Australians are working together to make sure the data centres of the future are efficient users of water and energy.

World-leading AI and quantum researchers at La Trobe University and The University of Western Australia, together with their industry partners at NextDC, Fujitsu and AQ Intelligence, are developing groundbreaking technologies that keep data centres cooler while using less energy and emitting less carbon.

The project is supported by $1.1 million from the Albanese Labor Government.

This is one of eight projects to share in $12.7 million in funding awarded by the Albanese Labor Government under Stage Two of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program.

This mission-led project funding is bringing Australia one step closer to solving big national challenges – in areas such as medical imaging, energy efficiency and resource exploration – with the help of quantum technologies.

Demonstrator projects awarded funding under Stage Two include:

• Orica Australia (Vic) has received $2.3 million to develop its solution using quantum antennas to enhance through-earth communications for the mining and infrastructure sectors.
• The University of Sydney (NSW) has received $1.5 million to develop its quantum powered CT scanner, a smaller and more portable device for use in rural Australia to improve rates of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Miniprobes (SA) has received $1.2 million to develop its quantum optical imaging for fast and efficient assessment of diabetes.
• Loughan Technology Group (NSW) has received $2.4 million to develop Australia’s first real-time mine-site sensor to measure recoverable rare-earth elements in clay deposits.  

Under Stage Two of the program, grant recipients will use their funding to further develop their Stage One feasibility project to produce a prototype or a demonstration of their proposed solution.

This drives greater awareness and uptake of quantum technologies by fostering collaboration between researchers, businesses and end-users to solve big challenges.

The funding is part of a $35.9 million commitment delivering on the National Quantum Strategy released by the Albanese Government in 2023.

More information is available at http://www.business.gov.au/ctcp 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres:

“The Critical Technologies Challenge Program is about driving innovation, investment and collaboration to enhance the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia ambitions and make the most of the opportunities that quantum and other emerging technologies offer.

“Quantum technologies have tremendous potential to boost local industries and lift productivity in Australia, for the benefit of all Australians.

“These eight CTCP projects highlight the importance of collaboration to solve some of Australia’s most pressing national challenges in energy, healthcare, and resources."

Quotes attributable to Kate Thwaites, Member for Jagajaga and Special Envoy for Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience:

“Building smarter, more resilient infrastructure is essential to reaching net zero. This project shows how climate action and innovation go hand in hand - backing local jobs while lowering emissions.

“It’s great to have our local, world-leading researchers at La Trobe University helping to make the data centres of the future cleaner and more energy efficient. This $1.1 million investment from the Albanese Labor Government will support quantum technologies that reduce energy use, cut emissions and strengthen local industry.”