Quantum computing startups unite to drive Australia’s push to be a global leader in the space

Australia’s local quantum technology leaders have united with some of the biggest names in global tech to form new industry group for the sector.

The Australian Quantum Alliance (AQA) will sit under peak body the Tech Council of Australia to promote and connect the local quantum ecosystem.

AQA founder and CEO, Vikram Sharma, founder of QuintessenceLabs, said the alliance’s formation recognises quantum’s global potential and growing impact of the local sector, as well as giving them a single voice to work with governments on policy issues, including the Australian Government’s Quantum Strategy, regulation, the design of the proposed Critical Technologies Fund, and skills and migration. It’s the culmination of  a year’s collaboration between quantum industry stakeholders and the government. 

“With the prowess of the TCA, we hope to collectively drive the development of a  vibrant quantum industry, provide guidance to the government on the development  of the industry, help corporate decision makers understand and adopt quantum  technology, and build strong domestic and international partnerships for the greatest national benefit to Australia,” Sharma said. 

The nine founding companies involved are Quintessence Labs, Q-CTRL, Quantum Brilliance, Silicon Quantum  Computing, Nomad Atomics and Diraq, as well as global giants Google, Microsoft and Rigetti.  

The AQA’s creation comes as new research from the Tech Council shows quantum is one area where Australia can lead the way globally, with more than 3% of the world’s quantum startups originat here, compared to 1.7% of startups on average. The Australian quantum industry is also attracting 3.6% of all global VC investment, more than the country’s global GDP share of 1.6%.

TCA CEO Kate Pounder said they were proud to add global and local leaders in quantum to the council.

“Australia is leading the world in quantum research,” she said.

“Now we need to lead in commercialising that research by creating, scaling and attracting world-leading  quantum companies in Australia. The AQA will help ensure that Australia maintains  its head start in the global quantum race.”

Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC) founder and CEO Dr Michelle Simmons said Australia has been at the forefront of quantum computing since the early 2000s, pioneering globally unique technologies to manufacture atomic precision silicon processors here in Sydney.

“The formation of the Australian Quantum Alliance will  help to ensure that Australia supports its high technology quantum information companies to maintain leadership in this field and ensure long term economic value for Australia. Establishing a consortium of companies will provide unique opportunities support the growth of transformative new industries here in Australia,” she said.