Professor Michelle Simmons AO Joins Tech Council of Australia Board of Directors

• The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has appointed Professor Michelle Simmons AO to its Board of Directors
• Michelle is the founder and CEO of Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), a leading global provider of quantum technology

The Tech Council of Australia (TCA) has appointed Professor Michelle Simmons AO, a world-renowned quantum physicist and deep-tech entrepreneur, to its Board of Directors. As the CEO and founder of Silicon Quantum Computing (SQC), a state-of-the-art business that emerged from the University of New South Wales, Simmons has played a significant role in strengthening Australia's position in important and developing technologies.

Her appointment coincides with the United Nations' International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, which is a significant moment for the technology sector. Professor Simmons has played a key role in advancing a robust domestic quantum industry that aims to stimulate innovation, create jobs, and accelerate economic growth as a founding member of the TCA's Australian Quantum Alliance.

"It is an honor to be joining the TCA board at a time when our nation's technology sector is at an inflection point," Professor Michelle said, expressing her excitement for the new position. Our economy depends heavily on technology, and I am excited to collaborate with the TCA.

In addition to being named Australian of the Year in 2018 for her groundbreaking contributions to quantum information science, Simmons has received two Federation Fellows and a Laureate Fellow, two of the highest honors bestowed by the Australian Research Council.

Michelle’s appointment was commended by TCA Chair Scott Farquhar, who said the Council's leadership potential would be strengthened by her extensive knowledge of quantum computing and innovation. CEO Damian Kassabgi went on to say that Simmons is a great asset to the board, which represents businesses in the software, artificial intelligence, fintech, and digital platforms sectors, because of her capacity to connect the domains of research, industry, and commercialization.