Quantum experts call for coordinated approach to growing Australia’s quantum sector

(ZDNet) Australia’s quantum experts spoke at the recent Quantum Australia 2022 Conference. Aimee Chanthadavong, Senior Journalist at ZDNet covered the event; her article is summarized here by Inside Quantum Technology.
Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) said it will be testing its first real use case of quantum technology in marine environments this year.The technologies that Defence will be testing, according to DSTG chief defence scientist Tanya Monro, will be “everything from quantum-based accelerometers, magnetometers, and gravimeters, but working together in a real context for the real problem, which is that you might be in an environment where DNSS or GPS is denied”.
Monro believes such real-world use cases are important, as it provides the quantum industry with focus and ultimately opens funding opportunities.
“Our aim is to provide that context in that problem that you can pit yourself against, and by doing that increase the prospect of a commercial opportunity for Australia’s quantum industry,” she said.
She believes defence, however, should not be the only customer of quantum technology.
“A defence market alone is not a commercial proposition,” she said.
Michelle Simmons, director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology, agreed that one way to get value out of quantum research by universities and turn it into a viable commercial product is create to a “one-shot policy”.
Australia’s chief scientist Cathy Foley gave the keynote speech. “We want to build an organised and coordinated industry that will attract talent, investment, and be globally competitive. And we need to set the direction including skills, supply chains, and regulation. And finally, we need to take action — total money invested is less important than actually having the joint vision.”