The Australian Government has announced $12.7 million in funding to support eight innovative quantum technology projects, in a move it says will strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability and broader high-tech industry.
According to the government, the projects will be funded through round 1 stage 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP), which provides up to $36 million in grant funding to test and demonstrate solutions to market-led challenges of national significance using quantum technologies.
The CTCP operates in two stages. Stage 1 offers up to $500,000 to fund feasibility projects, while stage 2 provides up to $5 million to demonstrate proof of concept for projects that progress from stage 1. Eight projects from round 1 stage 1 have been selected to move into stage 2 funding.
Among the recipients, Loughan Technology Group will receive $2.4 million to develop what the government describes as Australia’s first real-time mine-site sensor to measure recoverable rare-earth elements in clay deposits.
La Trobe University will receive $1.1 million to develop a hybrid quantum–classical optimisation system aimed at significantly improving energy efficiency in data centre cooling.
Miniprobes will receive $1.2 million to scale and further develop its quantum optical imaging technology for the fast and efficient assessment of diabetes.
The government said the CTCP aligns with the National Quantum Strategy, which seeks to foster a “vibrant and resilient innovation ecosystem” capable of harnessing emerging technologies for the benefit of Australians.
It also said the program supports the Future Made in Australia plan by backing Australian-led projects that deliver innovation in science and digital capability.
By supporting the development and demonstration of quantum technologies, the government said the program is intended to help strengthen Australia’s high-tech manufacturing base and build sovereign capability in critical technologies.
The funding announcement was made as part of the government’s broader efforts to invest in emerging technologies and encourage industry-led collaboration in areas considered strategically important.
