At UTS last night Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic launched the new Australian Quantum Software Network, which is said to be the world’s most extensive collection of quantum software and information theory expertise

As to making the most of it, Mr Husic’s prepared text points to present policies and planning, the need to lift R&D towards 3 per cent of GDP rather than the present 1.79 per cent and for a national effort by government, industry and research on R&D.

Nine universities combine in a ministry of all the quantum talents

Speaking at the launch, Michael Bremner (UTS) said Australian researchers “have been at the forefront” of theoretical and software foundations of quantum computing but the national effort has been “leapfrogged” by nations, including China and the US, investing more.

Universities in the network are, Griffith University, Macquarie University, RMIT, University of Melbourne, UNSW, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, UTS and UWA.

The four Sydney based members have already combined as the Sydney Quantum Academy, (“quantum expertise to develop diverse talent and a globally recognised quantum ecosystem”).

Partners include Google AI and five Australian companies,