Quantum Research Coordination Between A*STAR and NUS and Combined Annual Funding
Ministry of FinanceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the coordination, distinct capabilities, and funding of A*STAR’s Quantum Innovation Centre (Q.InC) and the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT). Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat inquired about the specific roles of each centre and the mechanisms in place to prevent research duplication under the National Quantum Strategy. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong clarified that CQT is the national flagship for coordinating research talent, while Q.InC develops strategic quantum sensing technologies. To ensure synergy, Q.InC researchers are jointly appointed with CQT, and their research agendas are overseen by the CQT Director under a coordinated national network. Minister Gan Kim Yong also highlighted that $295 million was allocated under Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 to fund these efforts, overseen by the National Quantum Steering Committee.
Transcript
87 Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance in view that both A*STAR's Quantum Innovation Centre and the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at the National University of Singapore claim alignment with the National Quantum Strategy, which designated CQT as the national flagship centre (a) what specific capabilities does the Quantum Innovation Centre provide that CQT does not; (b) what is their combined annual funding; and (c) what mechanisms prevent duplication between them.
Mr Gan Kim Yong (for the Prime Minister): The National Quantum Strategy (NQS) sets out the strategic framework to enable Singapore to strengthen its position as a leading hub in the development and deployment of quantum technologies, including through building our national quantum capabilities.
Under the NQS, the Centre for Quantum Technology (CQT) was designated as a flagship national research centre to coordinate research talent nationally and support investigator-led research and capability-building training schemes. These research efforts are carried out in a coordinated manner through a network of nodes in the universities and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR). A*STAR's Quantum Innovation Centre (Q.InC) develops next-generation quantum technologies in strategic research pillars, such as quantum sensing and materials, with its researchers jointly appointed with CQT, and their research agendas coordinated by the CQT Director to ensure alignment and synergy with the broader CQT research programme.
In Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025, $295 million was set aside to fund quantum research efforts under the NQS, with implementation overseen by the National Quantum Steering Committee.