The Albanese Government has unlocked $18.5 million in funding to establish the Australian Centre for Quantum Growth to support the growth of the nation’s quantum workforce and build relationships with key international counterparts.

Organisations can now apply for $18.5 million in funding to set up the centre.  

The Albanese Government is committed to harnessing and connecting brilliant businesses and researchers across the Australian quantum technology sector.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic officially opened the grant opportunity this morning at QuintessenceLabs in Canberra.

Australia’s quantum sector will benefit from a ‘single front door’ for domestic and international customers to engage with our researchers and quantum businesses.

It will also increase public understanding of quantum technologies and spread the word about how different industries could benefit from adopting them.

This investment will help ensure Australian companies continue to capitalise on the emerging global quantum technologies market.

This funding will support Australia’s National Quantum Strategy and its vision to boost our economic competitiveness and help solve some of our biggest challenges.

Applications open on 4 December 2023 and close 24 January 2024.

Quotes attributable to the Hon Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“When it comes to quantum tech, we have some emerging firms here in Australia and we’re determined to build on that.

“Time and again Australia has been at the front of the pack in emerging tech only to see that lead fritter away, without proper investment and support.

“It’s one step forward, building on the country’s first National Quantum Strategy released earlier this year.

“Australia is one of the world’s top quantum destinations, based on decades of research excellence that’s translating into us having the fifth largest quantum workforce in the world.

“Alongside the opening of the Industry Growth Program and sign off of the NRF’s Investment Mandate, this is part of the Albanese Government’s vision for a Future Made in Australia.”