Australia and Japan strengthen quantum partnership through collaboration, talent and innovation.

The future of quantum will not be built by any one organisation or nation alone. It will be built through trusted international partnerships that combine world-leading research, industrial capability, investment and talent.

This week, that future was on display at the University of Sydney's Sydney Nano Institute, where Quantum Australia welcomed Japan's Minister for Economic Security, Kimi Onoda, together with leaders from government, research and industry for the Australia–Japan Quantum Workshop.

The workshop showcased the growing strategic relationship between Australia and Japan and highlighted how both nations are working together to accelerate the development, commercialisation and adoption of quantum technologies. From researcher exchanges and shared infrastructure to startup growth, advanced manufacturing and industry collaboration, the partnership is evolving beyond scientific cooperation to create long-term economic opportunity for both countries.

From research excellence to economic impact

Australia has earned a global reputation for quantum research and innovation. Japan brings world-leading industrial capability, advanced manufacturing and a strong commitment to scaling emerging technologies. Together, these complementary strengths create a powerful platform to transform scientific breakthroughs into commercial outcomes, strengthen sovereign capability and accelerate the global quantum economy.

Quantum Australia CEO Petra Andrén said international collaboration is essential if countries are to realise the full potential of quantum technologies.

"No single country can build the quantum economy alone. The greatest opportunities will come from connecting complementary strengths across borders, bringing together researchers, industry, investors and governments to accelerate innovation and create global impact."
"Australia and Japan have built a trusted relationship over many years. Today, that relationship is expanding beyond research into commercialisation, workforce development, shared infrastructure and industry adoption. That's where the greatest opportunities now exist."

Quantum Australia connecting the ecosystem

As Australia's National Centre for Quantum Growth, Quantum Australia plays a central role in building these connections. Established to help deliver Australia's National Quantum Strategy, the organisation works across the entire ecosystem to accelerate commercialisation, foster industry adoption and create partnerships that position Australia as a global leader in quantum technologies.

Since launching in 2024, Quantum Australia has supported the creation of new quantum ventures, facilitated more than 100 industry-research collaborations and strengthened engagement across Australia's priority industries.

The workshop itself reflected this role, bringing together governments, researchers, startups, multinational companies and industry leaders to identify new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen relationships across the international quantum ecosystem.

Collaboration already delivering results

The discussions demonstrated that Australia and Japan are already collaborating across every stage of the quantum value chain.

Speakers highlighted opportunities to combine Australia's research excellence with Japan's advanced technology infrastructure and industrial capability across quantum computing, secure communications, sensing, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence. They also explored the importance of shared research infrastructure, international standards, practical industry use cases and stronger pathways for startups to access global markets.

Existing collaborations already span joint research programs, hybrid quantum-classical computing, quantum-safe communications, advanced hardware development, commercialisation initiatives and the international expansion of Australian quantum companies into Japan. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how the relationship has evolved from academic collaboration into a broader innovation partnership supporting economic growth in both countries.

Investing in the next generation of quantum talent

People remain at the heart of the Australia–Japan partnership.

Quantum Australia's partnership with Japan's Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT) will provide Australian PhD researchers with access to world-leading quantum infrastructure, while strengthening long-term collaboration between Australian and Japanese institutions.

The program reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of quantum researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders—creating lasting connections that will continue to drive innovation well into the future.

Building the future quantum economy together

As countries around the world race to realise the potential of quantum technologies, trusted international partnerships will become an increasingly important competitive advantage.

By combining Australia's research excellence with Japan's industrial capability, and by strengthening collaboration across research, industry and government, both nations are helping build a more connected and globally competitive quantum ecosystem.

For Quantum Australia, the workshop represented more than a single event. It reflected the organisation's mission to connect people, ideas and opportunities, creating the partnerships that will accelerate innovation, strengthen Australia's position in the global quantum landscape and help shape the future quantum economy.