Telstra’s quantum computing investment welcomed

The Government today has welcomed the significant investment in quantum computing by Telstra, investing $10 million in the quantum computing project, adding to the Government’s $26 million investment announced in yesterday’s release of the National Innovation and Science Agenda.

The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne welcomed Telstra’s investment to help fund the development of a silicon quantum integrated circuit – the first step in developing the world’s first silicon-based quantum computer.

“This is a great announcement – one of Australia’s leading technology companies helping Australia stay in the lead in cutting-edge technology” said Mr Pyne.

Quantum computing has the potential to see an exponential growth in computing power, and Australia is positioned at front of this developing technology.

The Centre for Quantum Computation and Communications Technology, headquartered at the University of New South Wales, recently announced the building of a quantum logic gate in silicon, a critical step on the way to making silicon computers a reality.

“Telstra is uniquely placed to help the project – both financially and with expert technical support – and to help keep Australia in the lead”.

“I view this, along with the increased support from the Commonwealth Bank, as the first achievement of the Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda.”

The Agenda, released yesterday, focusses on four pillars of improving talents and skills, commercialising research, raising capital, and government to change a pervasive culture of risk averseness and build entrepreneurship.

More information on the Agenda can be found at www.innovation.gov.au.