Sydney is being positioned as a global force in quantum computing research and development, with four universities pitching a Sydney Quantum Academy. The University of Sydney led scheme includes UNSW, Macquarie U and UTS and is developing a plan “to help Sydney cement its place as a global centre of excellence for quantum computing … and develop the next generation of quantum engineers,” UniSyd DVC R Duncan Ivison says.

Australian of the year Michelle Simmons (interviewed in this morning’s CMM) leads a major research project into QC at USW while the University of Sydney with partner Microsoft is investing $150m to build the world’s first large-scale quantum computer.

The state government is funding the partners to bring it a proposal by August.