Food Ladder, an Australian not-for-profit combating food insecurity through school-based greenhouse programs, has announced a partnership with CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, and the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) to apply quantum artificial intelligence (AI) to improve food security and student wellbeing.
The four-year research project funded through the CSIRO Industry PhD Program is one of the first in Australia to use quantum machine learning in a non-quantum industry. It will test how quantum AI can solve complex optimisation challenges in education, health and food systems.
Experts from the three organisations will support a PhD student to explore how the technology can help:
- Optimise crop growth and food security – by using computer modelling to test how greenhouses perform with limited water, energy, and fertiliser to find new ways to maintain sustainable farming in a changing climate.
- Support student mental health – by measuring the therapeutic benefits of greenhouse interaction through wearable devices that track stress indicators such as heart rate variability, skin conductance, and movement.
Food Ladder CEO and co-found Kelly McJannett said the partnership highlights the connection between food security and wellbeing.
"This partnership shows how the smartest minds and the most advanced technology can be applied in the service of students and communities. Together with CSIRO and UniSQ, we are pushing the boundaries of what's possible – creating schools that not only feed and educate but also heal and inspire," Ms McJannett said.
The University of Southern Queensland will lead research into the therapeutic benefits of student interaction with plants. Dr Rajib Rana, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southern Queensland, said the project would measure and optimise the mental health benefits of green spaces.
"By integrating advanced AI technology with real-world data from schools, we can better understand how programs like Food Ladder help nurture calm, focus, and resilience in children facing disadvantage."
Dr Farina Riaz, CSIRO scientist, said the project would demonstrate how quantum technologies can connect with real-world industries.
"We're excited to create quantum-reinforced AI algorithms for resource-efficient hydroponics and evidence-based frameworks for integrating green space exposure into student wellbeing," said Dr Riaz.
"This collaboration is one of the first instance in Australia where a non-quantum industry, specifically the agriculture and education sectors, is actively applying quantum-reinforced AI algorithms. It also marks a significant step in connecting quantum technologies with real-world industries, helping build a healthier and more sustainable future for young Australians."
Food Ladder's impact in schools is already well-established. The not-for-profit is scaling rapidly, with a goal of reaching 1,000 schools by 2030, engaging over one million students and supplementing 25 million meals annually. Its programs have proven successful in lifting attendance, improving literacy and numeracy, and creating safe spaces for children experiencing distress.
Recent reports from schools highlight how Food Ladder's greenhouses are becoming critical tools in suicide prevention programs, offering a safe and restorative space for young people in crisis.
At Wellington Public School in Western NSW for example, participation in the program has seen student attendance rates rise from 30 per cent to above 90 per cent, alongside significant improvements in literacy and numeracy. Teachers report that many students now identify Food Ladder as the main reason they come to school.
With the challenges of food insecurity worsening globally – 733 million people face hunger and in Australia 94 per cent of children don't eat enough fresh fruit and vegetables (ABS & AIHW) – Food Ladder is demonstrating how innovative partnerships can create scalable, sustainable solutions.
