WA creating tech jobs via Quantum Technology Exchange

Accelerating the growth of Western Australia’s space and cross-sector startup field, the Quantum Technology Exchange Program has opened for applications.

The program provides startups or SMEs with support to scale their business across sectors and strengthen innovative products that can solve common supply chain challenges across multiple industries, including the international space sector.

“The opportunity for WA to create new businesses and jobs is immense but also complex. Competitive technology startups unlock much of this potential, so QuantumTX focuses on facilitating small businesses into large sectors, accessing multi-sector sites, specialist sector expertise and mentors,” said Quantum Technology Exchange Founder, Adjunct Professor Peter Rossdeutscher.

Included is a range of masterclasses, corporate speed dating, mentoring and direct access to experts with experience at NASA, ESA, BHP, Robotics Australia and international organisations. Participants will visit a number of supporting sites including Fugro’s Australian Space Automation, Artificial Intelligence & Robotics Control Complex. Successful applicants will also be included in the QuantumTX showcase event in Perth.

The QuantumTX business accelerator is for scale-up solutions in the mining, energy, agriculture, defence and space industries in digital technologies; automation and remote operations; data sciences; sustainability; and clean energy. Businesses will meet speakers and coaches including sessions with key representatives from companies such as Woodside Energy, BHP, Roy Hill, Rio Tinto, AROSE, Fugro SpAARC, Robotics Australia Group, NOVA Systems and METS Ignited.

“Small and medium businesses can play an important role in scaling the Australian space industry,” said Karl Rodrigues, Executive Director International and National Engagement at the Australian Space Agency. “Australia has great capability in key existing sectors such as resources, energy, communications, medicine and more, and it is these businesses that now have an opportunity to adapt those proven solutions to the needs of the emerging space sector. We encourage programs like QuantumTX to play a role in creating those connections and opportunities across sectors whilst helping build capabilities.”

Valued at $12,500, participation is free via a competitive application process. Applications are invited from Western Australian scale-ups and SMEs that are keen to scale, have technology solutions and have the potential to create exports. It has so far helped many companies increase their networks, raise capital and grow.

“Access to new corporate clients, support on capital raising and guidance from sector experts were a significant benefit to the rapid growth of our business in the mining and transport sectors,” said Dr Susanne Bahn, Founder of Tap into Safety, a QuantumTX 2021 participant. “The Tap into Safety training platform is in high demand due to our more than 90 training courses for skills, leadership, safety and mental health, robust assessments and GAP reporting.”

QuantumTX WA Space & Technology is funded by the Western Australian Government through the New Industries Fund. It is also sponsored by METS Ignited, plus industry leaders Fugro and AROSE (Australian Remote Operations for Space & Earth). Pro bono supporters include Roy Hill, Woodside Energy, UWA International Space Centre and Curtin University Centre for Space Technology and Research.

Lina Velosa, QuantumTX 2019 WA Participant with Nexxis Technology, said, “The QuantumTX program provided new insights into future technologies and opportunities to apply these across different sectors such as space. The Atomic Sky mentoring and international networking introductions created opportunities that had measurable outcomes, which positively affected our overall business strategy. Since the program, Nexxis has created 17 new Western Australian jobs.”

More information on Quantum Technology Exchange is available at www.QuantumTX.com.au.

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