For more than a century, quantum mechanics has challenged how we understand the universe. Once confined to theory and thought experiments, quantum is now powering real technologies – and the next 20 years could redefine how we live, work, and connect.

In this episode of Engineering the Future, host Neil Martin speaks with UNSW Associate Professor Jarryd Pla, and Professor Peter Turner from Sydney Quantum Academy, about the breakthroughs and roadblocks of the quantum world. 

From GPS-free navigation and ultra-secure communications to the promise of quantum computing, we reveal where the engineering stands today, what’s coming next, and why Australia is uniquely placed to lead the charge. 

For the full transcript of the episode and to learn more about our speakers, visit our ⁠⁠website.

Read more of our stories on quantum technologies:

• This purple diamond could one day amplify signals from deep space

• How a world record ‘squeeze’ could offer comfort for dark matter hunters

• UNSW engineers help crack key challenge in scaling quantum computers

• This metaphorical cat is both dead and alive – and it will help quantum engineers detect computing errors

Don’t miss out on more conversations about the technologies shaping our world. Subscribe to Engineering the Future on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠BlueSky⁠⁠ to stay up to date with the latest research and news from ⁠⁠⁠UNSW Engineering⁠⁠⁠.  

Acknowledgement of Country 

We would like to show our respects and acknowledge the Bedegal people who are the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which our Kensington campus is situated on, and to Elders past and present.