Agreement seeks boost to quantum research

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Fujitsu Australia Limited and the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra in which the organisations will establish a centre for quantum research, with ambitions to build an onsite quantum computer.

Aligning with Australia’s National Quantum Strategy to “invest in, connect and grow Australia’s quantum research and industry to compete with the world’s best”, the MoU sets out a long-term vision for how Fujitsu will partner with the university to capitalise on future opportunities and applications of quantum technologies.

Chief Executive, Asia Pacific, at Fujitsu, Graeme Beardsell said the company’s investment in quantum research, coupled with strategic collaborations such as that with the ANU, puts it at the forefront of the global race to develop the world's first fault-tolerant quantum computer.

“This is about more than just technology; it's about unlocking the next wave of innovation,” Mr Beardsell (pictured) said.  

As part of the collaboration, Fujitsu will provide ANU researchers and academics with access to Fujitsu’s quantum systems and simulators in Japan, while the ANU will develop teaching and training modules based on access to Fujitsu’s quantum technologies.

In addition to the exchange of knowledge, the initiative will also aim to set up an on-site quantum computer at ANU to help local researchers, Government and industry professionals to develop expertise in the field. 

“The on-site quantum computer will provide Australian professionals with access to local emerging technologies that will enable them to conduct advanced research in fields including cryptography, material science, and quantum simulations,” Mr Beardsell said.

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New phase in Bougainville exploration

Island Passage Development Canada Limited says the second phase of its mineral exploration program on the EL02 exploration license on Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, has begun.

A team, involving Island Passage’s subsidiary, Island Passage Development and Isina Resource Holdings, a customary landowner company, is exploring the 261 –square-kilometre property located in the Crown Prince Range.

Field Logistics Manager and Site Manager, Simeon Wina said the first phase of exploration took place over a seven-week period ending in early May.

“This included the relaunching of modern copper-gold exploration on Bougainville, the collection of 83 stream sediment and pan concentrate samples and 39 rock chip samples, and the examination of 13 active or dormant small-scale mining sites,” Mr Wina said.

“The second phase is focused on regional exploration and the completion of systematic stream sediment sampling over as much of the license as is practicable.”

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Sydney venue for international IT meeting

A global community of thought leaders and experts in the area of information technology will be gathering in Sydney next month for the IT Nation annual conference.

The event offers attendees opportunities to learn, collaborate, and engage with significant players in the IT industry by providing a collaborative setting where Managed Service Providers in the Asia-Pacific region can discuss business topics in an open environment.

The theme of IT Nation Sydney,  AI and Market Disruptors, explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and emerging market trends.

Spokesperson for IT Nation, Nick Moran said laying the right groundwork for AI now would set organisations up for future success — “and IT Nation is the perfect vehicle to help businesses make those decisions and see how peers tackle the challenges ahead”.

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New tool in Government cyber protection

Australian Government Agencies can now access the Rapid7 Insight Platform at Protected level following an assessment under the Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP).

Vice President at Rapid7, Rob Dooley said the assessment underscored the company’s ongoing investment and commitment to protecting all levels of Government in Australia.

“The successful completion of the IRAP assessment at Protected level demonstrates Rapid7’s commitment to supporting Australian Government customers and providing access to a comprehensive security platform necessary to tackle the ever-evolving challenges to cyber security,” Mr Dooley said.

“Rapid7 helps hundreds of Government Agencies worldwide effectively protect against security threats and quickly respond to breaches.”

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EnviroGold raises cash for Brisbane project

Toronto-based Technology company EnviroGold Global has closed the second tranche of a $C1 million (about the same in Australian dollars) non-brokered private placement consisting of 2,240,000 units issued at a price of five cents a unit for aggregate proceeds of C$112,000.

Together with the company’s closing of the first tranche of the offering, it has raised aggregate gross proceeds of $C842,000. It has also increased the size of the offering to $C2 million as result of continued investor interest.

EnviroGold Global enables the global mining industry to monetise valuable metals contained in mine waste and tailings, reducing environmental liabilities and improving social and environmental outcomes.

The proceeds from the offering will be used to accelerate the establishment of the NVRO Clean Leach Process demonstration facility in Brisbane, Australia.

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Hospital passes kidney transplant milestone

The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSHRC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has announced the completion of its 5,000th kidney transplant since the program was set up in 1981.

In a statement, the KFSHRC said that in the last year alone, it had performed 80 paediatric kidney transplants, the highest number conducted by any hospital in a single year.

“This achievement makes KFSHRC's Kidney Transplant Program the largest of its kind, surpassing health centres in the United States and Europe,” the statement said.

“Over the past decade, the program has experienced significant growth, with approximately 1,250 transplants performed in the past three years.”

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New call to India’s female leaders

Reliance Foundation and Vital Voices have launched a call for applications for their WomenLeaders India Fellowship.

Over 10 months, the program aims to empower 50 exceptional women leaders from across India, each dedicated to driving transformative change within their communities.

This latest cohort will be selected for ground-breaking work in climate resilience (including disaster risk reduction); sports for development; education and livelihood generation at the grassroots. 

Successful applicants will also work on their innovative projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, benefiting from mentor and peer support. Applications close on July 28. 

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