The FLEET crew at Quantum Australia, from left: Tich-Lam Nguyen (FLEET), Chris Vale and Sascha Hoinka (Swinburne), Marcus Goffage, Karina Hudson, Abhay Gupta and Alex Hamilton (UNSW), Carlos Kuhn (alum), Kris Helmerson and Matt Gebert (Monash), Elizabeth Marcellina (alum) and Jared Cole (RMIT). Missing: Michael Lord and Michael Harvey.
Written by Matt Gebert, FLEET PhD candidate, Monash University
A large contingent of 14 FLEET members and alumni enjoyed the Quantum Australia conference last week, engaging in discussions about the future of quantum technologies with a lot of interest focused in quantum computing, in addition to sensing.
I attended as a PhD student approaching the end of my candidacy, and presented a poster on the use of Ga2O3 for quantum materials and interfaces.
Personal highlights included developing an understanding of the software ‘stack’ for quantum computing, and the diversity of skills that will be required for success in this field – some of which I have gained with my time in FLEET.
I also valued hearing Science Minister Ed Husic’s commitment to quantum technologies, and will anticipate his release of a national quantum strategy (thanks to the work of Australian Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley and other contributors).
“We are going to back you in research and international companies” Science Minister Ed Husic
I was encouraged to be able to talk to at least four industry companies that are seeking to hire my skill-set – with my pitch sharpened and prepared through my time with FLEET!
Other FLEET members at SQA significantly contributed to panel discussions, such as Alex Hamilton (UNSW) discussing the need to tackle energy consumption in future quantum computing systems, and Jared Cole (RMIT) discussing what will be the first applications of Quantum computing to provide a meaningful advantage.
It was great to bring together the diverse quantum talents at FLEET, including theory, quantum materials characterisation. Also the progressive work that FLEET is championing in low-energy electronics, which will support the need for large electronic control systems in the quantum industry.
FLEET CI Jared Cole (RMIT) talking about the most-likely first applications of quantum computing
FLEET Deputy Director Alexander Hamilton (UNSW) describing how much energy quantum computing really uses, and the need to prioritise energy cost reduction before the systems get more complex.