More than a dozen quantum projects have received funding through the second round of the federal government’s Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP), part of a national push to translate research into commercial solutions.
The $5.74 million in early-stage grants will support feasibility studies for startups tackling complex challenges in areas where quantum-enabled technologies promise outsized impact but face barriers to investment and adoption.
Among the recipients leading the 14 projects are Sydney-based quantum computing startups Diraq and Silicon Quantum Computing, as well as animal health deep tech venture IQ Sense and sensing technology firm Iugotec.
Each of the projects will be delivered by consortia that bring together quantum startups, academic institutions, commercial end-users and other partners to jointly design, prototype and evaluate novel quantum solutions.
Established under the National Quantum Strategy, the $35.9 million CTCP initiative is designed to accelerate quantum commercialisation at the riskiest and most capital-constrained stage of development.
The first round of the program saw $5.2 million distributed among 14 consortia developing feasibility studies for projects including precision sensing, secure communications and quantum-enhanced diagnostics.
Round 2 builds on the initial round with grants of up to $500,000 for feasibility-stage projects, with the largest grant ($500,000) awarded to Diraq to explore quantum computing applications in electricity network optimisation, focusing on energy market operations and infrastructure.
The project will see the company partner with Australian Energy Market Operator, the University of NSW and other academic and commercial collaborators, to examine how quantum methods can enhance system efficiency and sustainability.
The next largest grant ($499,483) will help mobile optometry service Angel Eyecare work with CSIRO and Lions Eye Institute to build a portable quantum-enabled eye screening device that will deliver low-cost, non-invasive diagnostics.
Another $498,922 project involving Perth-based MedTech Avicena Systems and the University of Western Australia will integrate quantum-enhanced biosensors into a handheld platform for the rapid detection of bloodstream infections.
Diamond-based quantum sensing technology firm FeBI Technologies will, meanwhile, use its $494,153 federal grant to improve iron diagnosis within indigenous communities using quantum sensing.
Other projects include:
- Data Effects: $491,832 to develop quantum-enabled detection of invasive pathogens for improved biosecurity in partnership with the University of Queensland
- Nova Eye Medical: $488,048 to work with the University of Adelaide to explore quantum-based enhancements to its ophthalmic treatments for indigenous communities
- Iugotec: $486,689 to develop a quantum-powered pest detection solution with CAB International and the Queensland University of Technology
- IQ Sense: $456,464 to develop a quantum-enhanced sensing platform to monitor zoonotic diseases in livestock in partnership with Nanoplus Nanonsystems and Technologies and the University of Queensland
- Silicon Quantum Computing: $452,339 to work with UNSW and Schneider Electric to build a quantum AI accelerator that will optimise distributed energy resources
- Q-CTRL: $432,453 to create quantum-enhanced medical imaging diagnostics for remote communities with WA’s North Metropolitan Health Services, Quantinuum and the University of WA.
The full list of grant recipients can be found here.
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