The Quantum Silicon (Q-Si) project – a collaboration between Silex Systems Limited (Silex), Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC) and UNSW Sydney – has been awarded Best Industry-Research collaboration by Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia (KCA). The strategic collaboration is supported by $5.1 million from Defence Trailblazer’s Advanced Innovation Fund.
The project is establishing end-to-end quantum silicon production capability in Australia to produce enriched Silicon-28 (or ‘Quantum Silicon’/‘Q-Si’), a critical material for silicon-based quantum processors.
This initiative is securing a sovereign supply chain for Australia’s quantum computing security and positions Australia as a supplier of quantum-grade silicon to allies and partners, as well as the development of dual-use materials and technologies.
The project is culminating in the construction of the Q-Si Production Plant at Silex’s Lucas Heights facility. Since commencing in August 2023, Silex has made substantial progress on the construction of the initial Q-Si production module, including in-house laser and plant component manufacture.
The project builds on foundational research and a successful Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-P) collaboration between UNSW, Silex, and SQC, focused on developing Zero-Spin Silicon using advanced laser isotope separation technology. Research is led by chief investigator Professor Michelle Simmons AO from UNSW, CEO of SQC; and Dr Michael Goldsworthy, Silex’s CEO/Managing Director.
KCA Conference 2025 at Adelaide Oval, Adelaide on 15 October. Photo: Pat Brunet / Event Photos Australia
Dr Geordie Graetz, Silex’s Chief Commercial Officer, said of the announcement: “We’re delighted with the recognition from KCA and to receive this award, and extend our congratulations to the Defence Trailblazer and UNSW Business Development and Commercialisation teams, as well as to SQC, without the support of which we would not have been able to establish the Q-Si Production Plant in Australia.”
Dr Goldsworthy stated: “Our partnership with Defence Trailblazer and SQC is enabling Silex to establish sovereign capability in the production of Q-Si. It is anticipated that our first Q-Si production module will produce up to 20kg annually of Q-Si, which then will be converted into gaseous and solid product forms as required by potential customers in the Australian and emerging global silicon-based quantum computing industry.”
“We’re thrilled to see KCA recognise the profound impact that this project will have on sovereign manufacturing and Defence capabilities,” said Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, Executive Director of Defence Trailblazer. “It exemplifies Defence Trailblazer’s mission to accelerate the commercialisation of university research through deep industry collaboration, and showcases the long-term partnership between Silex, SQC and UNSW.”
KCA is the non-profit, peak body leading best practice in industry engagement, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship for public sector research organisations. The KCA Awards recognise exemplary outcomes by member organisation, and the Best Industry-Research Collaboration is sponsored by Intellectual Property services provider Griffith Hack.
Read more about the 2025 KCA Award Winners.
Top image, pictured from left: Trevina Naidoo (Commercialisation Ops Manager, UNSW), James Morrison (Business Development Manager, UNSW), Sanjay Mazumdar (Defence Trailblazer), Mark Sterbic (BDM, UNSW), Jamie Conyngham (Director – Business Development & Commercialisation, UNSW), Anthony Morfa (Senior BDM, UNSW), Grace Holland (Business Development Associate, UNSW), S. Jacob, sponsor at Griffith Hack.
