How quantum sensing is set to transform Australian industries

Quantum sensing could be the first major application to spark a quantum revolution, research commercialisation expert Navin Chandrasekaran writes, and society will reap many rewards as a result.

While artificial intelligence (AI) continues to permeate our daily lives, the spotlight is shifting back to quantum technologies – specifically, their potential applications across various industries.

Quantum technologies encompass three main areas: sensing, computation, and communication.

This "second quantum revolution" hinges on manipulating individual quantum systems such as atoms, photons, and electrons, which are extremely sensitive based on their environmental stimulus.

It is this sensitivity that quantum sensors harness to offer unparalleled precision and sensitivity.

Quantum sensors enable precise measurements of magnetic fields, rotation, gravity, acceleration, and time compared to existing sensors based on chemical or electrical signals.

This remarkable precision is achieved by exploiting the interaction between atoms and light, alongside the inherent sensitivity of a particle's quantum state to its surrounding environment.

Experts believe quantum sensing could be the first major application to spark a quantum revolution, transitioning from successful lab demonstrations to real-world industry evaluation.

With quantum sensing technologies nearing full-scale commercialization in the next five to seven years, Australian companies are already leading collaborative efforts with potential users to deploy this technology in the field.

Quantum sensors promise transformative changes to our society and broader economy through applications in sectors like mining, clean energy, biomedical imaging, defence, and space.

Quantum sensors could transform sectors such as defence, clean energy and biomedical imaging. Credit: AdobeStock

With governments around the globe setting decarbonisation goals, quantum sensing can offer unique solutions to progress towards a net zero future.

Applications range from analysing hydrogen composition and purity in real-time - offering a faster and more efficient solution for the hydrogen energy sector, to improved and sustainable methods of resource exploration that enable smooth transition to clean energy technologies.

Quantum sensors also find applications in GPS-denied environments, such as deep space or underwater by providing highly accurate navigation.

This could benefit applications like autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, and improved defence capabilities.

In health, medical imaging techniques are being developed with higher resolution and lower radiation exposure which could revolutionize medical diagnosis and treatment, leading to earlier detection and better outcomes for patients.

Broadly, below are some of the ways in which Australian businesses across various sectors stand to gain significantly from advancements in quantum sensing:

●      Enhanced decision-making: Quantum sensors can provide businesses with more accurate and detailed data, enabling them to make better-informed decisions about operations, resource allocation, and product development.

●      Improved efficiency and productivity: Quantum-enabled technologies can streamline processes, optimize logistics, and reduce waste, leading to increased efficiency and productivity across industries.

●      Global competitiveness: Early adoption of quantum sensing technologies can give Australian businesses a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

Australia’s world leading position

Australia has a world leading position in the race to develop quantum solutions and has a reputation for ‘punching above its weight’.

This could be attributed to sustained investment by government in critical research infrastructure and projects, that form the bedrock for the broader quantum ecosystem to thrive and flourish.

As our researchers and startups strive to push the limits of quantum technologies and demonstrate their practical applications, the onus to secure first mover advantage lies equally on the prospective end users to deploy a technology adoption strategy in anticipation of mature quantum applications relevant to their industry sectors.

Research commercialisation expert Navin Chandrasekaran. Credit: Supplied

Australian businesses that aspire to implement quantum technologies as part of their business processes are an important stakeholder to the Australian quantum ecosystem that can enable our quantum sector in directing research efforts toward industry challenges.

While we’ve just scratched the surface in understanding the commercial potential of quantum technologies, there are still plenty of opportunities to be unlocked as industry-specific applications emerge.

Successful implementation of quantum technology in Australian businesses requires a proactive and strategic approach.

It is also important for businesses to independently evaluate any proposed quantum technology solution to gain an understanding of realistic timelines and project outcomes.

By upskilling the workforce, establishing partnerships with quantum experts, exploring opportunities for hardware development, and leveraging government initiatives, Australian businesses can position themselves at the forefront of the quantum revolution and reap the benefits of this transformative technology.

For example, with a $3.4 million budget the NSSN ventured on a project working with Sydney Water and a range of other industry partners in water management to develop a real time, smart sensing application for condition assessment and leak detection on live water networks to prevent catastrophic breaks in critical public infrastructure.

This project was also one of the early adopters of methodologies that is currently being deployed for resource exploration.

Such an approach offers organisations the opportunity to de-risk their investment in R&D, and at the same time create novel intellectual property assets that can be applied as solutions to similar problems around the world.

Ripe for exploitation

Quantum sensing is the lowest hanging fruit in the quantum technologies tree, that is ‘ripe’ for exploitation for societal benefits.

Additionally, economic conditions are also favourable to welcome a disruptive technology that is reliable, productive and cost-effective.

While the potential of quantum sensing is undeniable, the success of any new technology lies in its adoption by broader industry sectors and the benefits it can offer in terms of improving productivity.

The quantum sector promises to be the platform technology that will drive the next generation of scientific advancements having profound impacts on our daily lives.

Navin Chandrasekaran has built a career by actively supporting technology and innovation in Australia. His recent work Delivering the Quantum Promise supported by the Australian National Fabrication Facility is a testament to his ability to empower businesses to adopt emerging technologies. Navin is currently the Director of Partnerships and Innovation at Syenta where he  plays an important role in securing Australia’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain.