Australians are working together to make sure the data centres of the future are efficient users of water and energy.
World-leading quantum researchers at Melbourne's La Trobe University, and their project partners at Fujitsu, AQ Intelligence and NextDC, are developing groundbreaking technologies that keep data centres cooler while using less energy and emitting less carbon.
The project is supported by $1.1 million from the Albanese Labor Government.
This is one of eight projects to share in $12.7 million in funding awarded by the Albanese Labor Government under Stage Two of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program.
This mission-led project funding is bringing Australia one step closer to solving big national challenges - in areas such as medical imaging, energy efficiency and resource exploration - with the help of quantum technologies.
Demonstrator projects awarded funding under Stage Two include:
- Orica Australia (Vic) has received $2.3 million to develop its solution using quantum antennas to enhance through-earth communications for the mining and infrastructure sectors.
- The University of Sydney (NSW) has received $1.5 million to develop its quantum powered CT scanner, a smaller and more portable device for use in rural Australia to improve rates of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Miniprobes (SA) has received $1.2 million to develop its quantum optical imaging for fast and efficient assessment of diabetes.
- Loughan Technology Group (NSW) has received $2.4 million to develop Australia's first real-time mine-site sensor to measure recoverable rare-earth elements in clay deposits.
Under Stage Two of the program, grant recipients will use their funding to further develop their Stage One feasibility project to produce a prototype or a demonstration of their proposed solution.
This drives greater awareness and uptake of quantum technologies by fostering collaboration between researchers, businesses and end-users to solve big challenges.
The funding is part of a $35.9 million commitment delivering on the National Quantum Strategy released by the Albanese Government in 2023.
