At Quantum World Congress 2024, the main stage lit up with an exceptional panel featuring leaders from PsiQuantum and Trade and Investment Queensland. The discussion, moderated by PsiQuantum's EVP of Public Sector Mark Brunner, dived into the growing intersection of government and industry collaboration to propel quantum computing initiatives forward. Stratton Sclavos, Chief Business Officer at PsiQuantum, and Gabe Sulkes, Investment Director at Trade and Investment Queensland, joined Brunner. Together, they explored the role that strategic investments and public-private partnerships play in accelerating the quantum revolution.

A Quantum Leap for Queensland

One of the panel's most exciting announcements was PsiQuantum’s plan to build its first full-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer in Queensland. Set to break ground in 2025, this project is a major milestone in the global quantum ecosystem. Queensland, which is projected to generate $6 billion in revenue and create 20,000 jobs in quantum by 2045, is positioning itself as a quantum technology hub.

According to Sulkes, Queensland has become the first Australian state with a comprehensive quantum strategy, which includes a $90 million investment to support the development of quantum technologies and the associated talent pipeline. This strategic move aligns with Australia’s national quantum strategy, reinforcing the region’s role in the global quantum landscape.

Public-Private Partnerships: The Key to Quantum Success

PsiQuantum took the main stage at Quantum World Congress 2024 to explore role that strategic investments and public-private partnerships play in accelerating the quantum revolution.

Both Sclavos and Sulkes emphasized that public sector support is critical for the rapid scaling of quantum computing technologies. Sclavos noted that governments like Queensland and Illinois are not just offering financial support but are deeply involved in building infrastructure and research ecosystems that can accelerate innovation.

“Quantum computing is the most aspirational mission we can all be on,” said Sclavos. “And it’s only through collaboration—between public institutions, industry leaders, and academia—that we will realize its full potential.”

Preparing for Quantum’s Real-World Impact

The panel also highlighted the importance of preparing for use cases in industries ranging from climate modeling to pandemic preparedness. Sulkes outlined Queensland’s plan to create a Climate Research Center in Brisbane, aimed at harnessing quantum power to address existential challenges like climate change.

PsiQuantum’s approach is to work closely with both governments and industry partners to ensure that by the time the quantum systems are up and running in 2027-2028, there will already be meaningful applications ready to go.

Looking Ahead

With governments leaning in and industry leaders stepping up, it’s clear that the next decade will see quantum computing move from theory to reality. PsiQuantum’s partnerships with Queensland and Illinois represent a bold, forward-thinking approach to scaling quantum systems, one that will reshape industries, drive economic growth, and solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.

The future is quantum, and PsiQuantum is leading the charge.