Training the next generation of quantum industry workers
The IQC-Mitacs program connects highly trained students and Canada’s growing quantum sector
By Naomi Grosman
The Canadian quantum industry is growing. Some projections suggest that by 2045, the quantum industry will create over 200,000 jobs and generate a multi-billion-dollar market. As the sector expands, the demand for a highly skilled quantum workforce increases.
A new Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC)-Mitacs paid internship program can help bridge the gap between industry and academia allowing students to diversify their skills. The program offers financial support to undergraduate and graduate students in quantum information, as well as recent graduates.
“The growth of the Canadian quantum industry is both exciting and essential for our future. This growth requires us to have a talent pool of technically trained entrepreneurs and highly skilled quantum workers. Providing students with invaluable industry experience and giving our industry partners access to Canada’s top quantum talent and resources will drive innovation. This will ensure that Canada can benefit from the longstanding investment into the field of quantum science and technology.”
- Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, executive director of IQC and professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Internships typically last four months but can be extended. These internships may be with industry or not-for-profit partners, or faculty-led start-ups in Canada. Mitacs provides funding for internships, with the internship partner contributing at least an equal amount.
The program focuses on quantum computing, quantum sensing, quantum communication and quantum materials, providing interns with practical experience in the quantum industry.
Participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, observe the impact of quantum information and science in an industry setting and develop both professional and technical skills.
As IQC students gain industry experience, partner organizations benefit from the expertise and resources of the University of Waterloo, including access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility (QNFCF).
“The intent behind the internships is to expose students to the ongoing efforts in the quantum industry, and to their priorities and challenges. It might help those intending to pursue careers in the industry to orient their studies accordingly. It also provides a mechanism for students to port the knowledge and skills they have acquired through our academic programs to the industry, and potentially find new and interesting scientific problems they can pursue as part of their research. The industry also stands to benefit in a number of ways — spotting and training talent early, which might help in recruitment; and getting access to cutting-edge research and the expertise of academics.”
- Dr. Ashwin Nayak, IQC faculty and professor, Department of Combinatorics & Optimization.
The Mitacs-IQC internship is a collaboration set to drive innovation and prepare the next generation of quantum professionals.