More than $50 million on offer for quantum and advanced technologies

• The Miles Government has launched five quantum and advanced technologies competitive grant programs, providing more than $50 million in funding.
• Queensland is the first Australian state to deliver a comprehensive quantum strategy.
• Quantum science holds the potential to revolutionise a multitude of fields, from environmental sustainability and materials science to sports and medicine.

The Miles Government has taken the next step towards making Queensland ‘The Quantum State’ by unveiling five quantum and advanced technologies competitive grant programs, providing more than $50 million in funding.

The grant programs will enhance quantum technology applications, attract investment and collaboration, develop a skilled workforce, aid decarbonisation and promote quantum-based innovations in sportstech 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 grant programs are part of a $83.7 million investment over five years contained in the Miles Government’s 2024-25 Budget for the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy.

The Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy is aimed at building on more than 30 years of quantum research in Queensland to turn world-class science into practical, everyday applications across diverse industries. 

Queensland 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.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Innovation and Science, Leanne Linard:

“The Miles Government is committed to quantum science and to positioning Queensland as a major centre of quantum technology development in Australia and the Asia Pacific.

“The 2024/25 State Budget included an investment of $83.7 million over five years for our Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy.

“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.

“Quantum science and technology has the potential to bring billions of dollars in economic opportunity to our state and deliver thousands of high-paying tech jobs.

“These new grant programs further cement Queensland’s reputation as a global leader in quantum, attract and retain skills in quantum science, and use quantum technologies to help solve challenges such as improved renewable energy technologies and combating climate change.

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

Quotes attributable to Queensland Chief Scientist Professor Kerrie Wilson:

“This launch underscores our dedication to advancing quantum technology and fortifying Queensland for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

“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”.

Further information:

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 sportstech and related areas for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and
• $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, including eligibility and opening and closing dates, is available at https://science.desi.qld.gov.au/industry/funding.

Recently, the Miles Government also supported The University of Queensland’s successful bid to establish and lead the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology—the world’s first nation-spanning centre in this field.

CSIRO estimates that Australia’s economic return from quantum science could reach $2.2 billion and 8,700 jobs by 2030 and rise to nearly $6 billion and 19,400 jobs by 2045.

The Miles and Albanese Governments recently announced an almost $1 billion investment into the world’s leading quantum computing company, PsiQuantum, to build the world’s first fault tolerant quantum computer in Brisbane, creating up to 400 highly skilled jobs.

Queensland is also establishing the Queensland Quantum Academy to provide the skills needed for the jobs of the future.

ENDS

Media contact: Scott Chandler – (07) 3719 7339