WELLINGTON, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand has launched a 1.35-million-New Zealand dollar (about 780,000 U.S. dollar) discovery phase to assess the creation of a national quantum technologies platform, a senior official said Wednesday.
The platform is aimed at creating jobs, attracting partnerships, and boosting New Zealand's economy, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti said in a statement.
The initiative, led by the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology, aims to explore the country's domestic quantum tech research capabilities and identify global commercial opportunities, Reti said.
The discovery phase will run from December 2025 to June 2026 in collaboration with researchers and industry partners, supported by an expert advisory panel.
"Quantum technology underpins breakthroughs in computing, secure communications, and sensing and measurement, areas that can transform industries and create new opportunities for New Zealand businesses," Reti said.
If the study demonstrates readiness, the institute will proceed with designing and initiating a quantum technology research platform to boost innovation and high-value job creation, the minister said. ■
