Insider Brief
- Fujitsu, Monash University, and CSIRO have signed an MOU to expand access to quantum computing technology and strengthen Australia’s quantum research capabilities.
- The collaboration will provide Monash and CSIRO researchers and students with access to Fujitsu’s quantum systems and simulators in Japan for research and education activities.
- The partnership will explore a shared quantum research and education facility focused on quantum applications, workforce development, and Australia–Japan collaboration.
Press release – Australian researchers and students will gain access to advanced quantum computing technology under a Memorandum of Understanding between global digital transformation leader, Fujitsu , Monash University, and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of practical quantum applications, strengthen Australia’s quantum capability and help build a skilled workforce ready for the emerging quantum economy. It also supports the newly inked Memorandum of Cooperation between Australia and Japan on quantum science, technology and innovation, reflecting the growing strategic importance of quantum technologies to both countries.
Quantum computing has the potential to help solve some of the world’s most complex challenges by enabling faster and more powerful analysis of certain types of problems than is possible with conventional computing. Future applications could support areas such as cyber security, healthcare, decarbonisation and climate science.
The collaboration brings together Fujitsu ‘s advanced quantum technology and infrastructure, Monash University’s research and education expertise, and CSIRO’s applied science capability. As part of the collaboration, researchers and students from Monash and CSIRO will gain access to Fujitsu’s quantum systems and simulators in Japan to support research in advanced computing, quantum software and emerging quantum applications.
The organisations will also explore opportunities to establish a shared quantum research and education facility based at Monash University’s Faculty of Information Technology, creating a focal point for collaborative research, training and industry engagement.
Peter Grassi, Chief Executive Officer of Fujitsu in Oceania, said:
“By bringing together Fujitsu ‘s leading quantum technologies, Monash University’s research excellence and CSIRO’s applied science expertise, we’re creating new opportunities to accelerate innovation, develop future talent and translate quantum breakthroughs into real-world outcomes.
“As a company with deep Japanese heritage and over half a century supporting organisations in Australia, Fujitsu is uniquely positioned to help connect the strengths of both countries’ quantum ecosystems.
“This collaboration will deepen research and innovation links between Australia and Japan while expanding access to advanced quantum technologies and expertise to help solve society’s most complex challenges.”
Dr. Katja Digweed, CSIRO Technology Director, said:
“This innovative collaboration can help accelerate the development of advanced quantum computing technologies in Australia.
“Connecting deep scientific capability with the right software and algorithms can bring quantum computing closer to practical use in areas like cybersecurity, health, and climate science. Together we can build the skills, infrastructure and partnerships across research and industry, and between Australia and Japan.”
Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President Professor Robyn Ward said :
The collaboration would strengthen Australia’s ability to translate quantum research into technologies that benefit society.
“Quantum technologies have the potential to transform the way we unlock solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, and building capability in this field will require deep collaboration between universities, industry and government,” Professor Ward said.
“This partnership brings together world-leading research expertise, advanced industry capability and opportunities to train the next generation of quantum researchers and innovators.”
“Monash is proud to play a leading role in strengthening Australia’s quantum ecosystem – developing talent, enabling international collaboration and ensuring our research has a meaningful pathway from the lab to the real world.”
Building a Pathway from Research to Real-World Impact
The collaboration focuses on three key priorities:
- Strengthening Australia’s quantum research capability – the organisations will explore a shared vision for a future research and education facility at Monash University, providing a platform for collaboration between researchers, students and industry.
- Developing practical quantum applications – the organisations will work together to develop and test new quantum computing approaches that could help address complex scientific and industry challenges. This includes research into quantum optimisation, machine learning and advanced simulation technologies.
- Building Australia’s future quantum workforce – students will gain hands-on experience with advanced quantum technologies through new teaching initiatives, research projects and industry-connected learning opportunities, helping prepare the next generation of Australian quantum specialists.