SYDNEY, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Prominent scientists in Sydney have applauded the state government on Monday, after it announced a new fund for quantum computing worth millions of dollars.
The New South Wales (NSW) government announced the 26 million dollar (21 U.S. million dollars) fund as part of the state's efforts to be recognized as an international technology hub, by backing leading quantum scientists based in Australia in their research efforts.
Sydney is already home to some of the world's most authoritative and respected academics in this field, including Michelle Simmons, who is the Director of the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Simmons - who was awarded the prestigious NSW Scientist of the Year Award in 2012 - said on Monday the announcement signified the government's support of her field.
"We thank the state government for its leadership in recognising the importance of quantum computing and its potential to bring future benefit to this state," Simmons said.
Simmons said the the funding from the state government is a "welcome addition to our world-leading research in silicon quantum computing", which has recently also been supported by the federal government, educational institutions, and big businesses like the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Telstra.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills and Small Business John Barilaro said on Monday the funding boost is an important part of keeping Australia in the quantum computer science "race".
"It's impossible to overstate the potential benefits of this technological innovation in terms of economic growth and job creation," Barilaro said.
The government is committed to making the state a world leader in quantum science, according to Barilaro, who said the government has taken the lead by investing in this fund.
The exact way the fund will be used has not yet been disclosed, however some local media have reported a portion of the money will go towards research efforts pioneered by the University of Sydney and UNSW.
