Quantum computing harnesses the quantum behaviour of atoms, molecules, and nanoelectronic circuits for a radically different and fundamentally more powerful way of computing.
Quantum computers promise tremendous advances in information science and technology with many potential applications from simulating new drugs to designing materials and beyond.
Impact
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Security
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Optimization
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Simulation of physical, chemical and biological processes
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Drug and material design
The impact of quantum computing: Current and future applications
Answering complex questions
Read: Bridging perspectives (PDF) to learn how IQC researcher Christine Muschik takes a quantum perspective on high-energy physics to answer some of science’s most elusive questions.
Software for the quantum age
Any quantum computer of the future may require very sophisticated error correction strategies, software and algorithms to suppress quantum errors that spoil the magic of quantum computation. Built on world-leading research developed at IQC, Quantum Benchmark was launched by IQC researchers to bring to market a product that has become the standard for characterizing and improving the performance of quantum computers.
Read: Software for the quantum age
Up and coming nonidentical qubits take the prize
Crystal Senko’s research program was among the 21 projects at the University of Waterloo to receive an award from the Canadian Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).
A faculty member in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and IQC, Senko received over $200,000 to continue her research in the Laboratory for Trapped Ion Quantum Computing with Nonidentical Qubits, which aims to develop new kinds of trapped ion quantum computers.
Quantum intelligence
The graphics processing unit (GPU) was a windfall for artificial intelligence, as the architecture turned out to be well-suited for deep learning. What if quantum computing enabled an even more advanced form of artificial intelligence (AI)?
Discover more about quantum computing
Whether ......here are some resources to explore ....
Introductory
- Quantum 101
- Teacher resources
Intermediate
- Link to videos plus other resources suitable to undergrad level/early grad level
- Public lectures
Advanced
- Link to workshops, colloquiums, seminars etc done by faculty and visitors
Quantum computing researchers
News
Quantum computers learn how to simulate quarks
Researchers at IQC have developed a new quantum computing approach that brings science closer to simulating the early universe.
IQC doctoral student wins prestigious scholarship
Angéline Lafleur, a current IQC PhD student and former QSYS participant, has been named one of 14 recipients of the Order of the White Rose scholarship, valued at $50,000.
Rising stars of quantum information research connect at IQC
Every year since 2012, IQC has brought together some of the brightest young researchers in quantum information science for the week-long Quantum Innovators (QI) workshop.
Events
Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing 2026
Explore quantum information science hands-on at a world-class institute.
Quantum School for Young Students 2026
Join hundreds of high-school students to explore the quantum future!