IN KOTOR: Quantum Australia CEO Petra Andrén says there is an opportunity to use Horizon Europe to connect Australian deep-technology companies to international partnerships, demonstration projects, supply chains, and markets that will shape future industries.
Earlier this year, the European Union (EU) and Australia began formal negotiations for the association to Horizon Europe — which is the EU’s flagship €93.5 billion ($153.3 billion) research and innovation funding program.
Horizon Europe facilitates collaboration and strengthens the impact of research and innovation in developing, supporting, and implementing EU policies while tackling global challenges. It supports the creation and better dissemination of excellent knowledge and technologies.
On 9 June 2026, the European Commission and Australia concluded negotiations, finalising that Australia will associate with Pillar II of Horizon Europe. The second pillar addresses societal challenges in the digital, industry, and space; climate, energy, and mobility; and food, bioeconomy, and agriculture fields.
Andrén says Australia’s access to Horizon Europe is a “major opportunity”, but it should not be seen as a substitute for strong domestic investment.
“Horizon Europe can help Australia to connect world-class deep-tech research to global customers, supply chains, standards, demonstration projects, and capital — but only if we are clear about what we are trying to build at home,” the CEO says.
“Australia has real scientific strength across artificial intelligence, quantum, advanced manufacturing, critical minerals, climate technologies, and biotechnology.
“But turning that strength into commercial leadership will depend on two things working together: strong domestic investment and global connectivity.”
Andrén adds that Australia cannot collaborate its way to deep-technology leadership and it cannot invest its way to global competitiveness in isolation.
“If we do that well, we can help more Australian companies scale globally from Australia, rather than watching our best ideas, companies, and talent move offshore to find scale,” she says.
To date, under Horizon Europe, Australian organisations have participated in 239 projects.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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