Bean resident Dr Vikram Sharma has been honoured for his significant contributions to protecting digital information across the world in the emerging era of quantum computing.  

Dr Sharma has received the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation for translating Australian research in quantum science into world-leading cyber security solutions that are used by companies around the world to protect information.

In 2008, Dr Sharma founded QuintessenceLabs in Canberra, contributing to Australia’s reputation as a global pioneer in the quantum sector.

Each year the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science highlight achievements by Australians, with recognition also going to:

• Distinguished Professor Lidia Morawska – the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science
• Professor Michael Wear – inaugural recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems
• Mrs Paula Taylor – the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools
• Mr Matt Dodds – the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Secondary Schools
• Professor Yao Zheng – the 2025 Malcolm McIntosh Prize for Physical Scientist of the Year
• Dr David Khoury – the 2025 Frank Fenner Prize for Life Scientist of the Year
• Dr Nikhilesh Bappoo – the 2025 Prize for New Innovators.

The achievements of all 2025 prize recipients can be found at industry.gov.au/PMPrizes

Quotes attributable to the Hon Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister:

“Each year the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science highlight our country’s exceptional achievements. 

“Australia is a powerhouse of science, innovation and research which has a global impact – as is evident by the recognition of the work of all the recipients.  

“I would like to extend my congratulations and thanks to all recipients of the 2025 awards.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres:

“Dr Vikram Sharma has helped shape Australia’s quantum industry, with QuintessenceLabs employing world-leaders in their fields and the company’s products used by major organisations around the world.

“This is the third year in a row we’ve had a prize recipient from the Quantum field, a testament to our growing industry and capabilities.”

Quotes attributable to David Smith MP:

“I am always proud to represent the electorate of Bean and its people, but today I pay special tribute to Dr Vikram Sharma and his contributions to world-leading cyber security solutions.

I would also like congratulate Mrs Paula Taylor for her Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools award, including in schools across Bean.

“Nominations for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are open now and I encourage you to nominate someone whose work deserves national recognit