Quantum Technology Discovery Process | March 2026
Technology New Zealand (TNZ), through its newly established Quantum Forum, welcomes the opportunity to contribute to MBIE’s Quantum Technology Discovery Process.
Tech New Zealand is the national connector for New Zealand’s technology ecosystem, working to grow capability, skills, innovation, and trust in technology. The Quantum Forum brings together researchers, startups, established firms, investors, and public sector partners across New Zealand’s quantum and photonics ecosystem.
This submission outlines New Zealand’s current strengths in quantum science, the opportunities to build globally competitive advantage, and the policy settings required to translate research excellence into economic and societal value.
New Zealand’s strengths and opportunities
New Zealand already has internationally recognised capability in quantum science, particularly through research associated with theDodd-Walls Instituteand its collaborators. Areas of strength include:
- Quantum memory for sensing and communications
- Optical micro-resonators and microcomb technologies
- Conversion of supercooled microwave photons to room‑temperature optical photons
- Ising machines for solving complex optimisation problems
The submission highlights opportunities for New Zealand to:
- Build globally competitive companies in niche quantum and photonics markets
- Commercialise deep research while retaining value for New Zealand taxpayers
- Develop lower‑barrier market opportunities such as post‑quantum cryptography, quantum‑enabled software, algorithms, and modelling across sectors including materials science, biotechnology, logistics, and finance
Key barriers to growth
The submission identifies several systemic barriers that must be addressed to enable the sector to scale:
- Early‑stage and patient capital
Long‑term, predictable funding is essential for research continuity, talent retention, and commercialisation. Private capital remains difficult to attract due to long time horizons and uncertain returns, reinforcing the need for well‑designed public investment. - Talent and workforce capability
A strong pipeline of highly skilled people is required, supported by improved STEM education (particularly mathematics, physics, engineering, and software) and stable, enabling immigration settings. - Research–industry fragmentation
Moving from world‑class science to products and companies remains challenging due to fragmented funding pathways and limited coordination across institutions. - Infrastructure investment choices
The submission cautions against investing in a high‑cost, onshore “trophy” quantum computing platform, noting rapid obsolescence and better value through shared offshore access models. - Commercialisation and ownership settings
Stronger mechanisms are needed to ensure New Zealand retains commercial advantage and taxpayer return from publicly funded research.
Recommendations
We recommend a strategic, coordinated approach that focuses on long‑term value creation:
- Consolidated, long‑term investment in research, innovation, and commercialisation
- Clear pathways to taxpayer return from publicly funded quantum research
- Workforce development, including education, upskilling, and migration policy alignment
- Practical access to quantum computing capability through international platforms and training tools, enabling rapid development of quantum software skills
- International alignment and partnerships, learning from leading global quantum strategies while focusing on New Zealand’s comparative advantages
What success looks like
Over the next decade, success would see:
- New Zealand companies succeeding in global quantum and photonics niches
- Tangible economic returns to New Zealand from intellectual property and commercial activity
- A thriving, internationally connected quantum research ecosystem
- Stronger ambition and capability across education and workforce pathways
We look forward to continuing to work with MBIE and sector partners to support a coherent national approach to quantum technology that delivers long‑term benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand.
