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
Giants of quantum information science win Turing Award — the “Nobel prize” in computing
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo congratulates Drs. Charles H. Bennett and Gilles Brassard on receiving the 2025 Turing Award for their key role in establishing the foundations of quantum information science and inventing quantum key distribution (QKD), a core area of research at IQC.
New federal funding set to reinforce Canadian quantum tech and innovation
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) welcomes the National Research Council Canada (NRC) investment of more than $161 million over five years to advance Canada’s leadership in quantum technology for defence and security applications.
Quantum Co-laboratory expands its national partnership, strengthening Canada’s leadership in quantum science and technology
The Institute for Quantum Computing and other Canadian quantum research institutions extend and expand the Quantum Co-Laboratory—a network linking specialized resources set to advance quantum innovation and talent development.
What's happening at IQC - Events
Events
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.
Quantum School for Young Students 2026
Join hundreds of high-school students to explore the quantum future!
Quantum Key Distribution Summer School 2026
This workshop equips graduate students and young postdoctoral fellows with a strong foundation in quantum communication, particularly quantum cryptography.
What's happening here in Waterloo is truly special, from theory to experiment and BEYOND.
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.