Catalyst: Strategic – a quantum technologies research platform
Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies will lead an ambitious and internationally connected 5-year research programme to leverage New Zealand’s niche expertise in quantum technologies with up to $12 million from Catalyst Strategic.
On this page
About the programme
This programme – Quantum Technologies Aotearoa – has been developed by Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, one of New Zealand’s leading centres for quantum research and a Centre of Research Excellence. It will increase international connectivity and domestic capability in this rapidly developing sector that leverages the principles of quantum physics to build new and advanced technologies.
Quantum technologies have potentially transformative applications across many parts of society and in nearly every industry including climate and environmental monitoring, drug discovery and medical imaging, materials sciences, and communication. This programme will support the robust research ecosystem needed to translate Aotearoa New Zealand’s emerging strengths in quantum research into a diverse range of opportunities. It will enable our researchers to initiate and respond to international collaboration prospects and to become valued partners as governments, technology companies and start-ups around the world invest heavily to achieve breakthroughs in quantum innovation.
Some of first countries New Zealand will seek to collaborate with through this programme include the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, the United States and Germany. Australia is also active in quantum technology research and an important partner for New Zealand, and we expect there to be further cooperation opportunities through our association to Horizon Europe.
The programme begins in January 2024 and will operate for five years, concluding in December 2028.
Find out more about the Quantum Technologies Aotearoa programme(external link) — University of Otago
Find out more about the Dodd Walls Centre(external link) — Te Whai Ao Dodd-Walls Centre
Public Statement from the Dodd Walls Centre
During the 20th century, quantum physics transformed our understanding of physical and chemical processes. Much of today’s technologies are a direct result of this understanding. Now, in the 21st century, quantum physics is poised to revolutionise technology again. This time, not only because of its ability to predict the ordinary behaviour of physical systems, but also because of the extraordinary behaviour that devices operating in the quantum regime can exhibit. These quantum technologies are leading to new capabilities in a host of fields including sensing, communication, and computation.
The development of quantum technologies is an international priority. Large strategic initiatives have been recently launched by the EU, the USA, and the UK. Aotearoa New Zealand has a history of world-leading research in fundamental quantum sciences and is well positioned to be a major player in the development of emerging quantum technologies. The proposed programme will promote collaborations with countries that are also leading quantum innovation, with a particular focus on partnerships with the USA, UK, Germany, Singapore, Japan, and Australia. The programme will also benefit Aotearoa New Zealand’s scientific workforce, particularly those in early stages of their careers. It will help to train the next generation of New Zealand quantum engineers, for which there is both a global market and a worldwide shortage. By integrating Aotearoa New Zealand into this extensive network, the programme will help to ensure that Aotearoa New Zealand benefits as quantum technologies are developed and deployed.
Contact us
For more information about the programme, email qta@otago.ac.nz.
For more information about Catalyst: Strategic, email internationalscience@mbie.govt.nz.