Quantum pioneer Michelle Simmons joins Tech Council board

Quantum physicist and deeptech startup founder Professor Michelle Simmons has joined the board of The Tech Council of Australia (TCA).

Her appointment dramatically improves the representation of women in the industry lobby group, which last year came under fire last year for failing to act when former board member Richard White faced inappropriate conduct allegations. He subsequently resigned.

The 10-member board, chaired by Atlassian cofounder Scott Farquhar, now has four women directors alongside six men.

Prof Simmons founded Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC) in May 2017. She’s also director of the Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation at UNSW, where SQC is based, and is a former Australian of the Year.

Simmons and her team have developed the world’s first integrated circuit manufactured at the atomic scale. The circuit, which operates as an analogue quantum processor, gives SQC the ability construct quantum models for a range of new materials, including pharmaceuticals, materials for batteries, and catalysts.

SQC began life with a whopping $83 million in a Seed round from UNSW, Telstra, CBA, and Australian and NSW governments.

Prof Simmons is a founding member of the TCA’s Australian Quantum Alliance, supporting the domestic quantum industry, and said the nation’s technology sector is at an inflection point.

“Technology is a vital pillar of our economy and I look forward to working with the TCA,” she said.

Scott Farquhar said Professor Simmons’ experience will be an important addition to the board.

“Michelle’s extensive experience in quantum computing and commercialisation brings a unique perspective and capability to our leadership team,” he said.

“Her appointment will help support the TCA’s goal of supporting the growth of the Australian quantum industry and deep tech”.

The TCA’s directors include Afterpay cofounder Anthony Eisen, Tesla chair Robyn Denholm, Canva cofounder Cliff Obrecht, CultureAmp founder Didier Elzinga and former NSW minister Victor Dominello.

The organisation’s membership includes global tech companies such as Apple, Google, IBM, Nokia, Accenture, ebay and Adobe.