Quantum leap: PsiQuantum and Queensland Unis set to revolutionize tech education

PsiQuantum has inked a memorandum of understanding with five leading Queensland universities to fortify Australia’s position in the quantum computing sector. This strategic partnership aims to address the increasing demand for specialized skills in the burgeoning quantum economy and explore research opportunities in related fields. The collaboration will engage academic institutions across Australia to offer a comprehensive framework for academic, postgraduate, and undergraduate placements, attracting top-tier Australian and international talent.

The partnership comprises The University of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Southern Queensland, and the University of the Sunshine Coast. Together, they will develop educational programs tailored to the unique demands of the quantum computing industry and other high-tech fields. These programs are designed to cultivate a wide range of skills from quantum applications engineering to software development and technical lab work.

PsiQuantum CEO and Co-Founder, Jeremy O’Brien, stated, “Australia and Queensland have been world leaders in the field of quantum computing for decades, and this partnership builds upon that foundation. This collaboration will help ensure that Australia is developing the necessary skills and driving research to continue leading this field for decades to come.”

Griffith University’s Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Carolyn Evans, highlighted the regional benefits: “The partnership brings opportunities for more Queensland students to build future-focused STEM careers and builds on more than 20 years of leading research in quantum technology here at Griffith and across the state.”

Professor Deborah Terry, Vice-Chancellor and President at The University of Queensland, emphasized the educational spectrum: “Students starting high school this year will graduate into a world with utility-scale quantum computers. We will work with PsiQuantum across the education spectrum – from schools, through TAFE, to universities – to prepare our students for future jobs in quantum and advanced technologies.”

The educational initiatives will involve input from PsiQuantum’s teams in developing modules, courses, degrees, lectures, and industry training. These efforts aim to provide pathways from traditional STEM fields into the quantum sector, upskill scientists for critical applications of quantum technology, and prepare physicists for the impending industrial revolution.

The collaboration will also foster joint research endeavors that may evolve into more extensive projects, aligning with the goals of Queensland’s Quantum and Advanced Technology Strategy and the Australian National Quantum Strategy.

Quantum computers promise transformative changes across various sectors by enabling more efficient modeling of molecular structures and accelerating the development of new drugs, among other applications. By addressing both current and future skill needs within the quantum computing sector, this partnership positions Queensland as a pivotal hub for quantum research and innovation.

This strategic alliance not only underscores PsiQuantum’s commitment to advancing quantum computing but also ensures that the Australian workforce is well-prepared to support the industry’s growth, including the deployment of PsiQuantum’s first utility-scale quantum computer in Brisbane.

This partnership marks a significant step in Australia’s strategic development in quantum computing. By linking industry with academia, PsiQuantum and the Queensland universities are setting a global standard for how collaborations can effectively meet the rapidly evolving demands of high-tech industries.