Category: Media Release

The Queensland government has awarded $10M to the Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance (QDA), a consortium of leading research and industry organisations in a mission to apply quantum technologies to solve critical decarbonisation challenges.  

New technologies are needed to reach net zero, and quantum technologies promise to play a pivotal role. The Alliance aims to drive significant long-term reductions in carbon emissions across energy, agriculture, resources, and carbon capture. 

The QDA brings together The University of Queensland, QUBIC, Griffith University, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, PsiQuantum and 23 other partner organisations. 

Professor Warwick Bowen, QDA lead and Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology, states: “This is an exciting time to be developing quantum technologies for decarbonisation. Achieving COP26 emissions targets requires huge technological advances to address computational challenges that exceed the capabilities of today’s supercomputers and to better locate and extract critical minerals.” 

According to McKinsey (2022), quantum computing could enable over 7 gigatons of CO2-equivalent abatement annually, reducing global greenhouse emissions by 18%.  

“Quantum computing offers transformative potential in developing innovative solutions to address the environmental challenges posed by energy-intensive industries. We are excited to support the Quantum Decarbonisation Alliance in driving Queensland’s decarbonization efforts and helping to shape a more sustainable future,” said Dr. Geoff Pryde, Senior Director of Technical Partnerships at PsiQuantum. 

The QDA is the sole recipient of the Queensland Government’s Quantum and Advanced Technologies Quantum Decarbonisation Mission Program, which is part of the state’s $83.7 million investment over five years for the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy.  

The QDA will focus on applying quantum computing and sensing technologies to several key areas: 

• Battery Materials: Quantum computing enabled precise simulations of molecular interactions, essential for developing higher density batteries for electric vehicles and storage. 

• Transport Optimisation: Quantum computing optimisation for large-scale logistics networks, reducing fuel use and emissions.  

• Catalyst Design: Quantum models to better simulate chemical reactions for green hydrogen production and carbon capture, improving efficiency  

• Underground Autonomous Mining: Quantum inertial sensors for precise navigation in GPS-denied environments, for efficient underground extraction of rare critical minerals. 

• Deep Ore Detection: Quantum magnetometers to detect weak magnetic fields from ore bodies, improving mining efficiency and reducing environmental impact. 

• Greenhouse Gas Monitoring: Quantum sensors to measure trace greenhouse gases with high sensitivity, allowing real-time monitoring of emissions and carbon sequestration integrity  

• Single Molecule Sensing: Quantum sensors to provide new insights into protein dynamics and interactions, improving catalyst design for low-energy industrial processes. 

This grant underscores Queensland’s commitment to becoming a global leader in quantum technologies and their application to critical challenges such as climate change. 

Contact: Professor Warwick Bowen, +61 (0)404 618722 / QUBIC Communications, connect.qubic@uq.edu.au

QUBIC is thrilled to partner with organisations including the Australian Institute of Sport, Queensland Brain Institute, Sports Integrity Australia, and Griffith University in leading the development of cutting-edge quantum technologies for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane. Having secured $4.7M in competitive funding through the Queensland Government’s Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy, these projects are set to revolutionise sports science and athlete care.

1. Quantum-Enabled Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Technology providing high-performance athletes with advanced imaging capabilities, enhancing injury diagnosis and treatment.
2. Quantum Concussion Diagnostics: Rapid and accurate on field concussion assessment for athlete safety across various sports.
3. Quantum Exo-Garment: Wearable technology measuring muscle function, to optimise performance and prevent injuries.
4. Quantum Assays for Anti-Doping Control: State-of-the-art method to ensure fair competition by detecting performance-enhancing substances with unprecedented accuracy
5. Quantum Sensors for Bioelectrics: Quantum sensors for sports assessments through contactless measurement of bioelectrical fields to monitor heart function
6. Quantum Sensors for Iron Deficiency Detection: Quantum sensors for the ultrasensitive measurement of iron, to optimise athlete health and performance

The investment stems from Queensland’s vision to become a world leader in quantum technologies. Fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the government, these projects will demonstrate the practical applications of quantum technologies at the 2032 Games, with the potential to lead to breakthroughs beyond sports in areas such as medicine and healthcare.

Professor Warwick Bowen, Director of QUBIC states: “This funding allows us to showcase Queensland’s quantum capabilities on a global stage. Our innovations will not only benefit the 2032 Games but also contribute to long-term advancements in sports science and health.”

Dr Benjamin Carey, lead researcher on the Quantum Concussion Diagnostics project says: “Concussion is a massive concern in sports due to its link with increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Diagnosing concussion and its severity is crucial in providing informed and safe return-to-sport decisions after any incidents involving head trauma. Field-side concussion diagnostics will allow doctors to accurately and safely access any potential danger to athletes.”

The future of this technology has the potential to transform healthcare, promising personalised medicine and early-intervention of neurological disorders. “The magnetic-field sensors we design within this project will be pivotal in reducing the cost and accessibility of imaging,” says Dr Carey. “This has the potential to be made available in hospitals, imaging facilities and even doctors’ offices globally.”

QUBIC is the first national Centre anywhere in the world at the interface of quantum and biotechnology and is uniquely positioned at the forefront of these two fields. The Centre leverages the strengths and experience of a multi-disciplinary team of leading researchers, with industry and government partners to drive discovery, and advance the application of quantum technologies into the life sciences.

As QUBIC continues to bridge quantum science and biological science, these Olympic-focused projects mark a significant step towards realising the potential of quantum biotechnology in real-world applications.

Contact: Professor Warwick Bowen +61 (0) 404618722 / QUBIC Communications connect.qubic@uq.edu.au

The University of Queensland has launched a $45 million research initiative to position Australia as a global leader in quantum biotechnology, and tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges.

The ARC Centre of Excellence in Quantum Biotechnology (QUBIC) brings together quantum technologies with life sciences, paving the way for advancements in health, energy and agriculture.

Led by Professor Warwick Bowen from UQ’s School of Mathematics and Physics, QUBIC is a multi-disciplinary collaboration involving 5 Australian universities, industry and government partners.

“The aim is to revolutionise the technology available to biosciences and biotechnology,” Professor Bowen said.

“By applying quantum computing and sensing to cells, molecules and even the brain, QUBIC’s research will transform our understanding of biology, from how enzymes trigger reactions to how viruses invade cells and how our brains function.”

QUBIC Deputy Director, Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, said the centre has the potential for real impact.

“We are leading global quantum biotechnology innovation and creating the quantum workforce of the future – a pipeline of qualified people to take advantage of this emerging field in biotechnology,” Professor Rubinsztein-Dunlop said.

By 2045, this field is expected to generate 50,000 jobs and contribute $9 billion to Australia’s economy.

QUIBIC Director of Technology, Distinguished Professor Dayong Jin said the research will bridge quantum and the biological sciences.

“By allowing us to observe biochemical pathways and detect early signs of disease, quantum biotechnology will transform our understanding of subcellular compartments,” Professor Jin said.

“This innovation will significantly boost Australia’s capabilities in biotechnology, diagnostics and manufacturing, making us more competitive on the global stage.”

Professor Bowen said QUBIC’s research was well underway with a team of leading university researchers, industry and government partners and experts including CSIRO.

“I’m thrilled to be part of this diverse, multidisciplinary team, pioneering the field of quantum biotechnology and delivering real-world outcomes.”

Media: QUBIC Communications, connect.qubic@uq.edu.au +61 404 618 722

Image: L-R Adjunct Professor Christine Williams, Dr Alan Finkel AC FAA FTSE, The Honourable Gabrielle Upton, Dr Richard Johnson, Professor Warwick Bowen, Professor Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Professor Deborah Terry AO, Ms Rachael Birks