DIN dedicates 1.5 million dollars to research in quantum technology
Two “breakthrough” research projects in the field of quantum science and technology will share $1.5 million in funding allocated through the Defense Industry Quantum Research Consortium, an initiative of the Defense Innovation Network New South Wales (DIN).
Both prototypes, pioneers in the world, will have TRL 4-6 (technological readiness level), as well as a clear commercial application. NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte called the projects “revolutionary” and added that the aim was to develop encapsulated quantum devices within 24 months.
The projects will bring together teams drawn from DIN member universities, along with multidisciplinary teams from industry and other universities based in New South Wales. Member universities include Macquarie University, University of Newcastle, University of Sydney, University of Wollongong, University of New South Wales, University of Technology Sydney and Western Sydney University.
One of the proposals “aligns closely with Defense’s focus area of developing quantum technologies to provide navigation and timing capabilities when GPS is not available,” and relates to the STaR Shot of Quantum Assured Positioning Navigation and Timing (PNT ) by DST Group.
The second project will investigate the development of secure communications using bright source single photon emitters with applications in distributed quantum keys.
The state government, through the New South Wales Office of the Chief Engineer and Scientist, has committed $1 million of the funding. This has been supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Defense Science and Technology Group (DST), which has committed $500,000 to the project.
Minister of State for Employment, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said: “These projects will create greater opportunities through greater collaboration between the defense industry and NSW academia to commercialize applicable technologies. to defense and create jobs for the people of New South Wales.
NSW Defense Advocate, Air Marshal (Retired) John Harvey, AM, said: “The Defense Industry Quantum Research Consortium is another great opportunity to connect defense and industry with strongholds. and capabilities of New South Wales universities, and aligns directly with the New South Wales government. Industry and defense strategy: strong, intelligent and connected.”
“DST is pleased to support this Defense Innovation Network initiative in quantum technologies,” said DST Electronic and Cyber Warfare Division spokesperson Dr. David Bird.
