Quantum tech manufacturing boosted by $50M investment

The Queensland Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to position the state at the forefront of quantum and advanced technologies manufacturing, introducing five competitive grant programs totalling over $50 million.

This initiative is part of a broader vision to establish Queensland as ‘The Quantum State’, supported by an $83.7 million investment over five years outlined in the 2024-25 Budget.

“This budget allocation and the launch of these five grant programs affirms our commitment to advancing quantum technology and positioning Queensland as a provider of deep technology solutions for global opportunities and challenges,” stated Minister for Innovation and Science Leanne Linard.

Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, stressed, “By establishing Queensland as the ‘Quantum State’, we lay the foundation for an economy that is resilient and innovative, poised to harness the full potential of quantum and advanced technologies for a sustainable and prosperous future.”

The grant programs include a $20 million Quantum Commercialisation Infrastructure Program aimed at strengthening manufacturing infrastructure for quantum technology, a $15 million Co-Investment Fund to attract collaboration and investment in manufacturing advancements, and a $10 million Quantum Decarbonisation Mission focused on enhancing manufacturing processes for renewable energy technologies.

“These new grant programs further cement Queensland’s reputation as a global leader in quantum, attract and retain skills in quantum science, and use quantum technologies to help solve challenges such as improved renewable energy technologies and combating climate change,” Linard added.

“I am particularly excited by the potential of this technology to accelerate Queensland’s decarbonisation efforts and make leaps in sports technology,” the minister concluded.