The Australian Government will fund 8 projects through round 1 stage 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP).
CTCP provides up to $36 million in grant funding to test and demonstrate solutions to market-led challenges of national significance using quantum technologies. It works in 2 stages:
- stage 1 offers up to $500,000 to fund feasibility projects
- stage 2 provides up to $5 million in funding to demonstrate proof of concept for projects progressing from stage 1.
Eight of the round 1 stage 1 projects are progressing for stage 2 funding. They include:
- Loughan Technology Group will receive $2.4 million to develop 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 to significantly improve energy efficiency in data centre cooling
- Miniprobes will receive $1.2 million to scale and develop its quantum optical imaging for fast and efficient assessment of diabetes.
The CTCP aligns with the National Quantum Strategy. The strategy aims to foster a vibrant and resilient innovation ecosystem that can harness emerging technologies for the benefit of all Australians.
The CTCP also aligns with the Future Made in Australia plan by backing Australian-led projects that deliver innovations in science and digital capability. By nurturing quantum capabilities, the program strengthens Australia's high‑tech manufacturing base.
