The Australian government will fund eight projects through Round 1 Stage 2 of the Critical Technologies Challenge Program (CTCP).
CTCP provides up to $36 million in grant funding to test and demonstrate solutions to market-led challenges of national significance using quantum technologies.
It works in two stages. Stage 1 offers up to $500,000 to fund feasibility projects. Stage 2 provides up to $5 million in funding to demonstrate proof of concept for projects progressing from Stage 1.
Eight of the Round 1 Stage 1 projects are progressing for stage 2 funding.
They include Loughan Technology Group, which will receive $2.4 million to develop Australia’s first real-time mine-site sensor to measure recoverable rare-earth elements in clay deposits.
Also, La Trobe University will receive $1.1 million to develop a hybrid quantum–classical optimisation system to significantly improve energy efficiency in data centre cooling.
Further, Miniprobes will receive $1.2 million to scale and develop its quantum optical imaging for fast and efficient assessment of diabetes.
The CTCP aligns with the National Quantum Strategy, which aims to foster a vibrant and resilient innovation ecosystem that can harness emerging technologies for the benefit of all Australians.
The CTCP also aligns with the Future Made in Australia plan by backing Australian-led projects that deliver innovations in science and digital capability. By nurturing quantum capabilities, the program strengthens Australia’s high‑tech manufacturing base.
