The Australian government has kickstarted a public consultation for the $40.2 million Critical Technologies Challenge program, which, along with the Australian Centre for Quantum Growth program, aims to help the nation stay at the forefront of quantum development.
The programs were announced as part of the Federal 2023-24 Budget and are aimed at growing Australia’s quantum ecosystem over four years.
The initiatives aim to foster collaborative research and development and undertake education and awareness activities to boost Australia’s quantum industry. They are also intended to increase international collaboration, export, and investment, demonstrate Australian capability, and drive the demand and uptake of quantum technologies.
The Australian government has declared quantum as a critical technology in the national interest as it is key to improvements in various fields, including advanced medical research and imaging, satellite navigation, weather modelling, and disaster response management.
The government launched a solicitation for public feedback for the $19.8 million Australian Centre for Quantum Growth in early July.
The public consultation on the Critical Technologies Challenges Program will help shape the initiative’s design and ensure it delivers for the Australian industry.
Responses can be submitted through an online workshop hosted on the Department of Industry, Science and Resources website from 29 to 31 August.
Register your interest to participate at industry.gov.au.
