TCA appoints Silicon Quantum Computing founder Michelle Simmons to board
Make us a preferred source
Make us a preferred source on Google
The news: The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has appointed quantum physicist Michelle Simmons to its board of directors.
The context: The TCA voted in favour of the appointment at its annual general meeting on Wednesday afternoon in Sydney.
A statement released by the TCA says as founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), Simmons is “a leading voice in Australia’s efforts to enhance sovereign capability in emerging and critical technologies.” Earlier this year, Simmons announced that her SQC startup in on track to build a powerful quantum computer by 2033.
Simmons is also a founding member of the TCA’s Australian Quantum Alliance, which is focused on supporting the domestic quantum industry to boost innovation and jobs in the sector.
The appointment is the second major update for the TCA in 2025, after Scott Farquhar, co-founder of Atlassian was tapped to succeed Robyn Denholm as chair of the council in March.
Questions about Denholm’s ability to remain as chair of both Tesla and the TCA had been swirling in the lead up to her departure, as she had been positioned in the middle of a clash between US tech interests and Australia’s digital sovereignty.
What they said: “It is an honour to be joining the TCA board at a time when our 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,” Simmons said.
Farquhar said: “Michelle’s extensive experience in quantum computing and commercialisation brings a unique perspective and capability to our leadership team. Her appointment will help support the TCA’s goal of supporting the growth of the Australian quantum industry and deep tech.”
The source: TCA press release
