Quantum leap for Moreton Bay

Work will officially start today on PsiQuantum’s new Moreton Bay Central facility where the world's first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer will be built.

PsiQuantum will break ground this morning on its new Asia-Pacific headquarters which will be developed in phases, with the possibility of future expansion.

It is expected to create highly-skilled jobs across engineering, technical operations, advanced manufacturing, research and professional services at the Petrie site.

Construction will initially see PsiQuantum prepare for a large cryoplant, critical for cooling the quantum computer currently being built by Linde Engineering. 

Ordered in late 2024, the cryoplant will be one of the largest ever built for quantum computing and is set to be delivered in the second half of 2027. 

PsiQuantum will then commission the cryoplant and site before accepting cryogenic cabinets, to be filled with photonic quantum chips and networked with standard optical fiber.  

Fault-tolerant quantum computers are expected to unlock new capabilities across medicine, materials science, energy, manufacturing, logistics, finance, and agriculture. 

Federal Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Tim Ayres, Queensland Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell and Mayor Peter Flannery are scheduled to be at today’s sod-turn.

They are to be joined by PsiQuantum Chief Executive Officer Victor Peng and PsiQuantum Co-Founder and Executive Chair Prof Jeremy O’Brien to mark the milestone. 

“Building a quantum computer that solves real world problems is one of the great engineering challenges of our time,” CEO Victor Peng said.

“For decades, quantum computing has held the promise of transforming what humanity can achieve through computation. Today we are beginning to turn that promise to reality.”

Prof Jeremy O’Brien said: “Australia has been part of this journey from the very beginning.”

“This facility will be critical infrastructure, strengthening Australia’s sovereign capability while helping build the workforce that will power the next era of computing.” 

Mayor Peter Flannery says: "PsiQuantum is building technology that will have an impact globally and they're doing it right here in our city.

“The economic benefits will be felt for years through new jobs, new skills, and new opportunities for local businesses. 

“Combined with the education and training facilities within the precinct, this project helps create a pathway from classroom to career in one of the world's most advanced industries." 

Federal Minister Tim Ayres added: “This is one of the investments that ensures critical, nation-building technologies are made here, making Australia stronger and delivering good jobs.” 

University of the Sunshine Coast Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett welcomed being close to industry experts and research facilities, to “promote knowledge sharing, opportunities for collaboration and access to skilled local graduates”.

Last month PsiQuantum opened a  Test and Validation Lab at Griffith University in Brisbane. 

It includes a high-powered cryogenic system to test photonic quantum chips and sub-systems, all components to be developed in support of building PsiQuantum’s first utility-scale system at Moreton Bay Central. 

PsiQuantum was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.