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
Seed fund continues to support new diverse quantum projects
Two projects most recently supported by the Quantum Quest Seed Fund (QQSF) aim to make quantum concepts more easily understood. The goal of one project is to explain how differences in cultural background influence perception and acceptance to the basic principles of quantum physics, while the other aims to use interactive digital storytelling to advance quantum literacy.
Institute for Quantum Computing joins 50 – 30 challenge
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo is proud to announce our membership in the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 50 – 30 Challenge. The 50 – 30 Challenge is a program between the Government of Canada, businesses and diversity organizations with a goal to achieve both gender parity and increased presence of underrepresented groups on boards and in senior levels of management.
Quantum-inspired techniques hit new limits for time measurement
The precise measurement of time delays and colour differences is the core of many modern technologies, including spectroscopy and radar. Research conducted by John Donohue, Senior Manager of Scientific Outreach at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), is using quantum-inspired techniques to achieve a new level of precision of measurement.
What's happening at IQC - Events
Events
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.
ML4QT Symposium | Machine Learning to Advance Quantum Technologies
A premier forum for researchers and developers who are passionate about the intersection of machine learning and quantum technologies.
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.