The ARC Training Centre for Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech) has been officially launched at Adelaide University.
QuTech is a five-year, $12 million major research initiative between Adelaide University, University of Queensland and RMIT as well as industry partners Single Quantum, Quandela, QuantX, MOGLabs, Infleqtion, Lindo, and AQC.
“Through industry, defence, and basic research South Australia is a growing national force in quantum technologies,” said centre lead and Hicks Chair of Quantum Materials at Adelaide University, Professor Glenn Solomon.
“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.
“QuTech takes a broad approach to fulfill this priority by training leaders in quantum technology as it relates to biology, physics, chemistry and engineering.
“QuTech will deliver industry focused, high impact basic and applied research associated with quantum technologies.”
While quantum technology centres of various sorts already exist, they tend to focus narrowly on specific quantum technologies.
QuTech takes a broad view since quantum technologies are more than ever being used in a wide variety of science and technology applications.
This will benefit Australia and the public by driving economic growth, national security, healthcare innovation, and workforce capability, and ensuring Australia is well positioned in both today’s quantum-related industries and tomorrow’s quantum economy.
Projects will be available at all three universities, and include the development of quantum light sources, quantum detectors and sensors with applications in communications, biology and medicine, quantum circuits and quantum computing.
“The Training Centre will directly support the broad expansion of enabling technologies in quantum technologies, creating new knowledge while training the next generation of industry leaders,” said Professor Solomon.
QuTech will support 12 fulltime Higher Degree by Research Students across five years.
“Students will undertake inter-disciplinary research in aspects of quantum technologies related to biology, engineering and physics, while engaging in seminars and working at partners’ sites,” said Professor Solomon.
Adelaide University Professor Anton Middelberg FTSE FNAI, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Research and Innovation, congratulated all on the opening of QuTech.
“Adelaide University is passionate about pursuing novel solutions and searching for breakthroughs not just critical to Australia, but relevant around the globe,” said Professor Middelberg.
“We prioritise partnering for innovation, productivity and growth, and QuTech is an outstanding exemplar of science driving new futures.”