Insider Brief
- Quantinuum and the University of Western Australia signed an MOU to expand access to quantum computing, develop quantum talent and explore practical quantum applications in Australia.
- UWA researchers, students and entrepreneurs will gain cloud-based access to Quantinuum’s quantum computing platform, including its Helios system.
- The organisations will explore a university-wide quantum computing applications centre focused on use cases across critical minerals, energy, agriculture and healthcare.
PRESS RELEASE — Quantinuum (NASDAQ: QNT), a leading quantum computing company, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The University of Western Australia (UWA) to advance Australia’s quantum capability by expanding access to advanced quantum computing, developing quantum talent, and accelerating the development of practical applications that integrate quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing (HPC).
Through the collaboration, UWA-affiliated researchers, students, and entrepreneurs will gain cloud-based access to Quantinuum‘s full-stack quantum computing platform, including Helios, the company’s latest-generation quantum computer. The partnership is designed to provide hands-on experience with advanced quantum technologies while creating new opportunities to explore how quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing can work together to address complex real-world challenges.
The organisations will also explore opportunities to expand UWA’s Quantum and AI research ecosystem through a university-wide quantum computing applications centre that would bring together academic, industry, and government stakeholders to identify and develop high-value use cases in critical sectors for Australia’s economy, including critical minerals, energy, agriculture, and healthcare.
“Australia has set an ambitious vision for quantum, and it is making meaningful progress toward turning that vision into reality thanks to leadership from institutions like UWA,” said Dr. Marvin Lee, Country Leader at Quantinuum. “Together, we’re bringing our full suite of capabilities, from world-leading hardware and software to application expertise and ecosystem programs, to develop practical quantum applications and hybrid workflows that will prepare Australia for the quantum era and support the nation’s future prosperity.”
Beyond providing access to advanced quantum systems, the partnership aims to help build the technical capabilities and innovation networks needed to support Australia’s long-term quantum ambitions. Through engagement with Quantinuum programs such as Q-Net and the Startup Partner Program, researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs will have opportunities to access training, collaborate with peers across the global quantum ecosystem, and accelerate the development of quantum-enabled solutions.
Working alongside UWA researchers and industry stakeholders, Quantinuum experts will help evaluate candidate use cases, establish technical benchmarks and assess hybrid workflows that integrate quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing.
Professor Jingbo Wang, founder and Director of UWA’s Research Centre for Quantum Information, Simulation and Algorithm (QUISA), said the partnership built on UWA’s strengths in quantum computing research.
“Through co-design with potential end users and quantum computing hardware providers, this initiative will create new opportunities for UWA researchers, students and industry partners, while strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration across the University. We look forward to exploring all the opportunities this will bring for our researchers as well as student pathways, internships and workforce training initiatives,” Professor Wang said.
“Access to leading quantum technologies helps Australian researchers, students and companies build capability and understand where quantum can deliver real value,” said Petra Andrén, CEO of Quantum Australia. “Collaborations like this create opportunities to develop skills, test applications and connect research with industry challenges. Australia has strengths across the quantum technology stack. Access to the best capabilities, both here and internationally, will help translate those strengths into economic and community benefit.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring Australia remains not only a source of quantum discovery, but a place where quantum technologies are put to work solving real-world challenges and creating economic value.
