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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.

Cyber and quantum

Canberra is Australia’s cyber and quantum capital.

Home of Australia’s national security and defence administration

Canberra is the capital of Australian cyber security and quantum, and home to the National Security Office Precinct.

We’re also home to a highly skilled, security-cleared workforce, serving national security organisations and backed by secure infrastructure, research institutions and proximity to government.

Canberra has the highest density of prime contractors, small to medium enterprises in cyber per capita, and Australian Government agencies.

Here you can pitch for business and invest in leading suppliers to the Australian Government and Five Eyes’ nations (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, USA).

Vital cyber infrastructure

Ranked the world’s 5th most powerful cyber nation, Australia’s cyber security research capability is world class.

We have data centres with the highest accreditations under Australian and New Zealand’s hosting and security requirements, alongside leading quantum computing and cryptography companies.

We also have some of the world’s best cyber security researchers based here, contributing to the most secure cyber development ecosystem in Australia for your business.

Harnessing the power of quantum

Canberra is also emerging as an important centre for quantum computing.

From advanced data protection capabilities to pioneering world-first room temperature quantum computers, ACT-based companies such as QuintessenceLabs, Quantum Brilliance and Liquid Instruments are leading the way.

Liquid Instruments’ Professor Daniel Shaddock (third from left) and team members with their reconfigurable Moku – the only test solution that is engineered and optimized for friction-free customization in both simple tests and complex multi-instrument environments. 

Investing in Canberra’s quantum capabilities also unlocks growth in other tech-intensive sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, defence, space, cyber and renewables.

High-tech pathways

We have the largest university- based physics research institution in Australia, providing a clear pathway to high-tech industry careers.

Australian National University’s (ANU) renowned Research School of Physics is a key technical training ground for the talent pool taking Australia’s quantum leadership forward.

ANU is also home to Australia’s first quantum optical ground station, providing a unique testbed for quantum and satellite communication. This complements our existing lunar and deep space communication complex, one of only 3 in the world.

Strong government commitment

The ACT is leading the nation on cyber industry development and future workforce capability.

The Australian Government in Canberra is the largest buyer of goods and services in Australia. A presence in Canberra allows you to pitch for and easily deliver your services to government departments and agencies.

CSIRO estimates that Australia’s cyber security revenue could reach $6. billion per year in 2026. Do business here in Canberra and benefit from the ACT’s committed support for researching and developing world- leading cyber security solutions.

Collaborating and connecting

Canberra’s powerful networking opportunities bring the government and private sector together.

Our small-city footprint enables strong relationships between business, government, education and researchers – a network of experts working together to solve big problems and help make Australia safer.

Cyber security networks and industry groups in Canberra

  • Canberra Cyber Hub – funded by the ACT Government, and the newly-launched University of New South Wales Canberra Innovation Hub, connects and strengthens our unique cyber ecosystem to accelerate and grow the ACT cyber economy.
  • Canberra’s Cyber Security Capabilities – ACT Government support for cyber security.
  • Cyber Capability Directory – a list of Canberra companies offering products and services in cyber security.

Talk to us

If you’re planning to build a cyber business in the Canberra region, talk to our team.

Published date: 11 Sep 2024
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Interested in doing business in Canberra?

Contact the business team for information and advice.