The Brisbane Airport industrial precinct has been chosen as the site for one of the most ambitious technology projects in the world: the development of the world’s first utility-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer by Silicon Valley-based company PsiQuantum.
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Backed by nearly $1 billion in funding from the federal and state governments, this groundbreaking facility will put Brisbane at the forefront of the quantum computing revolution.
Why Brisbane Airport Industrial Precinct?
The Brisbane Airport industrial precinct offers a perfect combination of advanced infrastructure, stable power supply, and close proximity to leading research institutions—making it an ideal location for such a complex and large-scale project. Situated near the Qantas maintenance hangars, the site provides ample space for the quantum computer’s massive warehouse-style structure, as well as office and laboratory facilities.
This location supports efficient logistics and collaboration, positioning Brisbane Airport not just as a transport hub, but as a global innovation centre where cutting-edge quantum technology will be developed and scaled.
What is a Quantum Computer?
Quantum computers are not just faster versions of the laptops or smartphones we use today. They’re an entirely different kind of machine, built on the rules of quantum physics.
While traditional computers process information using bits (which can be either a 0 or a 1), quantum computers use qubits, which can be both 0 and 1 at the same time. This strange property, known as superposition, allows quantum computers to explore vast numbers of possibilities all at once.
A regular computer is like reading one book at a time. A quantum computer is like reading every book in the library at once.
Why does it matter?
Quantum computers have the potential to solve problems that today’s computers would take thousands of years to crack. They’re expected to revolutionise a number of industries — and that could benefit all of us. Some of the most exciting possibilities include:
- Medical breakthroughs – Designing new medicines by simulating molecules with extreme precision.
- Climate solutions – Running complex models to better understand and respond to climate change.
- Faster, smarter logistics – Helping airlines, delivery companies, and supply chains run more efficiently.
- Next-generation security – Creating new forms of encryption (and also challenging current ones).
Quantum vs. Classical Computers — A Quick Comparison
| Classical Computer | Quantum Computer | |
|---|---|---|
| Basic unit | Bit (0 or 1) | Qubit (0 and 1 at the same time) |
| Computing power | Grows step by step | Grows exponentially with each added qubit |
| Best at | Everyday tasks (emails, documents) | Complex simulations, optimisation, AI modelling |
| Real-world use cases | Browsing, gaming, office work | Drug discovery, climate modelling, advanced AI |
The Quantum Leap Forward at Brisbane Airport
PsiQuantum’s quantum computer will use photons—particles of light—as qubits, allowing the system to operate at a comparatively “warm” temperature of 4 Kelvin (-269°C), thanks to advanced silicon photonic chips. This is a significant advantage over other quantum machines that require temperatures close to absolute zero, making it easier to scale up to the millions of qubits necessary for fault-tolerant computing.
A key part of the project is a massive cryogenic cooling plant, designed and built by global leader Linde Engineering, which will keep the quantum chips at the ultra-cold temperatures they need to function reliably. Construction at the Brisbane Airport site will begin in 2025, with an initial operational launch expected by the end of 2027.
PsiQuantum aims to reach a full-scale quantum computer with about one million qubits by 2029, unlocking unprecedented computing power that could transform fields such as drug discovery, climate modelling, artificial intelligence, and beyond.
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With this landmark project, Brisbane Airport’s industrial precinct is poised to become a global centre for quantum technology and innovation, marking a major step forward for Australia’s role in next-generation computing.
Published 28-May-2025
