Sydney recently played host to the EQUS Showcase, an event celebrating Australia’s quantum research and innovation and the conclusion of 14 years of Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) research efforts in Sydney. Held at the Sydney Opera House, the showcase brought together leading researchers, policymakers, and industry figures to reflect on the achievements of EQUS. “The Sydney Showcase events celebrated 14 years of EQUS’ breakthrough science, our transformative approach to translation and our wonderful quantum community. The University of Sydney’s support is integral to this success and we are excited about our new initiatives that will accelerate this impact” said EQUS Deputy Director, Dr John Bartholomew.
Dr Cathy Foley, Australia’s former Chief Scientist, congratulated EQUS on their scientific achievements and national leadership that have been so important to grow the Australian quantum ecosystem. Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, NSW’s Chief Scientist and Engineer, highlighted EQUS’ role in shaping the state’s quantum ecosystem and its future direction. As EQUS concluded at the end of May 2025, the showcase underscored the need for continued investment in quantum research and industry collaboration. Professor Anika Gauja said “The Centre has definitely delivered on its promise. It has been bold, outstanding and generous.”
Professor Stephen Bartlett, EQUS CI and Director of Sydney Nano, presented the impacts of training through Sydney Quantum Academy and FLiQC on the Australian quantum ecosystem. He also spoke to research translation’s role in adding to ecosystems through newly launched initiatives like Quantum Australia and start ups, such as Iceberg Quantum. Dr Kerstin Beer, EQUS Deborah Jin Fellow, discussed the cultural and engagement initiatives that have strengthened the quantum community and the event concluded with the much anticipated announcement from EQUS CI Professor David Reilly, launching Emergence Quantum, a new R&D quantum company, reinforcing Australia’s commitment to quantum innovation.
This event was part of the EQUS Legacy Showcase – a trio of events held in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane to celebrate the collective achievements of the EQUS Community and which marks the end of 14 years of collaboration, innovation, research excellence and scientific discovery. You can read more about these events at https://equs.org/news/showcase-events and about EQUS’ legacy at https://equs.org/showcase-brochure