University of Sydney Appoints Thomas Ohki as Professor of Practice

Insider Brief

• The University of Sydney has appointed quantum industry veteran Thomas Ohki as Professor of Practice of Quantum Technologies to strengthen links between research and commercial translation.
• Ohki brings extensive experience from Raytheon BBN, Microsoft Quantum, and large US government–funded quantum programs, alongside academic collaboration in Australia.
• The role will focus on industry–academic collaboration, mentoring, and supporting the translation of quantum research into deployable technologies through initiatives such as Emergence Quantum.

PRESS RELEASE — The University of Sydney has appointed Thomas Ohki, a leading figure in quantum computing and commercial translation, as a Professor of Practice of Quantum Technologies in the School of Physics, strengthening the University’s links between frontier research and Australia’s rapidly growing quantum industry.

Professor Ohki brings deep experience across industry and academia. He is a quantum computing specialist who previously led Raytheon BBN’s quantum labs in the United States before joining the Sydney Microsoft Quantum Labs, where he collaborated closely with Professor David Reilly on scalable quantum hardware.

As co-founder of the Raytheon BBN Quantum Information Processing group and later Quantum Engineering and Computing groups, Professor Ohki has helped blaze a trail for quantum technology R&D in industry more than 20 years ago. 

He has led some of the largest programs on quantum computing and energy-efficient computing funded by the US government while growing collaborations across government and industry labs, including IBM Quantum.

In 2024, Professor Ohki left Microsoft with Professor Reilly to co-found Emergence Quantum at the University of Sydney, a spinout focused on accelerating the translation of advanced quantum research into real-world applications. Emergence Quantum positions itself as a highly specialised commercial partner for researchers, helping turn breakthrough ideas into deployable technologies.

Professor Reilly said the appointment recognised Professor Ohki’s unique ability to operate at the boundary of research and industry.

“Thomas has an exceptional track record of taking cutting-edge quantum science and shaping it for real-world impact,” Professor Reilly said. “His appointment as Professor of Practice reflects the importance of people who understand both the deep technical challenges and the realities of commercialisation. He will play a vital role in training the next generation of quantum researchers to think beyond the lab.”

The Professor of Practice role is designed to bring senior industry leaders into the University, embedding practical expertise within teaching and research while strengthening external partnerships.

Head of the School of Physics, Professor Tara Murphy, said Professor Ohki’s appointment aligned strongly with the school’s strategic priorities.

“Quantum technologies are one of the defining scientific and economic opportunities of our time,” Professor Murphy said. “Professor Ohki’s experience across industry, startups and deep research will enrich our students’ education and help ensure our work in quantum physics continues to translate into outcomes that benefit society.”

Professor Ohki said the appointment was both a personal milestone and an opportunity to contribute to Australia’s quantum future.

“It’s an honour to be appointed Professor of Practice at the University of Sydney. Being immersed more formally into the academic ecosystem is crucial to what we hope to accomplish at Emergence Quantum,” Professor Ohki said.

“For me, this role is not just about building bridges between researchers and industry, between ideas and implementation. Through Emergence Quantum and my work with the School of Physics and the University of Sydney Nano Institute, I’m excited to help grow a strong, connected quantum ecosystem in Sydney and across Australia, and to support researchers in seeing their work make a real impact in the world.”

Professor Ohki will contribute to industry-academic research collaborations, mentoring and industry engagement activities within the School of Physics, with a particular focus on quantum technologies and commercial translation.