Quantum tour makes Waterloo their first North American stop

The global QuanTour initiative has brought a quantum device to the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), marking its only North American stop. Organized by the German Physical Society to celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the tour features a quantum dot single-photon source that has already traveled to 14 European labs. At IQC, Dr. Michael Reimer’s Quantum Photonic Devices Lab is hosting the device for two weeks. Researchers there are testing and validating the technology, which could be vital for building a quantum internet by enabling secure communication and linking quantum computers. The visit highlights Waterloo’s leadership in quantum science, building on past breakthroughs in creating nearly perfect entangled photon pairs. Graduate students and researchers at IQC emphasized the collaborative spirit of the tour, noting how international partnerships accelerate advances in quantum technology. The initiative also reflects a global effort to raise awareness of quantum science’s role in shaping sustainable development and future innovations.