Start-up Spotlight: Emergence Quantum – Solving Quantum’s Hardest Engineering Challenges
Solving the engineering bottlenecks standing between today’s quantum prototypes and tomorrow’s scalable, commercially deployable systems.
Dr Thomas Ohki (left) and Professor David Reilly at the Sydney Nanoscience Hub. Photo: Anna Kucera
Quantum computing promises to transform everything from drug discovery and materials science to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. But building a useful quantum computer requires more than just qubits - it demands scalable infrastructure, cryogenic electronics, and precision control systems operating at the limits of physics.
That’s where Emergence Quantum comes in.
Formed by a team of leading researchers previously involved with Microsoft Quantum’s Sydney-based efforts, Emergence Quantum is tackling some of the field’s most complex technical challenges. Based at the University of Sydney and co-founded by Professor David Reilly and Dr Thomas Ohki, the company is helping accelerate the shift from laboratory science to commercially viable quantum systems.
From Lab to Market
Emergence Quantum was launched to meet the growing demand for advanced quantum engineering capabilities, particularly those not tied to any one quantum computing architecture. Their team of PhD scientists and engineers brings deep expertise in cryogenic quantum control, scalable amplifier design, and system integration across photonics, ion traps, silicon spins and superconductors.
“We’re not here to compete with quantum computing companies — we enable them,” said Dr Ohki. “Our work fills a critical gap between university research and real-world deployment. We’re fast, focused, and deeply technical.”
Rather than offer off-the-shelf products or consultancy, Emergence Quantum operates as a commercial R&D firm that partners with organisations to solve highly specialised, time-bound technical problems.
Building Quantum Infrastructure
A core focus for Emergence Quantum is developing the “connective tissue” that makes quantum systems useful, including cryogenic readout and control electronics, high-performance amplifiers, and scalable packaging techniques.
One of the company’s first major milestones is a $1.94 million collaboration with the University of Sydney through the Australian Government’s Economic Accelerator Innovate program. The project will pioneer scalable superconducting amplifier manufacturing, a key enabler for both quantum and classical systems.
Quantum systems may require thousands of these amplifiers per computer stack by 2026, and Emergence Quantum is positioning Australia to supply this demand, across both global tech giants and local companies like Diraq.
Insights from Experience
Emergence Quantum is grounded in decades of quantum research. Its founders previously led Microsoft’s quantum hardware program in Sydney, working at the intersection of deep science and engineering. When that program was consolidated in the U.S., the team chose to stay in Australia, launching Emergence Quantum to continue building on their hard-won experience.
“There’s a hunger in the ecosystem for what we’re doing,” said Professor Reilly. “Quantum innovation is no longer just about the qubit. The biggest challenges, and the biggest breakthroughs, will come from the layers in between.”
The company’s work with Diraq on scalable silicon quantum processors, recently published in Nature, demonstrates their ability to deliver high-impact research with direct commercial relevance.
A Strategic Shift for the Sector
Emergence Quantum represents a new model for how Australia can commercialise quantum research. With close ties to academia and a mandate to deliver at commercial speed, the company is bridging the longstanding gap between research and real-world impact.
They’re also creating a new kind of workforce, not through one-off hires, but through a high-performing team that has worked together for years, solving some of the most complex engineering problems in the field.
Looking ahead, Emergence Quantum is exploring new opportunities in energy-efficient computing, AI-enabled quantum systems, and next-generation data centre infrastructure.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Emergence Quantum’s specialised engineering capabilities have also attracted major international collaborators.
IonQ, a global leader in trapped-ion quantum systems, is working with Emergence Quantum to co-develop next-generation ion trap electronics, materials, and ASICs for qubit control. The collaboration accelerates advances in ion trap performance, system scalability, and hardware integration, while strengthening Australia’s role in the global quantum supply chain.
Archer Materials has partnered with Emergence Quantum through a phased Innovation and Commercialisation Program focused on next-generation graphene- and carbon-based quantum devices. By combining Archer’s materials platform with Emergence Quantum’s systems engineering expertise, the collaboration aims to accelerate the path from scientific capability to viable commercial products.
These partnerships highlight the growing global demand for Emergence Quantum’s deep technical expertise and position Australia as a key contributor to the future of quantum hardware.
Quantum Australia is supporting start-ups like Emergence Quantum as part of a broader national effort to commercialise quantum science and build sovereign capability.
Emergence Quantum shows how Australia’s long-standing leadership in quantum research is now delivering commercial results, and helping shape the infrastructure needed for scalable quantum systems.
Connect with Quantum Australia to explore tailored support, programs, and opportunities across the national ecosystem.
