- Posted on 15 Apr 2025
Researchers from the UTS Centre for Quantum Software and Information have authored a new report on the quantum industry.
A new report on the quantum industry and the global landscape of quantum standards development has been released by Standards Australia alongside the draft of a new national quantum standard, illustrating Australia’s growing leadership in quantum standardisation.
The report, Quantum Technologies and Standardisation Globally and in Australia, was co-authored by Associate Professor Nathan Langford and Associate Professor Simon Devitt from the Centre for Quantum Software and Information at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
2025 marks UNESCO’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. The report, released on World Quantum Day, provides critical guidance to help define and develop quantum technologies across industries.
CEO of Standards Australia, Rod Balding, said the draft standard AS 5405 and accompanying report are aligned with Australia’s National Quantum Strategy, and demonstrate the country’s growing influence in the global quantum ecosystem.
“The evolution of quantum technologies is significantly reshaping global industries and economies,” Mr Balding said. “Standardisation is essential to ensure quantum technologies are applied safely and effectively across sectors.
“Standards Australia is proud to be playing a key role to help ensure quantum technologies develop safely. We’d also like to acknowledge Nathan Langford’s and Simon Devitt’s valuable contributions.”
Associate Professor Langford said the report explores two major areas of quantum policy, first analysing how Australia’s quantum science and technology funding and strategy landscape compare with other global leaders, and considering how standards development can be implemented and utilised to ensure it supports continued growth in the quantum industry.
“It sets out the global context for strategic quantum technology investment, which defines the challenges Australia will need to address to stay competitive in the global quantum industry, and then outlines a set of principles and recommendations for standards bodies and governments to guide how we should tackle the critical next steps for quantum standardisation,” he said.
The report is the fourth in a series authored by Associate Professor Langford and Associate Professor Devitt, published by Standards Australia to support Australia’s growing quantum sector.
The draft standard AS 5405: Quantum Technologies – Reference Guide for Quantum Computing, now open for public comment, was also led in development by Associate Professor Langford and Associate Professor Devitt.
It is designed to assist stakeholders without deep technical expertise to understand and engage with quantum technologies, and also outlines practical frameworks to support strategic investment and planning across government, academia, and industry.
“As quantum technologies rapidly evolve, we know robust standards are critical to ensuring their safe, reliable use and interoperability,” said Mr Balding. “Australia is at the forefront of advancing quantum technologies given our role in key international and national changes.
“The release of the draft standard for public comment showcases Australia’s commitment to the quantum industry both locally and internationally,”
Public consultation is now open for AS 5405. Stakeholders from across government, academia and industry are encouraged to provide feedback.
All four reports on quantum technologies and standardisation, including the newly released edition, are available on the Standards Australia “Quantum Technologies” hub.
Image: Adobe Stock by Teeranan.