Renowned physicist and Silicon Quantum Computing founder Professor Michelle Simmons has joined the Tech Council of Australia board, bringing new hardware and manufacturing experience to its mostly software ranks.
Professor Simmons was announced as the latest high profile appointee for the industry group this week, joining a 10-member board led by Atlassian co-founder and Skip Capital principal Scott Farquar.
A former Australian of the Year and a leading voice in Australia’s efforts to ensure IP-generating research is retained in Australia to ensure the future of the economy, the quantum leader will bring new perspectives and capabilities on hardware and commercialisation.
“Her appointment will help support the TCA’s goal of supporting the growth of the Australian quantum industry and deep tech,” Mr Farquar said.
Professor Simmons began her startup journey in May 2017 when she spun out SQC from the University of NSW with $83 million in seed money from the university, along with Telstra, CBA, and the Commonwealth and NSW governments.
Since then, her team has developed the world’s first integrated circuit manufactured at the atomic scale.
Last year, SQC announced it had accelerated the launch of its first commercial product four years ahead of schedule — a quantum machine learning processor that is already being used by some Australia’s largest companies.
Professor Simmons is a founding member of the TCA’s Australian Quantum Alliance, supporting the domestic quantum industry and joins the TCA board at an “inflection point” for the local sector.
“Technology is a vital pillar of our economy and I look forward to working with the TCA,” she said.
The TCA’s other directors include Afterpay cofounder Anthony Eisen, Tesla chair Robyn Denholm, Canva co-founder Cliff Obrecht, CultureAmp founder Didier Elzinga and former NSW minister Victor Dominello.
The organisation’s membership includes global tech companies such as Apple, Google, IBM, Nokia, Accenture, ebay and Adobe.
Mr Obrecht and Mr Elzinga were also re-elected for a further three-year term follow a member vote at the TCA’s annual general meeeting earlier this week, InnovationAus.com understands.
Chief executive of the TCA Damian Kassabgi said Professor Simmons’ expertise would be invaluable to the Board, which also includes leaders from software, fintech, AI and digital platforms.
“Michelle is a respected voice across industry, research, and the commercial sector, known for her ability to communicate complex ideas and lead high-performing teams,” Mr Kassabgi said.
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