Guidelines

Program context

Hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games provides an opportunity to deliver a positive legacy for Queensland, as outlined in the Elevate 2042 Strategy.

The $5 million Quantum 2032 Challenge, provided for under Pillar 4 of the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy (PDF, 2.9MB) , will help position Queensland as a source of expertise in, and leader of, quantum technologies. By combining Queensland’s existing sports-related industries, including sports technology, with its quantum expertise, the Quantum 2032 Challenge, as part of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, will establish the state as a global leader in the application of deep science to real-world challenges.

Objectives

The overarching aim of the Quantum 2032 Challenge is to identify and support projects that have the potential to showcase how Queensland's quantum technologies can provide innovative solutions and enhancements for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This includes aiming to deliver innovations to make the 2032 Paralympic Games the most technologically advanced and accessible yet.

The key objectives of the Quantum 2032 Challenge are to:

  1. Accelerate the development of quantum-based innovation in sportstech and related domains.
  2. Build collaboration between Queensland’s quantum research sector and industry.
  3. Showcase Queensland's quantum technology expertise on the global stage during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  4. Contribute to the legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Available funding

A total of $5 million of grant funding is available to eligible organisations or consortia to support relevant quantum technology research and development activities for the Quantum 2032 Challenge.

The program will support a range of project sizes and values, with grants of up to $1 million available.

Applications for amounts in excess of $500,000 will be required to demonstrate a high level of collaboration across research and industry.

The application period will be open from 13 June to 22 July 2024. During the application period, applicants are welcome to meet with departmental representatives to discuss their proposal.

Funding period

The project must commence within six months of being awarded and must be completed within three years of commencement.

Eligibility

Applicant

To be eligible to apply for this program, the applicant must, at the time of application:

  • be registered for GST and have an Australian Business Number
  • be a Queensland-based agency that conducts research as part of its core activities, including universities and research organisations, some government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and companies.

To the extent possible, project partners should also be primarily based in Queensland or have a genuine physical presence in Queensland. Where partners have no physical presence in Queensland, there must be a clear case and demonstration of the benefits that will flow to Queensland.

Applicant organisations cannot submit more than one application for the same project. However, where an applicant has identified several potential projects, an applicant may submit a separate application for each project.

Projects

To receive support under this program, the proposal must:

  • define a project in Queensland which seeks to develop quantum technologies for deployment or demonstration during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games; and
  • seek funding of up to $1 million.

For the purposes of the program, ‘Quantum technologies’ are defined as:

  • quantum computing, including quantum algorithms and simulations;
  • quantum sensing, including detection, imaging, metrology, positioning, navigation and timing; and
  • quantum communications, including quantum key distribution.

For example, project proposals for the Quantum 2032 Challenge may include, but are not limited to:

  • quantum sensing technologies for athlete health monitoring, injury diagnostics, anti-doping testing, and sports analysis
  • quantum computing and algorithms to tackle complex logistics and optimisation problems, such as spectator transport.
  • quantum communication systems to support the Games operations
  • quantum technologies for accurately monitoring athlete movement or projectile trajectories
  • quantum sensors and computing to detect and analyse biochemical threats and other public health threats to spectators and athletes and for quicker, more effective countermeasures
  • quantum diagnostics and monitoring systems for concussion and other sports-related injuries.
  • quantum technologies for sports analysis, refereeing and commentating
  • quantum-enabled prosthetics and assistive devices for Paralympic athletes that leverage quantum sensors for enhanced biomonitoring and precision control
  • optimising logistics and transport for Paralympic athletes and support staff
  • quantum technologies which enable earlier detection and monitoring of potential injuries or medical conditions for Paralympic athletes
  • other quantum technologies that can provide measurable benefits to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Projects aimed at supporting the Paralympic Games are strongly encouraged. Potential applicants are encouraged to think holistically about the needs of para-athletes, including how they live and train.

Where there is ambiguity around the eligibility of a project on a technology or application basis, the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (the Department) will make the final decision about eligibility after taking advice from the Expert Panel (refer to the Assessment section).

It is important to note this is project-based funding. There is no obligation on the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation to provide further funding beyond the life of an approved project. Accordingly, project partners are responsible for sustaining the project and associated jobs beyond the life of the grant.

Collaborations

Applications that involve collaborations between quantum scientists and industry partners are strongly encouraged:

  • the applicant organisation is to take the lead on project management, budget and reporting requirements for the duration of the funding agreement activities;
  • a letter of commitment will be required from the accountable officer of each partner organisation which provides details of the organisation’s involvement in the project;
  • proposals seeking funding over $500,000 will be expected to involve significant industry-research and/or inter-disciplinary collaboration; and
  • to the extent possible, project partners should be based in Queensland or have a legitimate physical presence in Queensland. Where partners have no physical presence in Queensland, there must be a clear case of benefits flowing to Queensland.

Eligible project costs

Funding must be used to meet direct, project-specific costs and fall within the following eligible categories:

  • salary costs for project personnel, including post-doctoral researchers, research assistants and technical staff, including standard on-costs (leave loading, superannuation contributions, worker’s compensation contributions, and payroll tax)
  • equipment (and its maintenance) and consumables, including specialised computer equipment and software essential to the project
  • expenditure on field research essential to the project, including technical and logistical support, travel expenses (including economy-class airfares, accommodation, meals and incidental costs)
  • reasonable essential costs to allow a participant who is a carer, or who personally requires care or assistance, to undertake travel essential to the project
  • other costs that are incidental to, but necessary for, the delivery of the project, and which do not fall within an ineligible cost category.

Only eligible expenditure incurred on or after the project commencement date (specified in the executed Grant Agreement) can be claimed by the successful applicant organisation.

Expenditure of Queensland Government funding must be primarily for salaries, equipment, products, or services which are to be used or provided in Queensland. Funding proposed to be spent outside Queensland must have a strong argument as to why a Queensland-sourced arrangement cannot be used.

The department will negotiate with the successful applicant(s) to determine an appropriate payment structure, including milestones and reporting requirements.

Ineligible project costs

Costs not eligible to be paid from the grant funding include:

  • administrative costs that are not directly applicable to the operation of the proposed project, such as enterprise information technology, human resources, accounting, legal overheads, depreciation or other routine expenses for universities or publicly funded research agencies. More specifically, any general ‘administrative charge’ (however calculated) not supported by evidence of services being provided, or the like is excluded
  • specific, identifiable costs already supported by the Queensland and/or Australian Governments
  • partner organisation salaries where there is no commensurate increase in staffing above business-as usual.

GST treatment

Applicants registered for GST will not be provided with funding to account for costs directly associated with GST and are required to provide the GST exclusive amount in their budget. Recipients registered for GST can claim the GST component for any expenditure that they incur back from the Australian Tax Office (ATO).

For advice on GST, please seek assistance from the ATO.

Assessment criteria

Assessment criterion 1: Project Focus and Scientific Merit

The application must demonstrate how the project will accelerate the development and application of quantum technologies that can make a significant contribution to enhancing the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Specifically, the project should:

  1. represent a novel and significant application of one or more quantum technologies relevant to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  2. cite clear benefits for the delivery of, or Australian athletes’ participation in, the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
  3. have a plausible pathway to delivering tangible benefits and impacts by 2032 that align with the Queensland Government’s broader strategies and priorities for the 2032 Games, including the Elevate 2042 Strategy.
  4. be designed on sound scientific principles and methodological foundations, drawing on the state’s world-leading quantum research capabilities.

Projects addressing the needs of Para-sports and Para-athletes will be highly regarded under this criterion.

Assessment criterion 2: Strength of Proposed Collaboration

Applications for funding exceeding $500,000 must demonstrate how the project will build effective collaboration between quantum researchers, sportstech experts, and relevant industry/end-user partners.

For projects which seek a lesser funding amount, collaboration is not required, but will be highly valued, noting that a plausible path to impact by 2032 is still required.

To demonstrate collaboration, applications should show that:

  1. the partner organisations have meaningful roles and a high level of commitment to the project
  2. the project consortium includes partners who are essential to the path to impact and adoption of the quantum solutions
  3. the project has the potential to enhance Queensland’s quantum-sports technology ecosystem over the longer term.

Assessment criterion 3: Contribution to Legacy

The application must demonstrate how the project will contribute to the legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including how the project’s developed technology may be applied more broadly beyond the Games.

This may be demonstrated by showing:

  1. how showcasing the project at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will strengthen Queensland’s global reputation as a destination for quantum innovation
  2. broader use cases for the proposed project outside of application during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
  3. how the project aligns with Queensland’s objectives under the Elevate 2042 Strategy.

Assessment criterion 4: Delivery Capability

The application must demonstrate the applicant and partners have the necessary expertise and plans to successfully deliver the proposed project within the designated timeframe and budget.

Specifically, the application should show:

  1. the applicant and partners possess the scientific, technical, managerial, and industry know-how to fulfil their roles
  2. a sound governance framework, especially for larger multi-partner projects
  3. a comprehensive project plan with clear timelines and key milestones
  4. a thorough risk assessment with appropriate mitigation strategies
  5. a detailed, realistic, and well-structured project budget
  6. capability and track record of the partners to develop and/or commercialise technologies.

Assessment criterion 5: Value for Money

The application must demonstrate the project provides strong value for the funding requested.

Specifically, the application should show:

  1. the expected outcomes and benefits relative to the funding amount
  2. the direct employment impact, in terms of FTEs, that the project will support
  3. any significant cash or in-kind contributions from the applicant and partners
  4. the potential for the project to enhance Queensland’s ability to attract future funding and investment in quantum-sports technologies.

Selection and assessment process

Application

Proposals will be required to provide sufficient detail to allow for their project to be fully assessed, including:

  • details of applicant
  • details of any consortium participants and letters of support from consortium participants
  • assessment of the current Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the technology, and TRL expected to be reached by 2032
  • proposed pathway to delivering tangible benefits and impacts by 2032 and application at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
  • full details of the proposed project, including
    • activities to be undertaken as part of the project
    • anticipated impacts of the project
    • project budget outlining the expected costs of the project, including a breakdown of those which will be funded through this program and those which will be funded by the applicant (whether through cash or in-kind contribution)
    • details of any other cash or in-kind contribution which will be made by the applicant or partners
    • analysis of project risks and challenges
    • project plan and timeframes for delivery
    • employment impacts and FTEs which will be supported by the project
  • responses to the assessment criteria.

The application period will be from 13 June to 22 July 2024. During the application period, applicants are welcome to meet with departmental representatives to discuss their proposal.

Where there are clear overlaps or synergies between applications, the Department reserves the right to require the relevant applicants to explore collaboration opportunities, in which case applicants may be given more time to finalise a joint application.

Assessment of applications

The Department will undertake due diligence and eligibility checks. Eligible applications will be assessed in a competitive, merit-based process against the program’s assessment criteria by an Expert Panel appointed by the Department and comprised of members with scientific, research and industry backgrounds, and potentially including Queensland Government representatives.

The Expert Panel will assess applications according to the assessment criteria and provide advice to the Department on any technical matters for its consideration.

Applicant organisations may be contacted during the assessment process to clarify information provided in the application and/or to request additional information to enable the appropriate consideration of the application. There is no implicit guarantee of approval at any stage of the process.

The Department will make a recommendation to the Director-General on the successful applicant organisations and the level of funding, considering the advice of the expert panel, available budget and program purpose. The Director-General will decide successful applications.

All applicant organisations will be informed of the outcome of the decision on their applications, whether they are or are not successful. Applicants can appeal decisions relating to their application.

Timeframes

The proposed timeframes for the application and contract award process are as follows:
MilestoneTimeframe
Applications open 13 June 2024
Application close 22 July 2024
Negotiation and award of contract September 2024

Submitting an application

Applications for the Quantum 2032 Challenge have closed.

The application consists of:

  • A completed online application form through SmartyGrants
  • Support letters from each partner organisation clearly outlining:
    • its commitment to and reasons for supporting the project
    • the likely benefits to be gained by participating in the project
    • the annual cash and in-kind contributions they will make to the project.

The Applicant organisation must read the Grant Agreement template made available on the department's ‘Science funding and grants’ website for the Quantum 2032 Challenge and be satisfied it can comply with its terms and conditions.

Applicant organisations should clearly identify in their application (including attachments) any information that should be treated as confidential.

Grant agreement

Successful Applicant organisations will receive a letter requiring the Applicant organisation to sign and return the Grant Agreement (PDF, 517.5KB) which will be countersigned by the department and a copy returned to the applicant organisation for their records. The project will be approved by the department in the execution of the Grant Agreement.

Grant payments will be released to the applicant organisation to administer the funding. Funding will take the form of milestone-based cash contributions as detailed in a Grant Agreement between the applicant organisation and the department on behalf of the State of Queensland. The grant monies must only be used on eligible activities (as defined in the Grant Agreement and these Guidelines).

The department must be advised in writing within 30 days of any changes that are likely to impact on the project, including changes that may impact on eligibility, research milestones, project funding or reporting.

The applicant organisation must provide a financial statement to the department annually containing details of:

  • Queensland Government funding received and expended.
  • their cash contributions to the project
  • the cash contributions of all partners towards the project.

If the applicant organisation allocates funding to collaborating organisations, the applicant organisation must request that the collaborating organisation also provide an income and expenditure statement relating to the Queensland Government funding which has been allocated to them. This must be included in the annual financial reporting.

Promotion of supported projects

Applicant organisations should actively promote the funded project; provide broad project information if required; and attend media/promotion events if requested. The applicant organisation must acknowledge Queensland Government funding in all relevant published material, media releases and public statements.

Privacy

The Queensland Government collects and collates information from the application form for the purpose of assessment as well as program monitoring and evaluation. Only authorised departmental officers and approved grant assessors and evaluators will have access to this information under the Financial Accountability Act 2009.

Applicants should note that broad details of successful proposals, agreed outcomes, progress and the level of funding awarded may be published by the Queensland Government.

Some information may be used to promote funded projects.

The applicant organisation information will not be disclosed to any other third party without their consent, unless required by law or for the purposes of the Information Privacy Act 2009.

For audit purposes, the Queensland Government is required to retain the applications and other supplied support material. Applicants wishing to access this information should contact the department in the first instance.

The provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009 apply to documents in the possession of the Queensland Government.

Further information

For further information about the Quantum 2032 Challenge Program please contact the Quantum 2032 Challenge Coordinator.

Email: qldquantum@qld.gov.au

SmartyGrants

For technical questions about the online application process or form, please contact:

Website: SmartyGrants
Email: service@smartygrants.com.au
Phone: (03) 9320 6888 and quote your reference number.

Key documents and links

Applications for the Quantum 2032 Challenge have closed.