New federal funding set to reinforce Canadian quantum tech and innovation
National Research Council Canada to invest in quantum-related defence and security applications
The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo 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.
The funding is part of the federal government’s $900 million commitment for defence innovation announced this week in Ottawa.
According to the announcement, in addition to NRC's ongoing quantum science and technology investments, the new funding is earmarked for industry, academia and government researchers that are developing breakthrough solutions in quantum sensing, quantum internetworking and quantum-safe communications.
IQC researchers closely collaborate with NRC through its satellite office on Waterloo’s campus and many of NRC’s Challenge programs, which will be expanded with this new funding.
The Honourable Stephen Fuhr (R), Canada's Secretary of State (Defence Procurement), met with Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus (L), IQC executive director, and Siobhan Stables, IQC managing director, last month at the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) — home to IQC.
“Canada has long been forward-thinking in its investments in quantum research, and this reinforcement can propel IQC researchers to advance quantum technology and innovations even further together with our colleagues from NRC.”
-Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, IQC’s executive director and professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo.
At IQC, researchers are investigating core areas of quantum communication, computing and sensing, supported by materials and devices. This cutting-edge work from IQC research groups has direct implications for Canada’s national defence infrastructure and security capabilities. Many of the startups launched by our IQC members are involved with defence-related quantum projects and innovation.
“Continued investment into quantum helps push the boundaries of research, drives real-world results for Canadians and helps ensure that the country’s quantum discoveries and talent remain at the forefront.”
- Siobhan Stables, IQC managing director