Monday, March 23, 2026

IQC showcases research and innovation during Defence Minister visit

Hon. David J. McGuinty tours Quantum-Nano Centre as part of University of Waterloo visit 

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) was pleased to welcome Honourable David J. McGuinty, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, as part of a University of Waterloo visit where he emphasized direct funding to advance quantum technologies as part of a federal commitment for defence innovation. 

IQC's Siobhan Stables and Fiona Thompson walk with Defence Minister at IQC

IQC's Siobhan Stables (L), managing director, and Fiona Thompson (R), scientific outreach officer, show Defence Minister David J. McGuinty around the Quantum-Nano Centre—the home of the Institute.

IQC's Norbert Lutkenhaus displays item that represents quantum mechanics to group

IQC executive director Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, professor, Physics and Astronomy, sparks the group's curiosity about quantum mechanics.

David McGuinty speaks to IQC's senior leadership

Defence Minister David J. McGuinty, Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener – Conestoga and others speak to Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, Siobhan Stables and Fiona Thompson in the foyer of IQC's home at the Quantum-Nano centre.

Fiona Thompson, David McGuinty and others at IQC

Speaking of quantum: Fiona Thompson (R) is IQC's scientific outreach officer and institute alum. She has an MSc in Chemistry, Quantum Information.

Federal leaders and IQC and University of Waterloo senior leadership

(L-R) Norbert Lütkenhaus, IQC executive director; Tim Louis, MP for Kitchener – Conestoga; Mary Wells, Waterloo Dean of Engineering, Chris Houser, Waterloo Dean of Science; David J. McGuinty, Canada's Minister of National Defence; Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo; Jochen Koenemann, Waterloo Dean of Mathematics; Charmaine Dean, Waterloo VP, research and international.

IQC's Siobhan Stables and Fiona Thompson walk with Defence Minister at IQC
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IQC's Siobhan Stables (L), managing director, and Fiona Thompson (R), scientific outreach officer, show Defence Minister David J. McGuinty around the Quantum-Nano Centre—the home of the Institute.
IQC's Norbert Lutkenhaus displays item that represents quantum mechanics to group
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IQC executive director Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, professor, Physics and Astronomy, sparks the group's curiosity about quantum mechanics.
David McGuinty speaks to IQC's senior leadership
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Defence Minister David J. McGuinty, Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener – Conestoga and others speak to Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, Siobhan Stables and Fiona Thompson in the foyer of IQC's home at the Quantum-Nano centre.
Fiona Thompson, David McGuinty and others at IQC
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Speaking of quantum: Fiona Thompson (R) is IQC's scientific outreach officer and institute alum. She has an MSc in Chemistry, Quantum Information.
Federal leaders and IQC and University of Waterloo senior leadership
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(L-R) Norbert Lütkenhaus, IQC executive director; Tim Louis, MP for Kitchener – Conestoga; Mary Wells, Waterloo Dean of Engineering, Chris Houser, Waterloo Dean of Science; David J. McGuinty, Canada's Minister of National Defence; Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo; Jochen Koenemann, Waterloo Dean of Mathematics; Charmaine Dean, Waterloo VP, research and international.
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"This visit was a welcome opportunity to showcase the research and innovation happening at IQC and the University of Waterloo, and how investments help translate quantum discoveries into real-world impact for Canadians. The significant government support will help advance research, innovation and talent to reinforce technologies for Canada's defence, security and sovereignty."
- Siobhan Stables, managing director, IQC.

Out of a $900 million federal investment for defence innovation, more than $161 million will go towards advancing Canada’s leadership in quantum technology for defence and security applications.