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Why quantum?

Without quantum physics, there would be no internet, computers, or magnetic resonance imaging. Now, scientists and engineers can unlock unprecedented capabilities to isolate, control and sense individual quantum particles (such as electrons and photons) like never before.

Commercialising these technologies will create a new high growth industry with the potential to create economic growth and jobs across a range of sectors.

The Growing Australia's Quantum Technology Industry report outlines the opportunities that a thriving quantum technology sector can unlock for Australia.

Read the original 2020 report

Read the updated economic analysis

Revolutionary applications

  • Health: Large-scale quantum computers could simulate complex molecules and accelerate drug discovery.
  • Mining: quantum sensors can measure the magnetic and gravitational characteristics of mineral resources deep underground, leading to new ore deposit discoveries.
  • Space: laser based quantum communications systems could enable faster and more secure data transfer with satellites.
  • Defence: quantum sensing and timing systems could underpin precision positioning and navigation applications in challenging environments.

Positioning Australia for a six billion-dollar opportunity by 2045

Glowing computer chip in a circut board showing red lines extending out across the various components on the board. Commercialising quantum technologies could create an Australian industry worth $2.2 billion and 8,700 jobs by 2030. This could reach nearly $6 billion and 19,400 jobs by 2045. Australia has world-class quantum research capabilities and an emerging quantum technology industry underpinned by the expertise and IP developed in its research institutions.

Australia can play a valuable role in this global industry but as its global peers invest heavily in their own quantum ecosystems, it will need to act quickly to remain a key player in this global opportunity.

With the right support, CSIRO envisions that by 2040 Australia will maintain its globally competitive strengths in quantum technology R&D and develop a thriving quantum technology industry.

Enabling industry growth

Realising these opportunities will require sustained effort from all stakeholders to grow Australia's quantum technology industry. Australia must consider how it can:

  • focus and coordinate its quantum industry development efforts
  • build its quantum workforce and infrastructure capability
  • support productive collaboration with local and international partners
  • enhance the readiness of governments, society and end-users for next generation quantum technologies.

Updated economic analysis

In 2022, new data was used to update the economic estimates from the original report. This includes an update to the 2040 domestic quantum industry revenue and jobs figures, as well as new estimates for the years 2030, 2035, and 2045.

Read the updated analysis to learn about the opportunities that quantum technology can unlock for Australia:

Original 2020 roadmap

This Roadmap seeks to start a conversation between government, researchers and industry on the benefits of quantum technology to Australian industry, and the long-term economic value that can be created by growing a thriving domestic quantum industry.

The report was launched at a webinar which brought together expert guests from across the quantum ecosystem. Watch the webinar recording.

Read the report to discover the opportunities that quantum technology can unlock for Australia:

The discussion paper informing the Roadmap’s development is also available.
Discussion paper (November 2019)

The Roadmap was prepared by CSIRO Futures, under the direction of CSIRO's Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley.

Why quantum?

Without quantum physics, there would be no internet, computers, or magnetic resonance imaging. Now, scientists and engineers can unlock unprecedented capabilities to isolate, control and sense individual quantum particles (such as electrons and photons) like never before.

Commercialising these technologies will create a new high growth industry with the potential to create economic growth and jobs across a range of sectors.

The Growing Australia's Quantum Technology Industry report outlines the opportunities that a thriving quantum technology sector can unlock for Australia.

Read the original 2020 report PDF (3 MB)

Read the updated economic analysis PDF (532 KB)

Revolutionary applications

  • Health: Large-scale quantum computers could simulate complex molecules and accelerate drug discovery.
  • Mining: quantum sensors can measure the magnetic and gravitational characteristics of mineral resources deep underground, leading to new ore deposit discoveries.
  • Space: laser based quantum communications systems could enable faster and more secure data transfer with satellites.
  • Defence: quantum sensing and timing systems could underpin precision positioning and navigation applications in challenging environments.

Positioning Australia for a six billion-dollar opportunity by 2045

Commercialising quantum technologies could create an Australian industry worth $2.2 billion and 8,700 jobs by 2030. This could reach nearly $6 billion and 19,400 jobs by 2045. Australia has world-class quantum research capabilities and an emerging quantum technology industry underpinned by the expertise and IP developed in its research institutions.

By 2030, Australia’s quantum technology opportunity could reach $2.2 billion. By 2045, Australia’s quantum technology opportunity could almost reach nearly $6 billion in total.

Australia can play a valuable role in this global industry but as its global peers invest heavily in their own quantum ecosystems, it will need to act quickly to remain a key player in this global opportunity.

With the right support, CSIRO envisions that by 2040 Australia will maintain its globally competitive strengths in quantum technology R&D and develop a thriving quantum technology industry.

Enabling industry growth

Realising these opportunities will require sustained effort from all stakeholders to grow Australia's quantum technology industry. Australia must consider how it can:

  • focus and coordinate its quantum industry development efforts
  • build its quantum workforce and infrastructure capability
  • support productive collaboration with local and international partners
  • enhance the readiness of governments, society and end-users for next generation quantum technologies.

Updated economic analysis

In 2022, new data was used to update the economic estimates from the original report. This includes an update to the 2040 domestic quantum industry revenue and jobs figures, as well as new estimates for the years 2030, 2035, and 2045.

Read the updated analysis to learn about the opportunities that quantum technology can unlock for Australia:

Original 2020 roadmap

This Roadmap seeks to start a conversation between government, researchers and industry on the benefits of quantum technology to Australian industry, and the long-term economic value that can be created by growing a thriving domestic quantum industry.

The report was launched at a webinar which brought together expert guests from across the quantum ecosystem. Watch the webinar recording.

Read the report to discover the opportunities that quantum technology can unlock for Australia:

The discussion paper informing the Roadmap’s development is also available.
Discussion paper (November 2019) PDF (5 MB)

The Roadmap was prepared by CSIRO Futures, under the direction of CSIRO's Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley.

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