Quantinuum and University of Western Australia Sign Quantum Computing MOU

What the agreement covers

According to the announcement, issued on 5 October 2026 from Broomfield, Colorado and Perth, the MOU aims to advance Australia's quantum capability in three ways: widening access to advanced quantum computing, developing quantum talent, and speeding up practical applications that combine quantum computing, AI and high-performance computing (HPC).

Quantinuum (NASDAQ: QNT) describes Helios as the most accurate commercial quantum computer in the world, a claim the company makes in its own release. UWA-affiliated users will reach the platform through the cloud. The company says the partnership is meant to offer hands-on experience with advanced quantum technologies and to explore how quantum computing, artificial intelligence and HPC can work together on complex real-world problems.

Application centre and target industries

The two organisations will also explore expanding UWA's quantum and AI research ecosystem through a university-wide quantum computing applications centre. According to the release, it would bring together academic, industry and government participants to identify and develop high-value use cases.

The focus sectors are ones the release calls critical to the Australian economy:

• critical minerals
• energy
• agriculture
• health

Quantinuum experts will work with UWA researchers and industry representatives to assess potential use cases, set technical benchmarks and analyse hybrid workflows that integrate quantum computing, AI and HPC.

Training and ecosystem programs

Beyond hardware access, the partnership is intended to build the technical skills and innovation networks needed for Australia's long-term quantum ambitions. Through Quantinuum programs such as Q-Net and the Startup Partner Program, researchers, developers and entrepreneurs will be able to access training, collaborate with peers in the global quantum ecosystem and speed up the development of quantum solutions.

Professor Jingbo Wang, founder and director of UWA's Quantum Information, Simulation and Algorithms Research Centre (QUISA), said the collaboration builds on UWA's strengths in quantum computing research. She said the university looks forward to exploring opportunities for student pathways, internships and workforce training initiatives.

Statements from the partners and industry

Dr Marvin Lee, country manager for Quantinuum in Australia, said the companies are bringing together hardware, software, application expertise and ecosystem programs to develop practical quantum applications and hybrid workflows. In his words, this will prepare Australia for the quantum era and support the country's future prosperity.

Petra Andrén, CEO of Quantum Australia, said access to leading capabilities, both national and international, will help turn Australia's strengths in quantum technology into economic and community benefits. She said collaborations like this create opportunities to build skills, test applications and connect research with industry challenges.

What it means

For UWA researchers, students and startups, the MOU points to practical access to commercial quantum hardware and to training and industry networks. The release frames the partnership as a way to ensure Australia is not only a source of quantum discoveries but also a place where quantum technologies are applied to real-world challenges and economic value. As an MOU, it sets out intentions to collaborate, and several elements, including the university-wide applications centre, are still described as something the partners will explore.