NSW opens Quantum Terminal, Aus and US partner on quantum future

The NSW Government’s vision for a world-class innovation and technology precinct is coming to life, with Tech Central’s Quantum Terminal this week welcoming its first tenants.

As the future focal point of Sydney’s innovation and technology community, Tech Central Is set to create a vibrant innovation and technology precinct in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. It will provide up to 250,000 m² of space for technology companies and is predicted to bring up to 25,000 jobs to NSW. Q-Ctrl, Sydney Quantum Academy and Quantum Brilliance are now in place in the Quantum Terminal collaboration space — all working to advance quantum technology, high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.

NSW Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry Stuart Ayres said the government is also focused on helping businesses expand and enter their next phase of growth at Tech Central. “Building on the opening of the Quantum Terminal,” he said, “we’re also investing up to $21 million to prioritise affordable accommodation for scaleups. From December, businesses can apply for rebates on rental and fit-out costs of up to $600,000 a year through the Tech Central Scaleup Accommodation Rebate.”

The Tech Central Scaleup Hub, located in the heart of the precinct at 477 Pitt Street, will be operated by technology community Stone & Chalk providing 8000 m² of flexible workspace for high-growth technology scale-ups. Michael Bromley, CEO of Stone & Chalk, said the company is proud to be the partner of choice for the government’s growth agenda.

“Through our second Hub in Sydney, we’ll be able to support domestic and international startups in their transition to becoming scale-ups by providing vital access to the resources and infrastructure required for success,” he said.

David Thodey, Chair of the Tech Central Industry Advisory Group, added that the opportunities for innovation and collaboration across the precinct are unrivalled. “These facilities and support initiatives will help businesses both large and small, driving new opportunities for innovation and collaboration to build a sustainable and enduring world-class precinct,” he said.

The news was announced just 10 days after Australia and the United States signed a landmark statement of intent to cooperate and share in the enormous opportunities and benefits that quantum science and technology advancements present. The Joint Statement of the United States of America and Australia on Cooperation in Quantum Science and Technology strengthens Australia and the United States’ ability to exchange quantum knowledge and skills; creates more opportunities to promote research and development; and encourages greater market access for quantum businesses in both nations.

Federal Minister for Science and Technology Melissa Price said signing the joint statement recognises the role quantum technology will have in helping solve global challenges, thus offering incredible opportunities for Australia and the United States.

“Quantum technologies will help us overcome significant challenges that current computers struggle to solve, will help make our day-to-day lives safer and more convenient, and create more secure communications technologies,” Price said.

“This is an important step forward for advancing quantum technologies in both Australia and the US, and will create more opportunities for Australian business and researchers to leverage the opportunities this technology will create.”

The US President’s Science Advisor and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Dr Eric Lander, signed the joint statement in Washington. He said, “I am delighted to affirm the United States and Australia’s commitment to work together to develop a healthy international marketplace for quantum technologies and grow the workforce for this emerging area.

“Jointly exploring new frontiers in quantum information science will accelerate discoveries and enable revolutionary approaches to computing, sensing and networking that will benefit all of society.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Siarhei

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