South Australia’s growing capability in advanced technologies continues to strengthen, with a new national quantum training centre launched at Adelaide University, reinforcing the state’s role in supporting Australia’s future defence technology priorities.
The ARC Training Centre for Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech) reflects the increasing importance of quantum technologies to national security and defence capability and builds on South Australia’s established strengths across defence industry, research and innovation.
The five-year, $12 million initiative brings together Adelaide University, University of Queensland, RMIT and industry partners Single Quantum, Quandela, QuantX, MOGLabs, Infleqtion, Lindo and AQC.
QuTech will deliver industry-focused research and training across key areas of quantum technologies including sensing, communications and computing, with applications spanning science, industry, healthcare and national security.
The centre takes an interdisciplinary approach recognising the growing role of quantum technologies across biology, physics, chemistry and engineering.
Research projects will be delivered across all three university partners and will focus on enabling technologies including quantum light sources, quantum detectors and sensors, quantum circuits and quantum computing.
The initiative will also support the development of Australia’s future quantum workforce with Higher Degree by Research students undertaking interdisciplinary research while engaging with industry through seminars, collaborative research and placements with partner organisations.
Centre Lead and Hicks Chair of Quantum Materials at Adelaide University, Professor Glenn Solomon said the initiative reflected the growing importance of quantum technologies to Australia’s future capability.
“Quantum technologies are a strategic national priority because they represent a transformative technological shift that promises to redefine economic competitiveness, national security, and scientific discovery over the coming decades,” Professor Solomon said.
“QuTech will deliver industry focused, high impact basic and applied research associated with quantum technologies.”
Adelaide University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Anton Middelberg said collaboration between research institutions and industry would be critical to driving future innovation and growth.
“We prioritise partnering for innovation, productivity and growth, and QuTech is an outstanding exemplar of science driving new futures.”
QuTech is expected to contribute to Australia’s growing quantum ecosystem by strengthening research capability, supporting industry collaboration and helping develop the next generation of quantum technology specialists.
—
Photo: ARC Training Centre for Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies lead and Hicks Chair of Quantum Materials at Adelaide University, Professor Glenn Solomon, COO Dr Ruth Shaw, Adelaide University Professor Anton Middelberg FTSE FNAI, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research and Innovation and Adelaide University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Nicola Phillips were amongst the attendees at the Centre launch.
