Quantum technology in Australia: projects shaping the future 2026

Quantum technology harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics (the physics governing the smallest particles) that can perform tasks beyond the limits of traditional systems. 

Quantum technology is typically grouped into three core pillars: 

• Quantum computing: uses quantum bits (qubits) to process complex problems far beyond classical computers
• Quantum sensing: delivers ultra-precise measurements (e.g. gravity, magnetic fields, motion)
• Quantum communication: enables highly secure data transfer using quantum encryption principles

Australia’s mining industry has strong ambitions for quantum technology, with particular interest in quantum gravimeters that detect subtle changes in the Earth’s gravitational field. While still in the early stages of real-world adoption, leading mining companies are beginning to deploy these systems to enhance subsurface imaging and deliver more accurate exploration outcomes.

How is Nomad Atomics transforming mineral exploration?

In 2023, Nomad Atomics raised $12 million to develop the world’s first miniaturised, field-ready quantum sensors for field survey operations. These quantum gravimeters offer higher precision and stability compared to traditional gravimeters with the added value of zero drift performance for enhanced long-term accuracy. They can also detect underground mass changes and mineral deposits in real-time – unlocking faster, more reliable exploration insights.

Nomad Atomics has also partnered with Australia’s leading space exploration company Fleet Space Technologies to integrate its technology into Fleet Space's satellite-enabled Exosphere platform – combining high-precision sensing with AI-driven predictive analytics to identify hidden mineral deposits in mine sites across the globe.

Impact and job creation in mining

Exploration remains the leading use case for quantum technology in mining but as innovation continues to evolve, the sector is expected to shift toward a more data-driven, precision-focused workforce – unlocking new resources and improving efficiency across the entire mining lifecycle. 

As uptake increases, mining companies will require systems engineers, technicians and digital specialists to integrate these tools into existing workflows, while traditional roles such as geologists and mining engineers will require upskilling in data analytics and advanced sensing which can assist them in making better and informed decisions.

The energy sector presents significant long-term potential for quantum technology as it operates within highly complex, dynamic systems – precisely the type of challenges quantum is designed to address.

Initiatives such as CSIRO’s quantum battery project highlight the growing momentum behind energy-focused applications and demonstrate how continued investment in next-generation technologies could drive breakthroughs in efficiency, storage and system performance.

How can the CSIRO quantum battery project advance a new class of energy storage?

The CSIRO quantum battery project uses quantum mechanics to enable ultra-fast charging and more efficient energy transfer. Unlike conventional batteries (which rely on electrochemical processes) quantum batteries leverage collective quantum states to store and release energy simultaneously across multiple units, and offer significantly faster charging times for large devices (such as electric cars) and improved performance in high-demand applications.

While fully functioning quantum batteries have yet to be developed, the working prototype developed by CSIRO and research partners (RMIT University and University of Melbourne) was successful in wireless charging, energy storage and discharge using a light-based microcavity system – an outcome which could lay the foundation for next-generation applications across electrification, grid storage and advanced computing.

Impact and job creation the energy industry

The project will call for highly specialised roles across quantum physics, materials science, photonics and advanced engineering, while also reshaping existing positions in the energy sector to become more technical, data-driven and interdisciplinary.

While the current workforce impact remains concentrated in research and development, the greater opportunity lies in downstream adoption – where quantum-enabled energy storage has the potential to transform Australia’s energy systems and advanced manufacturing landscape.
 

Quantum biotechnology can deliver ultra-precise measurement and manipulation of biological systems at the molecular level – allowing faster diagnostics, more targeted therapies and entirely new approaches to understanding complex diseases.

In Australia, this transformation is being driven by the ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) (a $45 million initiative led by the University of Queensland) and brings together a national network of leading universities, CSIRO, industry partners and global institutions (including MIT and Johns Hopkins) to fast-track innovation from research to real-world impact.

How are QUBIC’s diagnostic and imaging tools a game changer?

QUBIC develops quantum devices (such as portable brain imagers and ultra-fast sensors) that enable scientists to study cells, molecules and neurological networks with clairty like never before. These tools can detect and track biological activity at the molecular level in real time, transforming traditionally static, indirect observation into continuous, high-resolution insight. This step-change in sensitivity will allow earlier and more accurate disease detection, more responsive monitoring of biological systems and a deeper understanding of complex processes that were previously difficult to observe.

While healthcare may be the headline, QUBIC’s applications extend beyond medical biosensing and imaging. Its technologies deliver tangible value in agriculture that can enhance productivity, sustainability and biosecurity resilience. A recent feasibility project under the CTCP demonstrated that QUBIC’s biosensors can detect pathogens earlier, monitor crop health in real time and optimise yields with greater accuracy. The result? Faster, data-driven intervention, reduced crop loss and stronger preparedness against emerging biosecurity threats.

Impact and job creation in life sciences

Existing jobs in Australia’s biomedical sector will call for more technical and data-driven specialists who can work with quantum sensing, photonics, computational biology and quantum software, while clinicians and researchers will increasingly rely on advanced diagnostics, imaging and data analytics.

Meanwhile, in agriculture, new positions will emerge across precision farming, environmental sensing and agtech systems, while existing jobs such as agronomists and farm operators will evolve to require advanced capabilities in real-time data, predictive analytics and technology-enabled decision-making to drive productivity and sustainability.
 

Australia’s commitment to support quantum infrastructure is reflected in the $470 million investment supporting the development of PsiQuantum's Brisbane facility. With completion date set for end of 2027, the project will have tremendous effect in how Australia designs, builds and delivers infrastructure.

What is the PsiQuantum Brisbane project?

Located next to Brisbane Airport, the site will host the world’s first utility-scale quantum computer – blending elements of hyperscale data centres, advanced manufacturing and scientific research facilities that can find solutions, run calculations and display simulations current conventional technology, AI and even supercomputers cannot currently achieve.

The project is also a catalyst for the development of a broader quantum ecosystem across Queensland, with considerable opportunities for partnerships with universities, global engineering firms and specialist suppliers driving the growth of new supply chains in areas such as photonics, cooling systems and advanced materials. 

PsiQuantum’s platform is expected to generate new applications relevant to infrastructure planning and delivery – such as advanced modelling of energy systems and grids, optimisation of large-scale construction logistics, and the development of next-generation materials with improved strength and lower carbon intensity.

By enabling faster, more accurate simulation of complex systems, quantum computing has the potential to significantly reduce design uncertainty, improve asset performance and enhance long-term infrastructure resilience.
 

Impact and job creation in the construction industry

Once operational, the PsiQuantum Brisbane facility is expected to create more than 400 high-skilled roles across photonic quantum computing – spanning engineering, research and software development. 

On a broader scale, existing roles across in the construction industry (from project engineers to planners and asset managers) will become more digitally enabled once PsiQuantum is operational, especially once quantum-enhanced tools for design optimisation, risk modelling and logistics planning is developed.
 

Australia’s quantum initiatives in defence ranks among the most strategic and well-funded globally (including a $3.8 billion commitment over the next decade to the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator). Central to this is the trilateral AUKUS security partnership between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom, where quantum technologies are set to play a critical role across secure communications, advanced sensing and joint research and development.

How is the AUKUS Pillar 2 project changing how defence operates?

AUKUS Pillar II’s quantum technologies program (delivered as part of the AUKUS Quantum Arrangement) is accelerating the development and deployment of next-generation defence capabilities, which will enable forces to detect threats earlier, respond faster and operate with greater independence in increasingly contested environments.

Delivered through a multi-layered collaboration across governments, defence agencies, academia and industry partners, the program is already demonstrating tangible progress, early-stage trials deemed a success for four Australian-developed quantum clocks (contributed by Adelaide-based QuantX Labs and the University of Adelaide). These systems provide highly precise timing and navigation in GPS-denied environments – a critical capability in modern defence.

But the program extends well beyond quantum navigation. Ongoing research and development is advancing quantum sensing technologies capable of detecting minute changes in gravity, magnetic fields and motion. This will improve current capabilities in identifying submarines and concealed infrastructure while strengthening surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Quantum-secure communications are also being developed to protect sensitive military data against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Impact and job creation in defence

With heavy investment from the AUKUS partnership, quantum’s role in driving defence career opportunities, spanning technical talent across physics, engineering, technology (including software, data, cybersecurity), and will command some of the highest salaries in the defence sector.

While current workforce growth is concentrated in research and early-stage development, broader impact is expected as technologies move into deployment – creating roles in systems integration, manufacturing and operational support.