Quantum Australia Conference 2026 Positions Australia at the Centre of Global Quantum Momentum
The Quantum Australia Conference 2026 has reinforced Australia’s position as a globally connected and rapidly advancing quantum nation, bringing together more than 800 attendees, 50+ exhibitors, 50+ speakers and 18+ international delegations in Adelaide for one of the largest gatherings of the global quantum ecosystem ever held in Australia.
Held under the theme Quantum for Impact: Unlocking Productivity, the Conference focused on how quantum technologies are moving beyond research and into real-world application across defence, finance, health, energy, resources, advanced manufacturing and critical infrastructure.
The event brought together a powerful mix of researchers, quantum companies, industry end users, investors and government leaders to explore where quantum is already delivering measurable impact, and where the next opportunities are emerging.
Dr. Philip Intallura is Group Head of Quantum Technologies at HSBC
Global Leaders Drive the Conversation
Global organisations including HSBC, IBM, Microsoft, Nvidia, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Fujitsu, Lockheed Martin, Rigetti, PsiQuantum and BHP joined Australian research institutions, startups and government agencies to discuss how quantum technologies are being deployed, commercialised and scaled internationally.
Speakers including Dr Philip Intallura (HSBC), Prof Lene B. Oddershede (Novo Nordisk Foundation), Katie Scott (Microsoft), Petra Florizoone (IBM), Melissa Bergin (BHP Ventures) and Dr Cathy Foley helped shape discussions around productivity, sovereign capability, commercialisation and international competitiveness.
Team Fujitsu at the Quantum Australia Conference 2026
From Research Excellence to Real-World Deployment
A major theme throughout the Conference was the transition from scientific leadership to deployment at scale.
Finance sessions highlighted the growing urgency around quantum-safe security and post-quantum cryptography, with leaders from HSBC, QuintessenceLabs and the Australian Banking Association discussing why financial institutions are already preparing for a quantum-enabled future.
Defence and space sessions demonstrated how quantum technologies are moving into operational environments, with leaders from Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), ASCA, QuantX Labs, Deteqt and Lockheed Martin exploring resilient navigation, sensing and sovereign capability.
In mining and energy, discussions focused on how quantum sensing and quantum computing could support smarter exploration, grid optimisation and more efficient infrastructure systems.
Health and life sciences sessions explored how quantum technologies may accelerate drug discovery, diagnostics and healthcare optimisation, while hybrid computing discussions showcased the growing convergence of AI, high-performance computing and quantum systems.
Flavia Tata Nardini, Co-founder and CEO of Fleet Space Technologies
International Momentum and Collaboration
International engagement was a defining feature of QAC2026.
Delegations and speakers from Finland, Germany, Japan, France, the Netherlands, the UK, the US and Italy shared insights into national quantum strategies, investment priorities and pathways to commercialisation.
The Conference also facilitated direct international engagement opportunities through Quantum Australia’s national delegation program across Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Perth, connecting global delegates with Australian startups, research institutions, infrastructure providers and industry end users.
One notable outcome included collaboration discussions between Finland’s VTT Technical Research Centre and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, through VTT’s new Quantum Leap initiative focused on scalable and practical quantum computing systems.
Building Australia’s Quantum Economy
QAC2026 also highlighted the growing maturity of Australia’s ecosystem.
Quantum Australia recently announced it has catalysed more than $56 million in industry-linked research from approximately $12 million in public funding, alongside 78 industry–research partnerships and the creation of six new startups through its NewQ and NextQ programs.
The Conference reinforced the importance of national coordination, industry engagement and international collaboration to ensure Australia’s world-leading research translates into long-term economic and industrial outcomes.
Looking Ahead to QAC2027
Planning is already underway for the Quantum Australia Conference 2027 on 17th and 18th February, which will take place across Sydney and Canberra as the event continues its evolution into a major global platform for collaboration, investment and industry engagement.
Organisations interested in speaking, exhibiting, sponsoring or participating in QAC2027 are encouraged to register their interest.
Related articles
