Pearcey Oration 2023
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2023 Pearcey Oration - "The Quantum Revolution: Australia leads the world into the new age of computing – again!!" - Professor Michelle Simmons AO
Orator: Professor Michelle Simmons AO
In this, our 25th year, the Pearcey Foundation, were proud present the Pearcey Oration delivered by an Australian of the Year and one of the most important scientists in the country.
The oration is an opportunity to explore, in depth, critical contemporary issues arising from introducing and adopting new and advanced technologies into our society.
The Quantum Revolution: Australia leads the world into the new age of computing – again!
Professor Michelle Simmons AO, 2018 Australian of the Year, CEO and Founder of Silicon Quantum Computing and Director of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology in Sydney.
Down-scaling has been the leading paradigm of the semiconductor industry since the invention of the first transistor in 1947, producing faster and smaller computers every year. However, device miniaturization has now reached the atomic limit, set by the discreteness of matter.
With the increasing volume and complexity of data, the desire for ever increasing compute power continues to grow with intensified research in alternative approaches for creating logic devices of the future. In this talk Professor Simmons described the emerging field of quantum information.
During her Oration, Michelle focused on the development of a silicon-based quantum computer using a globally unique approach pioneered in Australia to build processors atom-by-atom.
Michelle discussed how her team is leading an international race to manufacture prototype processors in Sydney and challenge the belief that high-end, high value products cannot be manufactured from our shores.
Dr Trevor Pearcey put Australia at the very forefront of the digital computing age when he built CSIRAC in 1947-49. Now, Professor Simmons is launching Australia into the age of quantum computing with the potential to dominate this core capability for the 21st century.
We invite you to share in Michelle’s passion and vision for a future of Australia enabled and driven by advanced technology.
Following the Oration Michelle sat down for a fireside chat with Jordan Green, Victorian State Chairman and Director of the Pearcey Foundation, and for a discussion with the audience.
Watch the video of the Oration and fireside chat. Download the full transcript of Michelle's Oration here.
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Victorian Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year presented by the Honourable Ben Carroll MP
Prior to the Oration was the presentation of the Victorian Pearcey Entrepreneur of the Year award to Didier Elzinga, founder and CEO of Culture Amp.
Each year the Pearcey Foundation, through a peer-based selection process, recognises a Victorian mid-career entrepreneur who has taken a risk, is making a difference and is an inspiration to others through outstanding achievements and contributions in the development and/or application of information and communications technologies. 27 outstanding Victorians have received this honour in the last 25 years.
The award was presented to Didier by the Honourable Ben Carroll MP, Victorian Minister for Industry and Innovation, Manufacturing Sovereignty, Employment and Public Transport.
Watch the video of the award presentation and Didier's inspiring acceptance speech.
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The Oration and Award Ceremony were a premiere national event, a highlight of the Victorian Government Digital Innovation Festival and a flagship event for the Melbourne Connect Innovation Week.