Welcome to the Institute for Quantum Computing

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) is a scientific research institute at the University of Waterloo. The research happening at IQC harnesses the quantum laws of nature in order to develop powerful new technologies and drive future economies.

What is quantum computing?

Start with our Quantum computing 101 page. It's a quick start guide on quantum computing to help you understand some of the basic principles of quantum mechanics.

Delivering on the quantum promise

The Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT) program at the University of Waterloo aims to advance the use of quantum mechanics from laboratory curiosity to an impactful device.

News

Aug. 8, 2019A key piece to understanding how quantum gravity affects low-energy physics
Researchers have, for the first time, identified the conditions for theories of quantum gravity to be compatible with one of the paramount predictions of quantum theory and relativity: The Unruh effect.

In a new study led by researchers from the University of Waterloo, the International School for Advanced Studies and the Complutense University of Madrid a, solid theoretical framework is provided to discuss modifications to predictions of quantum field theory caused by the microstructure of space-time.
July 24, 2019Extending the reach of classical AI into the quantum realm
A Google Faculty Research Award propels quantum machine learning forward.

The Physics of Information lab, led by Professor Achim Kempf, was awarded one of the 2018 Google Faculty Research Awards. Kempf’s lab focuses on the physics of information, a wide research field that ranges from general relativity and quantum theory to information theory and artificial intelligence (AI).
July 9, 2019IQC researcher wins Dean of Science Award

The Dean of Science Award honours Master’s students in the Faculty of Science who demonstrate outstanding performance. We sat down with the latest winner in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, IQC researcher Sainath Motlakunta, to learn more about his award-winning research.

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Events

Aug. 23, 2019Can we trust the outputs of a noisy quantum computer?
Sam Ferracin, University of Warwick

Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) computing devices promise to have computing capabilities that exceed those of modern supercomputers. As these devices will be afflicted by non-negligible levels of noise, understanding if their outputs can be trusted is a task of timely importance.
Aug. 23, 2019RAC1 Journal Club/Seminar Series
Academic Writing Workshop #4

Elisabeth van Stam (UW Writing and Communication Centre)

Join us for our last session in the clarity in scientific writing series. During this session, we will apply the principles you have learned in order to improve the clarity and cohesion of your own writing. Please bring a sample of your writing (1-2 pages, double spaced), and be prepared to read, discuss, and revise!
Aug. 23, 2019Toward Inertial Navigation with Hybridized Matter-Wave Interferometers
Seminar featuring Brynle Barrett - iXblue

High-sensitivity, low-drift inertial sensors based on cold-atom interferometry are poised to revolutionize the field of inertial guidance and navigation, yet many challenges still remain. For instance, due to the slow data rate of atom interferometers and the large bias drifts of mechanical accelerometers, hybridization schemes will almost certainly be necessary [1].