The development of new quantum technologies has the potential to transform markets, create new industries and produce leading edge jobs. The Institute for Quantum Computing is a world-leading Canadian research facility that furthers our understanding of these innovative technologies.” - Budget 2017
On behalf of the research community at the Institute for Quantum Computing, I thank the Government of Canada for its renewed support in Budget 2017. Canada is positioned to take full advantage of the opportunities quantum technologies present and today’s renewed investment ensures IQC continues its world-leading research. Over the last 15 years, I have had the privilege to have a front row seat to the rapid growth of quantum research in Canada and internationally. Quantum research at the University of Waterloo has grown to make us a global leader in this areas of research. We have built a community of over 200 researchers who have come to Waterloo to discover the wonders of the quantum world, build new technologies from those discoveries, and create a new industry for Canada. We are already seeing these discoveries make important impacts in information technology, security, environmental monitoring and healthcare. Future discoveries could lead to revolutionary technologies in drug design, disease detection, materials development, and areas yet to be imagined.
We will need scientists, engineers, business developers, investors and policy makers alike to fully realize the opportunities for a quantum industry in our country. Just as the technology industry has created millions of jobs worldwide, the quantum industry has the potential to create thousands of new jobs and generate new wealth in Canada. I am delighted that the federal government recognizes the opportunities of quantum science and has chosen to continue to invest in IQC.
Quantum research in the Waterloo region has solidified Canadas role as a global leader in discovery and innovation. Thanks to this government funding, the region will be able to continue to grow our strengths in next generation computing.
Feridun Hamdullahpur
President and Vice Chancellor
University of Waterloo
Raymond Laflamme
Executive Director
Institute for Quantum Computing
University of Waterloo