A new report from Monash University has outlined possible futures for industries shaped by quantum technology, including manufacturing, and recommended steps to help Australia become “quantum-ready” through workforce development and cross-sector collaboration.
The Quantum Future Workforce report was led by researchers from Monash University’s Emerging Technologies Research Lab, an initiative spanning Monash Art, Design and Architecture and the Faculty of Information Technology, in collaboration with Quantum Australia.
Drawing on ethnographic interviews, documentary research and a co-design workshop involving researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry representatives, the study examined how quantum technologies could affect sectors including healthcare, cybersecurity, communications, infrastructure and advanced materials.
The report explored applications such as wearable health monitoring through quantum sensing, quantum-resistant cybersecurity systems, secure communications networks, low-energy quantum materials, and infrastructure systems supporting transport and utilities.
Among its 12 recommendations, the report called for stronger manufacturing capability, support for commercialisation and start-ups, improved public awareness of quantum technologies, greater policy engagement, and the development of a more connected national quantum ecosystem.
Lead author Associate Professor Leah Heiss said the project focused on understanding the broader systems and workforce needs that would support future quantum industries.
“The workshop brought researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry representatives into the same room to work through possible quantum futures together,” Associate Professor Heiss said.
“Rather than looking only at the technology itself, participants mapped the real-world systems, industries and people that would need to support those futures, from healthcare and cybersecurity to infrastructure and communications.”
She said the co-design process highlighted challenges and opportunities linked to collaboration, workforce readiness and long-term social impacts.
Professor Sarah Pink, Director of the Emerging Technologies Research Lab and co-author of the report, said the findings pointed to the need for a broader workforce beyond traditional scientific and technical roles.
“Our research shows the future quantum workforce will not be confined to traditional scientific or technical roles,” Professor Pink said.
“Building a quantum-ready future will depend on creating a workforce with the ability to translate between disciplines, collaborate across sectors and connect technical innovation with real-world applications.”
Co-author Dr Debora Lanzeni said the report also highlighted the importance of flexible education and training pathways as the sector develops.
“One of the strongest findings was that the future quantum workforce will extend well beyond specialist physicists or software developers,” Dr Lanzeni said.
“The report recommends more flexible education and training pathways including short courses, professional conversion programs and cross-sector upskilling opportunities.”
Quantum Australia Partnership Development Manager Adrian Gertler said collaboration between industry, government and education would be important as quantum technologies evolve.
“Quantum Australia plays a key role in leading the conversation on how quantum technologies will transform our society,” Gertler said.
“This transition will have profound workforce implications, and ensuring that government, industry, and education systems are aligned and prepared is paramount.”
The researchers said future work will include a Quantum Energy Futures project with the Monash Energy Institute and Quantum Australia, examining how quantum technologies could support resilient energy systems.
