Australian Army calls for Quantum technology submissions – Army Quantum Technology Challenge 2021
The Australian Army and its Land Capability Division is seeking proposals that will demonstrate solutions to a set of technology challenges (view the Challenge Statement here) at the first Army Quantum Technology Exploration Day (AQTED21), to be held on April 20, 2021 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Successful applicants may be awarded contracts of up to $50,000 and may be invited to demonstrate their solution and deliver a solution report and presentation at AQTED21.
Army has identified that the emergence of quantum technologies will impact two of the major technological drivers of Accelerated Warfare: robotics and autonomous systems; and cyber and information warfare. It is seeking to leverage Australia’s national strategic strength in quantum technology research to gain an early advantage.
Submissions for The Challenge are open to Australian permanent residents or citizens only, who must hold an ABN. Potential applicants are encouraged to respond only if their solution directly addresses one of three sub-themes, outlined below, and can reasonably be expected to be ready for demonstration at AQTED21.
The Challenge
Defence wishes to test if:
- quantum sensors can deliver enhanced detection and imaging of gravitational and magnetic anomalies
- quantum computers can deliver enhanced decision making in operational planning
- there are effective countermeasures to quantum communications.
Sub-themes:
- detection and imaging of subterranean structures and matériel
- optimisation of last-mile resupply by a squad of autonomous ground vehicles
- disruption of satellite-mediated quantum communications
Response date: Responses must be submitted using CFS 16388 on AusTender by 12 noon (local time in the Australian Capital Territory), Monday, December 14, 2020