Australia is significantly strengthening its quantum technology sector, and this ambition was reflected in the international Quantum Australia Conference 2026 conference in Adelaide. Among the Czech participants was Dr. Martin Friák from the Institute of Physics of Materials of the Czech Academy of Sciences, who presented the Czech quantum ecosystem.
In recent years, Australia has been systematically building a strong quantum technology sector. Through major investments, infrastructure development, and its national strategy through 2030, the country is positioning itself as one of the key global players in this field. An important sign of this ambition was the international Quantum Australia Conference 2026, held on 29–30 April 2026 in Adelaide.
Dr. Martin Friák from the Institute of Physics of Materials of the Czech Academy of Sciences was part of the Czech delegation. At the conference, which according to the original report brought together 900 experts from 18 countries, he presented the Czech quantum ecosystem. The Czech delegation also included Dr. Petr Kavalíř from the University of West Bohemia, who is Czech Government’s Special Envoy for Quantum Technologies, and Professor Tomáš Novotný from the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics at Charles University.
The two-day programme featured representatives of leading universities, research institutions, and companies, including NVIDIA, IBM, Fujitsu, IQM, Microsoft, and Lockheed Martin. Martin Friák’s participation in this important event confirms that both the Czech Republic and the Czech Academy of Sciences are actively engaged in the international discussion on quantum science and technologies and are present at the centre of developments in this rapidly evolving field.
The conference was preceded by a special seminar at the University of Adelaide where Czech scientists presented their research and discussed it with local students, lecturers, and researchers. According to the original report, the presentations attracted strong interest, and the Czech delegation returned from Australia with new contacts for further academic communication and possible future cooperation.
Participation in Quantum Australia Conference 2026 once again showed that Czech scientists have much to contribute to the international discussion on the future of quantum science and technologies as well as related education. Dr. Martin Friák’s presentation also strengthened awareness of the Czech Academy of Sciences and, in particular, the Institute of Physics of Materials as a research institution engaged in this fast-developing field.
This output was supported by the Praemium Academiae awarded to Martin Friák and the AV21 Strategy program “AI: artificial intelligence for science and society”.
Original report: mzv.gov.cz/canberra/cz/obchod_a_ekonomika/australie_buduje_masivni_sektor.html
