The Manhattan Project, which brought nuclear physics into the world following Germany’s technological innovations and military power, has inspired modern-day initiatives by democratic countries, including Australia and the US in quantum computing. This pursuit of breakthroughs aims to position these nations at the forefront of technological progress for both economic prosperity and national security.
Australia’s investment of nearly $1 billion into PsiQuantum is one example, with the US also partnering on this project as part of AUKUS. Their goal is to build the world’s first fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQCs). Both countries recognized that collaborating would be advantageous for Australia.
The quantum computing industry requires significant investment and international cooperation due to China’s prioritization of this technology through its ‘Made in China 2025’ plan. Building FTQCs necessitates the development of high-volume semiconductor manufacturing and cryogenic infrastructure, which is a challenge due to workforce shortages and skills gaps.
To overcome these challenges, coordination under AUKUS and the alliance will be essential for rapid upskilling within the industry and ensuring that regulations like ITAR don’t hinder progress at both FTQC sites in Brisbane and Chicago.
Australia’s investment in quantum technology is a strategic move to secure a competitive edge, as it was late to invest in photovoltaics research three decades ago, which moved to China and became a solar power giant. The US export controls on advanced semiconductors have provided an opportunity for Australia and its allies to build a decisive lead in quantum computing.
The strong collaboration between industry, academia, and government demonstrated through initiatives like PsiQuantum’s partnership with five universities in Queensland and Illinois serves as a model for other technology areas within AUKUS pillar two. This public-private research collaboration will require ongoing international cooperation to reap the rewards of this bold investment.
Source: https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/bold-push-into-quantum-computing-is-australias-manhattan-moment/