Faculty member Raffi Budakian reaches towards the equipment in his lab.

Welcome to the Institute for Quantum Computing

Harnessing the quantum world to empower the future

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is where world-leading researchers, students and partners come together to explore, understand and advance quantum information science.

From computing and communication to sensing and materials, our work drives the discoveries and innovations that will shape future economies.

Through global collaboration, hands-on training, breakthrough research and educational outreach, IQC is turning quantum research into real-world scientific and commercial impact.

Help shape the quantum future

Quantum systems have the potential to change everything from healthcare to cybersecurity to global communication. Your support for IQC fuels groundbreaking research, develops future scientific leaders and advances the innovations that will shape Canada’s economic future.

Why quantum?

We are driven by curiosity. It is a force that propels us to unravel the mysteries of the universe and apply our findings to transform society. Throughout history, humanity has advanced by learning to tame natural phenomena like fire, steam and electromagnetism.

Today, IQC is harnessing nature at its most fundamental level  and the next era of innovation. Quantum systems have a distinct set of physical rules, offering us a new way to approach complex problems in speed, precision and security. By exploring these fundamental principles, we are building the innovations that will shape the next era of discovery.

The future is quantum and IQC is shaping it now.

Latest news from IQC

News

What's happening at IQC - Events

Events

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 - Thursday, June 18, 2026 (all day)

ETSI/IQC Quantum Safe Cryptography Conference 2026

Designed for members of the business, government, and research communities with a stake in cryptographic standardization, this forward-looking conference facilitates the knowledge exchange and collaboration required to transition cyber infrastructures and business practices to make them safe and resilient in an era with quantum computers.

What's happening here in Waterloo is truly special, from theory to experiment and BEYOND.

Stephen Hawking

Statement in support of protecting Canadian science and researchers

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) supports the efforts of the Government of Canada to secure and protect Canadian science and researchers. IQC takes the protection of intellectual property very seriously and commits to cooperate with various agencies and organizations in support of National Security priorities.

IQC also commits to, and will continue to, educate staff and researchers about the opportunities, pitfalls, and boundaries of protecting Canadian science and intellectual property for the benefit of IQC, the University of Waterloo, and indeed, future generations.