Quantum technology

SECTOR OPPORTUNITY

Quantum technology

South Australia is a global leader in the industrial application of quantum technology.


South Australia is the ideal location to commercialise opportunities in the industrial application of quantum technology. Over the last decade, South Australia has strategically built world-class interconnected ecosystems around artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, space, defence, health and medical, and energy and minerals industries, making Adelaide an ideal platform for quantum technology implementation for national and global companies. South Australia's data economy provides an ideal infrastructure for companies to thrive in med-tech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

South Australia - Global leader in the industrial application of quantum technology
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Research and development ecosystem 


Researchers are drawn to South Australia to access the specialised technical facilities based in Adelaide, and quantum solutions possible in leading industries like space, defence, health and mining. Working within this ecosystem enables development, testing and improvement of capabilities in quantum technologies. 

Adelaide’s size and the close proximity of the innovation precincts and educational facilities provides a nimble environment enabling collaboration and the ability to turn pilots into products and attract investment.

  • Defence Science Technology Group (DSTG)


    Delivers scientific advice and solutions that provide capability enhancement for Defence and the national security community.

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  • Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) 


    A global hub of Photonics research, creating transformational new approaches to sensing and transdisciplinary problem solvers.

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  • Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) 


    Australia’s first and leading institute dedicated to research in machine learning, collaborating with world-leading companies to develop high-tech products and solutions.

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  • University of Adelaide School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences 


    The University of Adelaide undertakes world-class research that informs every area of modern science and enterprise – from understanding epidemics and sea-ice dynamics, to big data and abstract mathematical theory.

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  • Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE)


    As a world leader in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments - IVE - is a unique alignment of computer science, engineering, neuroscience, art, architecture, and design.

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  • Industrial AI Research Centre


    UniSA’s Industrial AI Research Centre brings together experts from across computer sciences to develop solutions for autonomous and augmented intelligence systems. We are a part of the global revolution in artificial intelligence, machine learning, Industry 4.0 and Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies.  

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  • Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology


    Flinders University’s Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology is a hub of nanotechnology research and education. They work across energy, health and other biological processes, environment, and security.

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  • SAHMRI


    The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) is the flagship health and medical research institute which sits at the heart of Adelaide BioMed City, the largest health and medical research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.

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  • Adelaide Biomed City


    Adelaide BioMed City Innovation District is a $3.8B Health and Medical Innovation District in the heart of Adelaide, comprised of leading-edge anchor institutes and companies, that cluster and connect with start-ups, business incubators and accelerators.

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Support for investing in quantum technology

Quantum and Data Hub SA

Quantum and Data Hub SA works to promote and connect a network of SA-based companies, universities, government agencies and industry bodies that contribute to quantum research and industrial application in South Australia.

Aims

  • Support quantum and data focused companies looking establish a presence in South Australia.
  • Support a unified approach to opportunities in the industrial application of quantum.
  • Give partners and outside institutions insights into quantum opportunities in the state, including projects, announcements, collaboration, and research.
  • Connect key parties from industry, universities, and government to uncover opportunities for the industrial application of quantum and facilitate collaboration on quantum projects.
  • Help focus industrial application of quantum opportunities and support projects seeking skills development. grants, collaboration, and other activities.
  • Facilitate connection with overseas and interstate institutions through programs like Quantum & Data Bridge SA.

Institutions actively exploring the application of quantum in South Australia:

Universities

  • The University of Adelaide
  • Flinders University
  • The University of South Australia

Quantum companies

  • Amazon Web Services
  • Archer Materials
  • Capital Consulting International (CCI)
  • Microsoft Azure
  • QuantX Labs
  • Rigetti Computing
  • Shoal Group
  • Silanna
  • Tata Consulting Services

Industry partners

  • Australian Army
  • Beston Global Foods
  • BHP
  • Fleet Space
  • KPMG
  • SmartSat CRC

Government of South Australia

  • Department for Trade and Investment
  • Department for Industry, Innovation and Science
  • Office for the Chief Scientist of South Australia

Quantum and Data Activation Program SA

Quantum and Data Activation Program SA helps stimulate quantum activities into the future. The Quantum and Data Activation Program SA (QDAPSA) aligns with the Commonwealth Government’s ambition for the development of quantum technology in Australia. 

Project areas previously supported by the program include:

Quantum metrology and sensing: Quantum measurements leverage the highly precise manipulation of particles to detect minute changes in information. LiDAR is perhaps the most well-known use of quantum metrology as well as the Atomic Clocks, which is used to provide internet and network timing and GPS. Quantum Imaging can also be used to provide more accurate MRI and health imaging. 

Quantum materials leverage the properties of atomic particles and molecules to design and build materials. It covers nanotechnologies, semiconductors, electromagnets, photonics equipment, lasers, and quantum dots. 

Quantum computing  is the application of quantum science to technology. The speed at which quantum computers will be able tackle complex problems offers new possibilities.  Currently the best application of QC technology is improving AI & ML algorithms and optimising complex logistical problems. 

Quantum communications are applied to create new forms of communication systems as well as new methods for securing communications. Quantum communications technology such as quantum key distribution is one of the most developed quantum information technologies in use today. One well known use is providing secure communications with nuclear submarines. 

Partners

Quantum Centric Cloud Platforms

  • Microsoft Azure: Microsoft’s cloud computing platform have a team based in Adelaide working on projects within utilities, space, health and resources.
  • Amazon Web Services: (AWS) is providing cloud access to quantum computing platform (Braket) to customers in health and defence.
 
Quantum integration partners

  • KPMG: Are assisting hi-tech startups succeed in Adelaide through the KPMG Future Technology Program.
  • Deloitte: Chose Adelaide as the first Australian Centre for Innovation and Technology to support growing companies across quantum and other hi-tech fields.

Quantum sensing and metrology

  • QuantX Labs: Provides high precision timing and sensor products used in defence, space and critical infrastructure. Specialist in Mining, Space and Defence.
  • Nomad Atomics: working with SA’s mining sector to trial effectiveness of quantum sensors in underground mines.

Hybrid quantum systems

  • Quantum Brilliance: builds powerful quantum accelerators the size of graphics cards that can be integrated into existing hardware. They are collaborating with SA-based firms on projects in the mining sector.
  • Q-CTRL: Have partnered with SA’s space industry to install quantum sensors on Satellites, supported by their own quantum software solutions.

Quantum encryption

  • Arqit: Provide cloud-based quantum encryption. They are working with local data centres on quantum encryption.
  • Quintessence Labs: Specialise in quantum secured communication and networks to telcos and utilities. They are also working with data centres in SA to provide quantum encryption solutions. 

Benefits from participating in the program

  • Introductions to South Australia’s leading quantum ecosystem. From quantum companies, platform providers, utility providers, hardware suppliers, government departments, and potential customers.
  • Collaboration with global researchers and access to talent and research in the quantum field through South Australia’s world class universities.
  • Advice and guidance on available grants from federal, state, and international agencies, current and upcoming.
  • Coordination of collaborative projects between companies, governments, utilities, and universities.

Talk to us

Contact us to explore how quantum technology can benefit you

Angus Russell

Angus Russell

Business Development Manager - Critical Technologies


Department for Trade and Investment

Contact

+61 409 486 671 Angus.Russell@sa.gov.au