Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull today attended the launch of a new quantum computing complex at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

Turnbull, following in the footsteps of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau last week at the Perimeter Institute, spoke to the press at UNSW on the importance quantum computing has in building Australia’s National Innovation and Science Agenda.

The new complex is an extension of the currently running Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology lead by Professor Michelle Simmons, and includes new facilities for research in developing quantum computational devices.

Two days ago, the University of Sydney officially launched the Sydney Nanoscience Hub with a two-day symposium of speakers from all around the world presenting their research in quantum computation and nanoscience technologies. Their launch included a visit from Norman Whitaker, Head of Research at Microsoft, who likened this research to “moonshot” ideas, much like the moon landing and other breakthroughs in science and technology.

While it may seem that both universities are butting heads against one another in a quantum computing race, the launch of both labs this week is exciting news for innovation in Australia and more importantly proves how much of a world leader Australia is in the development of quantum technologies.

Photo: AAP Image