Google's $1 billion Digital Future Initiative will look to strengthen digital infrastructure, develop Australian technology and talent, and solve global and local challenges.

Macquarie University and Google are collaborating to accelerate research around quantum computing and chemistry, to help solve some of the world’s most complex scientific and technological problems. The partnership forms part of the company’s Digital Future Initiative - a five-year, $1 billion commitment to strengthen Australia’s digital infrastructure, technology and talent offering.

“Macquarie University is proud to partner with Google to produce some of the world’s leading quantum algorithms to help solve and navigate challenging scientific problems that were previously out of reach,” said Associate Professor Dominic Berry from the Department of Physics and Astronomy.

“Quantum computing research is aiming to produce some of the most ambitious technologies ever devised which this is important for building the technology sector in Australia. In fostering our thriving technology sector, we will see great benefits for our country’s future economic prosperity,” said Associate Professor Berry.

Macquarie’s partnership with Google will also see work untaken in quantum chemistry, which has applications in the efficient production of fertiliser and clean energy solutions through battery and solar-cell technologies.

Associate Professor Berry highlights that there are huge possibilities once a full-scale quantum computer is built, enabling effective problem-solving capabilities, and supporting positive impacts for society.

The Digital Future Initiative builds on Google’s work in Australia over the last two decades by investing in:

  • The foundations of the digital economy including a major investment in digital infrastructure
  • Australian-made technology and talent with a first ever Australian Google Research Hub
  • Partnerships to solve big challenges including collaborations with industry leaders including Macquarie University and Australia's national science agency, CSIRO