Australia and UK Set to ‘Shape the Next Frontier’ on Quantum Technologies

Illustration of quantum particles. Sola Solandra/Shutterstock

Australia and the UK have signed a joint statement to develop and accelerate quantum technologies by facilitating more investment, research, and expertise exchange.

In a statement published on Nov. 3, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic and UK Secretary of State for Science Michelle Donelan said the collaboration would see both countries develop faster computer processing technologies, including more precise and accurate sensors.

The collaboration will also transform how both countries process information, from logistics and navigation to the design of new pharmaceuticals. The ministers made this announcement during an AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park, England.

“Australia and the UK have signalled their joint determination to shape the next frontier in technology development: quantum,” Mr. Husic said.

“Like AI, quantum will profoundly change our world, meaning international collaboration is essential.

“The UK is Australia’s second biggest quantum collaborator after the United States, and we have a long history of collaborating on technology.”

Mr. Husic said the joint statement reaffirms the countries’ technology relationship, which supports the Australia-UK Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership and the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement.

“It also delivers on the international actions identified in the Australian Government’s National Quantum Strategy,” according to the joint statement.

In May, Mr. Husic launched Australia’s first National Quantum Strategy, which will see the government invest $1 billion from the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund into quantum technologies.

The UK government had previously committed £2.5 billion (AU$4.5 billion) to develop quantum technologies in the UK over the next decade.

Quantum technology uses the study of subatomic particles to solve challenges in new medicine development, net zero transitioning, and cyber security, Mr. Husic said.

“I can’t emphasise this enough, quantum technologies will be truly transformative,” he said.

“In time, quantum computing will unleash incredible computing power that can phenomenally outperform traditional computing.”

Mr. Husic estimates that quantum industries could create 19,400 direct jobs, with $5.9 billion in revenue by 2045.

Quantum a ‘Critical Emerging Technology’

Both Australia and the UK said the partnership will help shape a positive technological environment, and maintain an open, free, peaceful, and secure Internet space.

“We recognise that quantum technologies—broadly based on the study and application of quantum mechanics to explore new ways to acquire, transmit and process information—is a critical emerging technology that could enable more powerful computers, more capable communication networks and more precise and accurate sensors,” according to the joint statement that was signed on Nov. 1.

To achieve this, both countries intend to explore new theoretical and practical applications of quantum technologies; promote joint research, development, and exchange; build a trusted global quantum marketplace; open opportunities to expand quantum industries; foster shared economic prosperity and security; protect sensitive technologies; develop collaborative quantum technology standards; and leverage existing bilateral and multilateral science and technology cooperation frameworks.

“Elevating this cooperation across quantum scientific research, technology and innovation promises to deepen our bonds of friendship and understanding, strengthen our economies and contribute to global science and technology knowledge,” both countries said.

Regular meetings between Australian and UK government officials will now be held under the Quantum Policy Dialogue.