Quantum technologies are advancing rapidly, with ideas increasingly moving out of the lab and becoming a reality in areas such as sensing, communications and computing.
ARC CEO, Professor Ute Roessner speaking at the official launch of the ARC Training Centre in Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech). Image Credit: Supplied.
The Australian Government has supported quantum technologies for more than 2 decades. Activity now spans multiple portfolios and programs, including investment in research excellence, industry collaboration and workforce development to strengthen Australia's quantum ecosystem.
As these technologies mature, a key challenge is ensuring Australia has the skilled people needed to work across disciplines and move confidently between universities, industry and government.
From the lab to practical applications
Turning quantum research into practical technologies requires people with the skills to apply this work in industry and other applied settings.
The ARC Training Centre in Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech) has been established to support advanced training and collaboration, alongside research excellence in the field.
Based at Adelaide University, the Centre brings together universities, industry partners and students to support the development of Australia's future quantum workforce.
At the launch, ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner reflected on the importance of building capacity to train Australia's future quantum workforce.
'Real impact comes from investing in people and their capabilities alongside technology development,' Professor Roessner said.
QuTech is designed to prepare Masters and PhD students to work across research, industry and applied environments. Its training approach combines deep technical expertise in quantum technologies with broader skills in collaboration, communication and workplace readiness.
By linking advanced research with industry engagement, the Centre supports students to move confidently between disciplines and industries as quantum technologies continue to mature and be adopted more widely.
A broad approach to quantum technologies
Quantum technologies are developing across a wide range of applications, from systems already embedded in everyday technologies to longer‑term innovations still emerging from research.
At QuTech, this breadth is reflected in the Centre's focus on both current and emergent quantum technologies. Current quantum technologies include applications where devices operate at quantum scales and already underpin technologies such as communications networks, computing and energy systems.
Emergent quantum technologies look further ahead, where quantum coherence plays a critical role in enabling new capabilities. These technologies represent the next phase of quantum innovation and are the focus of ongoing research and development.
By taking this broad view, QuTech supports training that reflects how quantum technologies are developed, applied and translated in the real world, bringing together expertise across engineering, physics, biology, chemistry, medical physics and related disciplines.
Connecting universities and industry
Collaboration is central to the Training Centre's work. QuTech brings together universities and industry partners from Australia and overseas, ensuring research training remains closely connected to industry needs.
This partnership driven approach helps students gain experience working with industry, while supporting the translation of research skills into practical applications. It also strengthens connections across the quantum ecosystem, contributing to a more resilient national capability.
Investing in Australia's quantum future
As quantum technologies continue to evolve, the people trained today will play a critical role in shaping how these technologies are applied across research, industry and government.
By combining advanced training, interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry, QuTech aims to strengthen Australia's quantum capability and help build a workforce equipped to support future technological change.
The ARC supports research and training that builds national capability, addresses significant challenges and delivers benefits for the community and economy.
About the ARC Training Centre in Current and Emergent Quantum Technologies (QuTech)
- Administering organisation: Adelaide University
- ARC funding: Over $5 million over 5 years
Learn more, visit the QuTech website: https://arcquantumcentre.com.au/
