🇫🇷🇦🇺 AFRAN Quantum Talk – A French-Australian Dialogue on Quantum Futures

📍 Canberra, July 28, 2025

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On 28 July 2025, AFRAN organised its first-of-kind Quantum Talk at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra. The event gathered researchers, industry experts and policy leaders to discuss advances and opportunities in quantum science and technology.

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After a welcome by Dr Kimberley Coulson (AFRAN Strategy and Operations Manager), the audience heard opening remarks from H.E. Pierre-André Imbert, Ambassador for France to Australia, who underlined the strategic importance of quantum research for both countries, and from Professor Tony Haymet, Australia’s Chief Scientist, who stressed the need to prepare talent and infrastructure for the coming “quantum leap.”

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Professor Katherine Daniell (AFRAN’s President, Director of SoCy, ANU) highlighted the role of AFRAN in building bridges across knowledge systems, including Indigenous perspectives, and thanked Fernando Alvez (AFRAN Quantum Lead) and Rim Kadi (ACT Hub Leader) for their leadership in convening this growing French-Australian community.

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Fernando Alvez (AFRAN Quantum Hub Leader and Quantum Australia representative) then introduced Quantum Australia, the new national growth centre for quantum technologies. He explained that the initiative brings together 13 universities, federal and state governments, and more than 40 companies across Australia, supported by $18 million in federal grants alongside significant state and university contributions. Its mission is to grow the ecosystem nationwide, building on Australia’s world-class research labs, while supporting workforce development and industry uptake. Fernando described the centre’s three areas of activity: ecosystem building (including the annual Quantum Australia Conference and continuation of CSIRO’s “Quantum Meets” forum), partnerships with international and local actors to accelerate use cases and industrial collaborations, and a new ventures program aiming to create 15 investable quantum start-ups by 2027. He underlined that “quantum is a team sport, and today more than ever, it is an international team sport”, highlighting opportunities for French-Australian collaboration through joint research, training and industry partnerships.

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The panel discussion, chaired by Fernando, featured four distinguished speakers:

• Dr Aaron Tranter (ANU & CEO of Aqacia) highlighted the three main pillars of quantum technology – computing, sensing and communications. He explained how his company helps bridge the gap between academic research and industry through advanced machine learning models that make quantum systems more accessible. He also stressed the need for collaboration pathways, easier IP frameworks, and co-tutelle programs between France and Australia to strengthen talent pipelines and dual market opportunities.

• Associate Professor Carlos Kuhn (University of Canberra, Open Source Institute) focused on quantum machine learning. Using analogies of superposition and entanglement, he explained how hybrid quantum–classical models could transform image classification and potentially improve the scalability challenges faced by AI. He underlined the importance of open science and warned that overprotective IP frameworks may slow down innovation.

• Dr Cyril Laplane (University of Sydney) shared his research journey from France to Australia, moving from quantum communication and quantum memories in Europe to levitodynamics and quantum sensing with nanodiamonds in Sydney. He emphasised the potential of these systems for applications ranging from navigation beyond GPS to climate monitoring. He also noted that France and Australia both have strong expertise, particularly in sensing and diamond-based quantum technologies, and suggested deeper institutional collaboration models, such as a French-Australian Institute for Quantum and AI.

• Mr Stephen Forshaw (Airbus Chief Representative, ANZ & Pacific) offered the perspective of a global industry end-user. He outlined three domains where Airbus sees transformative potential: quantum computing for optimising aircraft design and materials; quantum communication for ultra-secure connections between aircraft and control towers; and quantum sensing for more precise navigation. He emphasised that Airbus seeks partnerships with unique capabilities, urging Australia’s quantum ecosystem to differentiate itself on high-value innovations.

 

During the Q&A session, discussion turned to the most promising applications, international collaboration, and workforce development. Aaron Tranter pointed to rapid advances in quantum sensing and communications, including joint work with French partners. Carlos Kuhn called for internationally funded PhDs and more open collaborations to overcome funding and IP bottlenecks. Cyril Laplane stressed the value of centres of excellence and access to European research frameworks like Horizon Europe. Stephen Forshaw highlighted that visibility and uniqueness are key for Australian companies to engage with Airbus and other large European players.

Audience questions touched on the intersection with cybersecurity, the democratisation of quantum technologies, and the urgent need to improve gender diversity in science. Panelists agreed on the importance of cross-domain skills, open-source tools, and pathways to attract more women into quantum careers.

 

The discussion closed with consensus that France and Australia are natural partners, combining strong research ecosystems, innovative start-ups, and industry needs. Together, they can accelerate the transition from fundamental science to global impact in quantum technologies.