Qld offering more than $50 million for quantum technologies

The Queensland Government has unveiled five quantum and advanced technologies competitive grant programs, providing more than $50 million in funding.

The grant programs are intended to enhance quantum technology applications, attract investment and collaboration, develop a skilled workforce, aid decarbonisation and promote quantum-based innovations in sports technology in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The development of these programs has been informed by advice from Quantum Innovation Queensland, an advisory group led by Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson, which includes representation from universities, science groups, venture capital, startups and industry.

The Queensland Government said it is the first Australian state to deliver a comprehensive quantum strategy. Quantum science is the study of particles and energy at the sub-atomic scale, with applications of quantum technologies being wide ranging, including computing, precision measurement, communications and health.

It holds the potential to revolutionise a multitude of fields, from environmental sustainability and materials science to sports and medicine.

Importantly, the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy also includes compound semiconductors, superconductors, photonics and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS).

These technologies underpin the design and manufacture of quantum devices but can also be useful for non-quantum products such as semiconductor-based components used in renewable energy applications.

“The 2024/25 state Budget included an investment of $83.7 million over five years for our Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy,” said Minister for Innovation and Science Leanne Linard. “This budget allocation and the launch of these five grant programs affirms our commitment to advancing quantum technology and positioning Queensland as a provider of deep technology solutions for global opportunities and challenges.

“I am particularly excited by the potential of this technology to accelerate Queensland’s decarbonisation efforts and make leaps in sports technology.”

“This launch underscores our dedication to advancing quantum technology and fortifying Queensland for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow,” Wilson said. “By establishing Queensland as the ‘Quantum State’, we lay the foundation for an economy that is resilient and innovative, poised to harness the full potential of quantum and advanced technologies for a sustainable and prosperous future.

“Our proactive measures, such as the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy and these new grant programs, strengthen Queensland’s position as a leader in the quantum age, ready to adapt, thrive and lead the way forward.”

The new grant programs are:

• $20 million Quantum Commercialisation Infrastructure Program, to help build infrastructure and a commercial pipeline of quantum and advanced technologies systems, devices and components.
• $15 million Quantum and Advanced Technologies Co-Investment Fund, to attract new investment and foster collaboration in quantum and advanced technologies development and application.
• $10 million Quantum Decarbonisation Mission, to accelerate the development and application of quantum technologies with the potential to make significant contributions to decarbonisation.
• $5 million Quantum 2032 Challenge Program, to catalyse the development of quantum-based innovation in sports technology and related areas for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• $3.81 million Quantum and Advanced Technologies Talent Building Program, to facilitate the development of a diverse and skilled quantum and advanced technologies workforce.
   

More details on the specifics of each of the five new grant programs are available at https://science.desi.qld.gov.au/industry/funding.

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