Fujitsu, Monash & CSIRO link up on quantum research

Fujitsu, Monash University and CSIRO have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on quantum computing collaboration, linking Australian research groups with Fujitsu's quantum systems and simulators in Japan.

Under the arrangement, researchers and students from Monash and CSIRO will use Fujitsu's technology to work on advanced computing, quantum software and emerging applications. The organisations also plan to explore creating a shared quantum research and education facility at Monash University's Faculty of Information Technology.

The agreement follows a broader cooperation pact between Australia and Japan on quantum science, technology and innovation. It is an early industry-research tie-up under that bilateral framework.

Quantum computing remains at an early stage, but governments, universities and technology companies are investing heavily in the field. Supporters say it could help address problems that are difficult for conventional systems, with potential uses in cybersecurity, healthcare, decarbonisation and climate science.

For Australia, the deal also reflects a broader push to build domestic expertise in a field expected to carry strategic and commercial importance. Access to overseas systems gives local researchers and students exposure to tools not yet widely available in Australia.

Workforce focus

The collaboration places strong emphasis on training as well as research. Students are expected to gain hands-on experience through teaching initiatives, research projects and industry-linked learning, while the organisations consider how a university-based facility could support longer-term skills development.

That workforce element has become a recurring theme in quantum policy discussions, as universities and employers seek to expand the pool of specialists in algorithms, software, hardware and applied research. Building those skills locally is often seen as essential if Australia is to turn academic work into commercial and industrial activity.

Monash brings a large student base and established research programmes, while CSIRO adds applied science and translation experience. Fujitsu provides access to quantum technology and infrastructure in Japan, giving the partnership a cross-border structure that more closely links research, education and industry.

Research agenda

The work will focus on practical quantum applications, including quantum optimisation, machine learning and advanced simulation technologies. All are being explored internationally as possible near-term paths for useful quantum computing research.

Such projects are likely to centre on whether quantum methods can improve how complex systems are modelled or analysed. In practice, that could mean exploring ways to handle logistics, scientific modelling or data-intensive tasks that push against the limits of classical approaches.

Australia already has a recognised research base in quantum science, with universities and start-ups active across computing, sensing and communications. The challenge has often been connecting scientific strength with infrastructure, industrial partners and training pathways that can support broader economic outcomes.

In that context, a shared research and education facility at Monash would give the collaboration a physical focal point. A hub of that kind could bring together researchers, students and companies working on fundamental and applied problems, while helping to anchor links with Japanese institutions and technology providers.

Peter Grassi, Chief Executive Officer of Fujitsu in Oceania, said the partnership would combine Fujitsu's quantum technologies, Monash University's research expertise and CSIRO's applied science capability to accelerate innovation, develop talent and translate quantum breakthroughs into real-world outcomes.

He said Fujitsu's Japanese heritage and long presence in Australia positioned it to connect the strengths of both countries' quantum ecosystems, deepening research and innovation links while expanding access to advanced quantum technologies and expertise.

CSIRO said the agreement could help accelerate the development of advanced quantum computing technologies in Australia by connecting scientific capability with software and algorithms. It said this could bring quantum computing closer to practical use in areas such as cybersecurity, health and climate science, while helping build skills, infrastructure and partnerships across research and industry in both countries.

Monash said moving quantum research beyond the laboratory would require close coordination between universities, industry and government. It said the partnership combines research expertise, industry capability and opportunities to train the next generation of quantum researchers and innovators, while strengthening Australia's quantum ecosystem through talent development, international collaboration and clearer pathways to real-world use.