Tech talent brings UK’s Quantum Motion to Australia for new R&D lab

Quantum Motion believes using silicon chip technology for quantum computing will take the industry a step closer to achieving large-scale quantum computers.

Quantum Motion’s development of silicon-based qubit architectures for quantum computing marks a new industry milestone. Soon quantum computing will help resolve the most challenging problems in fields like chemistry, medicine and artificial intelligence.

The UK-based scaleup spun out of research from University College London (UCL) and the University of Oxford. 

In September 2024, the company set up a quantum lab at Cicada Innovations in Sydney, Australia’s leading deep tech incubator. This multimillion-pound investment in technology and infrastructure is a huge opportunity for collaboration with researchers and universities in Australia. 

‘Australia is an exciting place for the technology sector,’ explains Mark Johnson, Quantum Motion’s Lead Quantum Engineer in Australia. ‘We are looking forward to being part of the growing quantum sector network around Sydney and helping to develop that.’

Breakthrough in silicon quantum chips

Quantum computers have the potential to help unlock problems that could take the fastest conventional computer millennia to process. The technology is uniquely suited to challenges involving natural systems, such as developing personalised medicine, simulating materials or climate modelling.

Most qubits that comprise quantum computer processors need to be cooled to almost absolute zero (minus 273 degrees Celsius). At those temperatures, materials do not work the same way they do at conventional temperatures. The chips and all the conventional electronics on-chip driving the qubits must be able to function at those temperatures.

Quantum Motion’s success using conventional silicon chip technology at those temperatures sets it apart from other approaches being trialled. Using silicon will allow the company to capitalise on current chip manufacturing infrastructure, rather than having to develop a completely new industry. 

Silicon enables more qubits to be condensed onto a smaller area. All the other supporting technology can also scale proportionally, reducing the other construction and operating overheads.

Australia’s quantum skills attract attention

According to Dr James Palles-Dimmock, Quantum Motion’s CEO, talent is the most important factor in advancing and scaling quantum innovation. This is a key reason why Quantum Motion wanted to strengthen ties with Australia.

‘In short – you can’t do innovation without talent,’ he says. ‘Brains are the engines of innovation. The quality of research and talent in Australia is undeniable. At one point, over 60% of our quantum hardware team hailed from Sydney.’ (Source: Sydney Quantum Academy, From Lab to Entrepreneur: Journey of a Physicist, June 2023.)

Australia’s talent pipeline extends to a wide range of technical skills. 

‘There’s been a bit of mystique about quantum computing,’ says Palles-Dimmock. ‘For the sector to develop, we will need a massive range of skills such as software engineers and electronics technicians. 

‘We don’t just need PhDs. I don’t think people realise they have all the transferable skills we are looking for. Other technical skills are growing up around the quantum centre, which makes it useful for us to be there too.’

Quantum Motion is a member of the Sydney Quantum Academy. It is in talks with several universities about developing opportunities for undergraduate and Masters students in quantum computing and quantum architecture. Graduates could then develop skills within the company. 

Connecting with Austrade’s commercial insights

As a university spin-out, Quantum Motion is well connected to the academic network. Where Austrade could support was in getting visibility of the commercial and government investment landscapes. 

‘Austrade’s support and insights are invaluable in highlighting some of those opportunities that we might not be aware of,’ says Palles-Dimmock. ‘Then we can make sure we are talking to the right people at the right time.’

David Fisken, Austrade Investment Director for the UK and Ireland, says Austrade’s foreign direct investment attraction services supported Quantum Motion’s entry into the Australian market and will continue to do so as the firm expands there.

‘We provided in-country expertise, tailored sector information, referrals and introductions including to the New South Wales Government,’ he says. ‘We have been pleased to assist and look forward to continuing to support the business maximise the benefits of its investment in Australia. These include increased talent mobility and innovation exchange opportunities from the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement.’

Australia’s National Quantum Strategy

In 2023, Australia released its first National Quantum Strategy. The Strategy prioritises investing in research, development and commercialisation, securing infrastructure and materials, and growing a skilled workforce. 

Australia is already making the quantum leap from research to reality, using quantum technologies in mining, transport and national security.