Quantum

Quantum-enabled science and technology is gaining momentum in Australia.

Research, develop and launch your quantum application from Melbourne.

Australia’s quantum technology industry is estimated to generate $6.1 billion in annual revenue and create 35,000 jobs by 2045.¹

Australia has established significant strengths in the fields of quantum sensing, cryptography, and photonics. This is evidenced by substantial investments in research and development, the numerous academic research institutions focused on these areas, and several successful startups and commercial applications emerging from these technologies.

Australia:

ranks 12th in the world for public quantum investment
holds 10% of quantum talent globally
ranks 6th globally for the number of universities offering quantum research programs.

Melbourne is at the forefront of quantum technology innovation, home to pioneering companies that are redefining the future. Join companies like Quantum Brilliance, Nomad Atomics, FeBi techologies, MOGlabs, and h-bar in leveraging Melbourne's cutting-edge deep-tech start-up and quantum ecosystems. Benefit from world-class R&D capabilities, a growing venture capital sector and robust state government support.

By investing in Melbourne, your company can be at the heart of quantum innovation, driving technological advancements and tapping into a growing market poised for exponential growth.

Opportunities for quantum technology investment in Melbourne

Develop and deploy quantum sensing applications

Advance high-resolution microscopy and quantum sensing technologies for defence, medical and industrial applications.
With the announcement of AUKUS a growing body of funding has been dedicated to quantum sensing for defence applications.
Victoria has globally recognised capability in N.V diamond sensing technology research and applications

Engage with cutting edge quantum computing software and algorithm developers

Victoria research institutions – The University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT and CSIRO’s Data61 have globally recognised capability in quantum software development for all levels of the quantum computing stack.

Create photonics technologies and applications

This area of physics will underpin Australia’s future national security.
AUKUS has increased research funding for advanced sensing and photonics applications.
There is potential for silicon photonics research, such as low energy fibre optics for high speed internet and telecommunications
Photonics are also being used for fire detection and protection through distributed temperature sensing.
All seven critical technologies identified by the Australian federal government for future economic prosperity are supported either directly or indirectly by photonics.

Cryptography research and innovation

Enhance data security through quantum cryptography research and innovation.

Why develop your quantum technology in Melbourne?

Tap into the depth and breadth of Melbourne's quantum technology research capability

Melbourne has strong capability in sensing and imaging, quantum computing software and algorithms, and photonics. Specialists in these areas include RMIT, Swinburne, Monash, LaTrobe, UoM and CSIRO Quantum Futures Platform and Data 61.

The largest sustained university-based activity in practical quantum computing and quantum software (IBM QHub, UoM, Monash, RMIT) in Australia, as well as fundamental quantum computing research (UoM, Monash, Swinburne, RMIT)
Comprehensive quantum diamond sensing and materials capability, quantum optics and cold-atom sensing efforts (UoM, Monash, RMIT)
Nano-photonic control of quantum light emission (Monash)
Integrated Quantum Photonics and systems (RMIT)
Materials discovery for quantum applications, and materials discovery using quantum computing (Monash)
Quantum applications for chemistry and materials (Monash, Swinburne)
Quantum resistant cryptography lab with focus on research development, and industry training (Monash)
Quantum microcombs for applications to quantum communication, sensing and quantum computing (RMIT, Swinburne)
Development of Quantum Materials especially in Quantum
Nitrogen-Vacancy centre diamond systems (UoM, RMIT)
Expertise in cold atom QT/engagement with start-up
Infleqtion (Swinburne)
Supporting technology development/infrastructure, computational architectural design (UoM, Latrobe, RMIT, Australian Synchrotron, Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy, Creative Destruction Lab, Swinburne NanoLab)

Examples of current research include:

The Australian Army’s Robotics and Autonomous Systems branch is researching high resolution microscopy.
CSIRO’s Quantum Technologies Future Science Platform will focus on extending our current, long-standing expertise in superconducting quantum devices for sensing, new quantum sensing technologies and new application areas.

Our research organisations also hold leadership or membership positions in several quantum dedicated and adjacent ARC Centres of Excellence including CQC2T, Exciton Science, Quantum Biotechnology, Quantum-Atom Optics, Optical Microcombs.

Access a growing pool of quantum talent and skills

Melbourne's universities produce highly qualified graduates in quantum physics, engineering, and related fields.
The state is home to numerous research programs and initiatives, including:
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science (ACEx): Researches the manipulation and control of excitons for solar energy harvesting and security.
- Atomic and Quantum Optics research group at the School of Physics, University of Melbourne - study how light interacts with all sorts of quantum systems and ways we can tailor this interaction for useful purposes
- The Victorian Department of Education is deepening quantum talent pools by offering students in their High-Ability Program experience in ciphers to teach cryptographic principles.
National Industry PhD Program - includes $296 million to establish a suite of industry PhD and research fellowship schemes.

Benefit from a collaborative innovative environment

Melbourne’s collaborative environment promotes partnerships between academia, industry, and government. This ecosystem facilitates the translation of research into commercial applications, supporting startups and established companies in bringing innovative quantum solutions to market.
Organizations such as Quantum Brilliance and Q-Ctrl are prime examples of successful quantum ventures originating in Melbourne.

Benefit from strong government commitment and support

The Victorian Government has demonstrated robust support for the quantum sector through initiatives such as:

Breakthrough Victoria Fund: A $2 billion investment fund dedicated to future-proofing the state's economy through innovative technologies. To date it has directly invested $37 million in quantum startups like Quantum Brilliance and the Infleqtion Asia Pacific.
CSIRO’s ON Program: accelerates Australia's most promising research breakthroughs to translate big ideas to real world impact.

The Australian Government is also committed to advancing these fields through initiatives like:

The National Quantum Strategy - a plan to grow the quantum industry in Australia through support for talent development and commercialisation of quantum technologies and science.
National Industry PhD Program: A $296 million investment to establish industry PhD and research fellowship schemes, fostering the next generation of quantum talent.