Diraq piques global interest for scalable quantum processing tech

Sydney-based startup Diraq is pioneering a new way to manufacture quantum computing technology, while exclusively using existing semiconductor supply chains.

This first-of-its-kind innovation means the business can build a fault-tolerant and scalable quantum computer, effectively bridging the divide between quantum technology and commercial application.

It has put Diraq on the radar of the US Department of Defence and led to partnerships with NVIDIA, HRL Laboratories, Quantum Machines, Maybell and Riverlane.

Innovating quantum hardware construction 

Founded by Professor Andrew Dzurak in 2022, Diraq was spun out from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and has quickly emerged as a leader in Australian quantum hardware.

The startup has received more than A$150 million in grant and venture capital funding from top-tier investors including Main Sequence (the deep tech VC fund of CSIRO), Quantonation, UniSeed, UniSuper and Taronga Ventures.

Diraq is developing quantum processors based on silicon quantum dots, built using single-electron spin states. 

These dots are manufactured using a standard Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) process — the same process currently used for making conventional computer chips. That means the business can scale production using existing global infrastructure and supply chains. 

Professor Dzurak and the team continue to work on their roadmap to develop the first commercially available quantum computer by 2029 and utility-scale system by 2033. 

Diraq founder Professor Andrew Dzurak holds a silicon wafer.

Global opportunities for a global pioneer

With a globally relevant IP portfolio and scalable design, plus ongoing support from UNSW and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence, and new partnerships with international foundries, Diraq is gearing up for growth in commercial markets, as well as exploring opportunities in defence.

The business is one of two Australian companies selected for Stage A of the US Defence Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), an eight-year program led by the US Department of Defence to assess quantum hardware for potential large-scale procurement.

Diraq was selected as one of 18 companies, alongside participants from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. 

The QBI program offers direct access to US Federal procurement opportunities, while validating commercial and export readiness and supporting visibility — allowing Diraq to benchmark its performance against some of the world’s most promising quantum platforms.

Austrade facilitates international introductions

As Diraq has grown and evolved, Austrade has provided support through its partnership with Quantum Australia and the Tech Council of Australia, designed to showcase the best of Australia’s quantum sector to the industry on a global scale.

Austrade has also helped the team to connect with international semiconductor supply chains, opening up opportunities for global manufacturing. 

In September 2025, Diraq will be part of a delegation attending the Quantum World Congress in Washington DC, where Austrade will facilitate key introductions and support profiling opportunities.

Find out more about Australia’s quantum sector.

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