Innovate UK’s Quantum Tech Mission to Australia: Aiming for Global Collaboration and Economic Growth

Innovate UK, in partnership with UK Science and Innovation, is embarking on a Global Expert Mission to Australia from February 19-23, 2024, to explore potential markets for collaboration in quantum technologies. The mission aims to identify opportunities for innovative products and services, grow UK knowledge and skills in quantum science, and support businesses in the quantum sector. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in quantum technology development. The outcomes of the mission are expected to contribute to significant advancements in quantum technologies and economic growth for both the UK and Australia.

Quantum Technologies: UK-Australia Collaboration

The UK’s Innovate UK, in partnership with UK Science and Innovation, embarked on a Global Expert Mission to Australia from 19 to 23 February 2024. The mission aimed to explore potential markets for collaboration in quantum technologies. This initiative underscores the significance of international cooperation in the development and advancement of quantum technologies. It also reflects the UK’s commitment to fostering robust partnerships within the global quantum technology ecosystem.

Mission Objectives and Quantum Innovation

The mission had several strategic objectives. Firstly, it aimed to identify challenges and opportunities for developing innovative products and services in collaboration with Australia. Secondly, it sought to establish the UK as a hub for quantum science and engineering, thereby enhancing UK knowledge and skills in this field. Thirdly, it aimed to support businesses, positioning the UK as a preferred location for quantum businesses, investors, and global talent.

In November 2023, the UK government and Australia published a joint statement on cooperation in quantum science and technologies. This statement outlined shared commitments and visions, which, coupled with the ongoing exchange of knowledge and best practices, is expected to significantly impact the UK’s quantum industry. This impact could involve sharing research findings, best practices, and exploring opportunities for joint partnerships on education and workforce development, regulatory frameworks and standards, ethics and Diversity & Inclusion, VC, and technology commercialisation.

Quantum Technologies: Revolutionising Sectors

Quantum technologies are revolutionising various sectors, including computing, healthcare, and communications. This Global Expert Mission to Australia is a strategic initiative for UK innovators and businesses. By leveraging the expertise and resources available in Australia, the mission aims to contribute to the UK’s efforts to remain at the forefront of quantum innovation.

The outcomes of the mission are expected to pave the way for significant advancements in quantum technologies and foster economic growth for both countries. The expert delegation had the opportunity to engage with other leading experts, network with key stakeholders, and gain global insights into the latest developments in the quantum technology landscape.

Global Expert Missions: Building Strategic Partnerships

The Global Expert Missions (GEM) programme, funded by Innovate UK, supports the Industrial Strategy’s ambition for the UK to be the international partner of choice for science and innovation. Led by Innovate UK, GEMs play a crucial role in building strategic partnerships, providing deep insight into the opportunities for UK innovation and shaping future bilateral collaboration programmes.

Paul James

Paul James

Paul James has been watching and commenting on the unfolding of the latest frontier technology for a number of years. He is excited by the promise of quantum, beyond the hype and is often trotting out the much cliched phrase of "Quantum Computing isn't just a faster machine..." My Role at Quantum Zeitgeist is to your go-to source for insightful analysis, latest developments, and expert perspectives in the quantum computing and quantum technology industry.

Latest Posts by Paul James:

D-Wave Quantum to Report Q1 FY 2025 Financial Results on May 8

D-Wave Quantum to Report Q1 FY 2025 Financial Results on May 8

April 26, 2025
Single Quantum Expands into Germany, Strengthening Its Leadership in Quantum Technology and SNSPD Innovation

Single Quantum Expands into Germany, Strengthening Its Leadership in Quantum Technology and SNSPD Innovation

March 25, 2025
Welinq Unveils World-First Quantum Memory For Scalable Data Centers

Welinq Unveils World-First Quantum Memory For Scalable Data Centers

March 19, 2025