Launch of New Zealand's $1.35 Million Quantum Discovery Phase
In a strategic move to harness New Zealand's growing prowess in cutting-edge science, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti announced a $1.35 million investment on December 10, 2025. This funding kickstarts a six-month discovery phase led by the newly established New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT). The initiative aims to map out the feasibility of creating a national quantum technologies research platform, focusing on translating academic expertise into commercial opportunities and high-value jobs.
The discovery phase, running from December 2025 to June 2026, will engage researchers from New Zealand universities and businesses to assess scientific potential, commercialization pathways, and economic impacts. By building on the country's established strengths in quantum photonics, this effort positions higher education institutions at the forefront of a global industry projected to reach billions in value.
Demystifying Quantum Technologies and Photonics
Quantum technologies (QT) represent a revolutionary field grounded in the principles of quantum mechanics, the branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at atomic and subatomic scales. Unlike classical computing, which uses bits representing 0 or 1, quantum systems employ qubits that can exist in superposition—multiple states simultaneously—and become entangled, enabling exponentially faster computations for complex problems.
Photonics, the science and technology of light generation, detection, and manipulation, intersects powerfully with QT through quantum photonics. Here, photons (light particles) serve as qubits for secure communication via quantum key distribution (QKD), ultra-precise sensing, and simulation of quantum systems. In New Zealand, this synergy has fostered world-leading research, particularly in optical systems that control single photons with unprecedented accuracy.
Step-by-step, quantum photonic processes involve: first, generating entangled photon pairs using nonlinear crystals; second, manipulating them with waveguides or cavities; third, detecting them with single-photon detectors; and finally, processing data for applications like unbreakable encryption.
New Zealand's Established Quantum Photonics Ecosystem
New Zealand punches above its weight in quantum photonics, thanks to decades of investment in fundamental research. The Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, a Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) hosted by the University of Otago since 2015, unites researchers from six universities: Otago, Auckland, Massey, Victoria University of Wellington, Canterbury, and Waikato. This collaborative network has produced breakthroughs in quantum sensing, light-matter interactions, and photonic chips.
Complementing this is Quantum Technologies Aotearoa (QTA), a flagship programme under the Dodd-Walls Centre involving the University of Auckland, Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, and University of Otago. QTA translates fundamental discoveries into practical technologies like quantum networks and sensors, with projects funded by the Catalyst Fund exceeding $12 million historically.
Universities like the University of Auckland offer specialized postgraduate programmes in photonics, training students in laser design, optical fibres, and quantum optics—skills directly applicable to industry.
The Role of NZIAT in Coordinating Quantum Efforts
The New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology (NZIAT), part of a broader government refocus of the science system, leads this discovery phase. NZIAT merges capabilities from former Crown Research Institutes to accelerate technology transfer from labs to market. In quantum, it will consult widely with academia and industry to identify priority areas such as quantum computing, secure communications, and precision measurement.
Higher education plays a pivotal role, with university researchers providing the foundational expertise. For instance, Dodd-Walls affiliates have already commercialized photonic technologies for medical imaging and telecommunications, demonstrating the pathway from PhD theses to startups.
Key Universities Driving Quantum Innovation
The University of Otago hosts the Dodd-Walls Centre, with projects exploring quantum simulators using photonic systems to model solid-state physics phenomena unattainable classically. Researchers there develop optical resonators and frequency combs for applications in timekeeping and spectroscopy.
At the University of Auckland, the Photonics Research Group focuses on ultrafast lasers and biophotonics, with graduates employed at firms like Fisher & Paykel Healthcare. Recent hires include two lecturers in quantum computing in the School of Computer Science, signaling expanding programmes.
Massey University contributes expertise in quantum materials, while Victoria University of Wellington excels in quantum information theory. These institutions offer PhD scholarships and postdoctoral positions, fostering a talent pipeline.
- University of Otago: Quantum optics, single-photon sources
- University of Auckland: Photonics engineering, quantum algorithms
- Massey University: Quantum sensing devices
- Victoria University of Wellington: Quantum networks
Opportunities for Students and Early-Career Researchers
This funding opens doors for higher education students. PhD programmes in quantum physics at Otago and Auckland provide hands-on experience with state-of-the-art facilities, often funded through Marsden grants or QTA initiatives. For example, a recent $12 million Marsden award to Dodd-Walls enhances weather forecasting via quantum-enhanced models.
Postdoctoral fellowships and lecturing roles are emerging, as seen in Auckland's quantum computing positions. Students can access international collaborations, like recent quantum communication projects with South Korea.
If you're pursuing a career in this field, check out research jobs and postdoc opportunities tailored for quantum experts in New Zealand.
Economic and Job Creation Potential
Minister Reti emphasized job creation, with quantum technologies poised to generate high-skill roles in R&D, manufacturing, and services. Globally, the QT market is forecast to hit $90 billion by 2040; New Zealand aims for a slice through photonics exports and startups.
Universities are key incubators: Dodd-Walls has spun out companies in quantum sensors for agriculture and defence. The discovery phase will pinpoint commercialization gaps, potentially leading to a dedicated platform rivaling national quantum strategies in Australia or Canada.
Benefits include:
- High-wage STEM jobs (average $100k+ for quantum engineers)
- Export growth in photonic devices
- Attracting international talent to NZ unis
Challenges and Pathways Forward
Despite strengths, challenges persist: limited scale compared to global leaders like the US or China, funding competition, and talent retention. The discovery phase addresses these by prioritizing scalable projects and industry partnerships.
Stakeholder views vary—academics praise the focus on photonics, while businesses seek faster tech transfer. Solutions include joint university-industry labs and policy support for QT visas.
Read the full government release
International Collaborations and Global Standing
New Zealand's quantum efforts gain from partnerships, such as QKD networks with Korea and UK photonics exchanges. Dodd-Walls researchers publish in top journals like Nature Photonics, elevating NZ's profile.
In higher ed, this attracts exchange students and funding from Horizon Europe equivalents. For career advice on navigating international QT roles, visit how to write a winning academic CV.
Photo by Fiona Bowden on Unsplash
Future Outlook: Building a Quantum Powerhouse
By mid-2026, the discovery phase report could unlock further investments, establishing NZ as a photonics hub in the South Pacific. Universities will expand programmes, creating more university jobs and scholarships.
Long-term, expect quantum-enhanced climate modelling, secure data for finance, and medical diagnostics—impacts rippling through NZ society. Researchers and students stand to benefit immensely from this momentum.
Ready to join? Explore openings at higher ed jobs, rate your professors, or seek career advice. For NZ-specific roles, check NZ academic opportunities.
