Perth, Thursday 12 May: One of Australia's foremost experts in quantum computing has urged some of Australia's leading company directors to take advantage of a coming revolution dubbed "the next Internet".
Professor Andrew Dzurak, NSW Node Manager of the Centre for Quantum Computer Technology, headquartered at the University of NSW, today told the Australian Institute of Company Directors annual conference that Australia already had the highest per-capita investment in quantum information technologies.
"The technology offers real 'first mover' opportunities for Australian companies – the investment is high risk but potentially very high pay-off," he told the conference in Perth.
Quantum computing uses the fundamental components of nature, such as electrons or photons – light particles – to store and process data.
Closely related quantum communication technologies use photons to transmit sensitive data with complete security.
"A small quantum computer would be more powerful than all of the computers in the world combined together, running in parallel," Professor Dzurak said.
"The market's insatiable desire for more and more information means that within a decade or so it will be impossible for existing computer technologies to satisfy demand, if this demand continues to grow as it has for the past 40 years.
"Whether or not quantum technologies prove to be tomorrow's equivalent of the internet revolution of the 90s, only time will tell.
"But there is opportunity for early-stage investment for those prepared to take risks and contribute to new businesses.
"Because of the early stage of the industry it is clearly high risk – however, quantum communications systems are already a reality and quantum computing is looking ever more likely."
Professor Dzurak told the conference that quantum communications were already available for use by the financial industry, which demanded fast and secure transactions.
"Because of Australia's position as one of the world leaders in quantum information research and development, Australian companies are well placed to develop partnerships with local researchers and become early adopters of, and investors in, this new technology."
Professor Dzurak was one of the headline speakers at the AICD conference in Perth. The AICD is Australia's professional organisation for directors providing education, policy and advocacy.
For more information about the conference program and to arrange an interview with one of the speakers at the conference, please contact Emily Blyth on 0422 864684.
Further details about the conference are available on the AICD website:
www.companydirectors.com.au
For media inquiries please contact: Emily Blyth, AICD on 0422 864686Catherine Harris, AICD on0400 363 916