As part of NZIAT's discovery process to inform a potential Quantum Technology Growth Engine, we engaged with leading international experts and organisations to understand how successful quantum ecosystems have been built around the world.
We convened an international expert advisory panel that met throughout the discovery process. Dr Ian Walmsley (University of Oxford), Dr Kate Waimey Timmerman (Chicago Quantum Exchange) and Dr Miles Padgett (University of Glasgow) helped validate findings, challenge assumptions, and identify areas where New Zealand could build capability and create long-term competitive advantage in quantum technologies.
NZIAT also hosted Dr Alison McLeod, Director of Photonics Scotland at Technology Scotland, for a two-week visit to New Zealand in March 2026. Dr McLeod provided an independent, practitioner-led perspective on how small, advanced economies can build globally competitive deep technology sectors and foster collaboration across research, industry, investment, and government.
During her visit, Dr McLeod shared international insights and case studies through NZIAT's quantum technology discovery workshops held across New Zealand, helping inform discussions on the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
This engagement forms part of a broader international discovery programme. NZIAT has also engaged with organisations including the OECD, the US National Science Foundation, the US Office of Science and Technology Policy, the US Department of Energy, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the UK's National Physical Laboratory and Office for Quantum, Queensland's Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, and the Australian Economic Accelerator.
By learning from international experience alongside local stakeholder insights, NZIAT is building a strong evidence base to inform future opportunities for New Zealand's quantum technology sector.
Dr. Alison McLeod, Director of Photonics Scotland at Technology Scotland shared international exemplars during our quantum technology discovery workshops across New Zealand.
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