Australia Boosts Science Funding With $387M for CSIRO and $12.7M for Quantum Tech Projects
The Australian government announced an additional $387.4 million for CSIRO over four years and $12.7 million for eight quantum technology projects under the Critical Technologies Challenge Program, part of its broader National Quantum Strategy commitment.
The Australian government has announced a combined major investment in science and emerging technology, committing an additional $387.4 million to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) while awarding $12.7 million to eight quantum technology projects under the Critical Technologies Challenge Program.
The $387.4 million investment in CSIRO will be delivered over the next four years, in addition to $278 million announced through 2025 and on top of CSIRO's existing near $1 billion annual funding allocation. The funding will ensure CSIRO can meet the longer-term costs of operating critical science and research infrastructure while maintaining greater workforce stability. The government will also provide a further $38 million ongoing from 2030-31 to support Stage 2 of the modernisation and refurbishment of the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness in Geelong, safeguarding Australia's agricultural industries against biosecurity threats.
In parallel, $12.7 million has been awarded to eight projects under Stage Two of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program, part of a $35.9 million commitment under the National Quantum Strategy released in 2023. Grant recipients will use the funding to develop prototypes or demonstrations of proposed solutions using quantum technologies.
Among the funded projects, La Trobe University and The University of Western Australia, with industry partners NextDC, Fujitsu and AQ Intelligence, received $1.1 million to develop technologies that make data centres more energy and water efficient. Orica Australia received $2.3 million to develop quantum antennas for through-earth communications for mining and infrastructure sectors. The University of Sydney received $1.5 million for a quantum-powered CT scanner — a smaller, more portable device aimed at improving cancer diagnosis in rural Australia. Miniprobes received $1.2 million for quantum optical imaging for fast diabetes assessment, and Loughan Technology Group received $2.4 million to develop Australia's first real-time mine-site sensor for measuring recoverable rare-earth elements in clay deposits.
Industry and Science Minister Tim Ayres said publicly funded science was critical to the national interest and solving Australia's biggest challenges, adding that the quantum projects highlighted the importance of collaboration to address challenges in energy, healthcare and resources.