fabricated at scale and integrated into complex classical and quantum systems. Developing these systems therefore draws on expertise in areas including semiconductor devices, photonics, advanced materials, and precision engineering.
Australia has long-standing strengths in many of these areas- this is already reflected in its current quantum ecosystem. For example, Australia’s research and commercial capabilities span silicon quantum devices (e.g. Diraq, Silicon Quantum Computing), integrated photonics devices (e.g. PsiQuantum), quantum sensing, timing and precision measurement (e.g. QuantX Labs, Nomad Atomics), and enabling subsystems and infrastructure (e.g. Q-CTRL, Syenta). Complementing these commercial capabilities is a broad research base comprising more than 60 academic research groups and 26 dedicated quantum research organisations, many with internationally recognised expertise across the sector.
As Australia’s quantum ecosystem continues to develop, innovation is likely to emerge across the full spectrum of technologies underpinning practical quantum systems. For innovators in this space, recognising where commercially valuable innovation is occurring will be an important part of ensuring that it is effectively identified, protected and ultimately commercialised.
