The Australian government was kept in the dark about tech giant Microsoft’s plans to exit quantum computing research in Australia until after the company had made generous offers to relocate its entire team to its US headquarters.
The surprise corporate decision to close the Microsoft quantum research facility at the University of Sydney arrived at an embarrassing moment for the government, which had just invested hundreds of millions of dollars and substantial political capital spruiking Australia’s quantum research capability.
Microsoft told its 15-member research team at Sydney University of its decision to exit quantum research in this country in the first week of June. The company then informed the Australian government the following day through Industry department officials.
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