After EQUS contributed to Australia’s National Quantum Strategy in 2019, the Centre saw an opportunity to take a more hands-on approach at the state level. Building on the success of its Translational Research Program, EQUS senior leaders Halina Rubinsztein-Dunlop, Andrew White, and Michael Harvey began exploring how Queensland could strengthen its quantum ecosystem and support the deployment of emerging technologies.

The effort began in 2021 with a series of stakeholder roundtables designed to capture a holistic view of the sector. Government representatives, universities, industry players, and start-ups were invited to share insights, challenges, and priorities. This was policy advocacy in action, aimed at shaping a practical roadmap for Queensland’s quantum and advanced technology landscape.

One key insight from the process was summed up as: “Quantum is not an island, entire of itself.”

“Quantum is a team sport.”
– Michael Harvey, EQUS Translational Research Program Manager

With an engaged Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist and a receptive Queensland government, EQUS doubled down on its efforts. The Centre invested significant time and resources to demonstrate both the value of the strategy for the wider ecosystem and the need for a broader support network to enable quantum technologies. EQUS members were tasked with drafting the initial discussion papers that would inform the backbone of the state’s strategy, turning the insights from stakeholder meetings into actionable recommendations.

“We’ll do something about it and take action.”
– Andrew White, EQUS Director

EQUS took the lead in organising meetings, taking detailed notes, preparing drafts, and synthesising contributions from a wide range of participants. T The Centre was deliberate in ensuring the process was inclusive, giving all parties the opportunity to participate and ensuring all voices were heard. By handling the heavy lifting, EQUS ensured that all stakeholders were ready, willing, and enabled to engage.

The consultation process drew on expertise from government officials and universities, including the University of Queensland, Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology, and University of Southern Queensland. Academics, university technology transfer offices, investors, and industry participants all contributed perspectives, ensuring the strategy reflected cutting-edge research while considering practical pathways for translating ideas into real-world impact. Importantly, the process also provided capacity-building opportunities: it introduced many academics to their first interactions with government, gave them experience in briefing and policy considerations, and demonstrated to early career researchers that they can have real influence over the sector in which they work.

By the end of the process, EQUS had successfully guided a collaborative, evidence-based approach to policy development. In September 2024, the Queensland Government released its Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy, underpinned by an $89.7 million investment over five years to build deep science capabilities, grow the local ecosystem, develop the workforce, and attract investment. The result was not only a reflection of the state’s priorities but also a testament to what can be achieved when an independent, trusted research authority brings together diverse voices to create a shared vision.

This approach was later mirrored in Western Australia, informing the state’s 10-Year Science and Technology Plan and demonstrating the replicable value of EQUS’ methodology: listening, organising, drafting, and facilitating collaboration.

The goal was never to direct more funding to universities, but rather to ensure that research translates into tangible benefits for the community – a quintessentially EQUS philosophy.

Through this work, EQUS showed that shaping the future of quantum technology isn’t just about discoveries in the lab. It’s also about fostering connections, coordinating expertise, and ensuring evidence-based insights influence the policies that guide tomorrow’s innovation.