International Year of Quantum - Science Alumni Profile
First envisioned 100 years ago, quantum mechanics has seen significant progress in the years since. UNESCO has named 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and to celebrate, the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science will be highlighting alumni from the quantum field throughout the next year.
Joe Han, BSc ’06 (Science and Business), is an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for the field of quantum physics. With a University of Waterloo degree in Science and Business, specializing in physics and astronomy, Joe uses his multidisciplinary perspective to propel scientific advancement in industry settings.
Shortly after graduating, Joe became an early investor in the Quantum hardware company D-Wave, joining up with 10 other friends in a minor capital venture to reach the minimum investment amount needed, and from there, his involvement in the quantum industry grew.
“It was my contribution back to the Canadian frontier of research in science,” said Joe. “I was the only one of our 11 friends with a physics background, and ready to take on the quantum challenge of solving previously unsolvable problems.”
Following his investment in D-Wave, a company focused on quantum hardware solutions, Joe co-founded the quantum software company 1Qbit, to work alongside the industry advances in quantum hardware for applications in sectors such as finance, energy and healthcare.
Joe invests in companies to help them understand quantum better. “Quantum is no different than the steam engine was 100 years ago, and even now we can’t imagine all the possibilities it will open up. With any new technology, or new science, humans are predisposed to fear the unknown, but by investing in communities and companies, we can help them embrace the arrival of the quantum era.”
Joe Han considers himself “just another average Joe”, who struggled through his Science degree, however, his breakthrough came when he realized that university taught him not just what to learn, but how to learn. By adopting this new perspective, and following his curiosity for physics, computer science, and business, Joe realized that quantum computing was at the intersection of these interests. He has since grown to be deeply involved in the fabric of the Canadian quantum industry, embracing the next generation of quantum computing as one with the potential to solve computationally hard problems across sectors including pharmaceutical development, defence, finance, and many more.
According to Joe, quantum computing provides the probability to think about solving or optimizing currently unsolvable problems. During the industrial revolution, nobody would have foreseen the steam engine become a motorcycle, but it seems obvious today. With the arrival of quantum technology, there are many advances that would not be possible with the current architecture of conventional computers.
“The International Year of Quantum is all about public education and perception,” says Joe. “We want to embrace new technologies. We want to solve myths. We want to be excited about the quantum era we’re about to enter, but also, sure to not overhype it. We need to advance with both caution and curiosity.”
For those inspired by the discovery and exploration currently being pursued in the Faculty of Science and the impacts our alumni are making on quantum science, we invite you to connect with Meaghan Middleton, the Director of Science Advancement, to learn how your generosity can make a meaningful impact. Philanthropic support is transformative in advancing scientific research and enabling groundbreaking discoveries that can bridge the gap between today’s technologies and tomorrow’s reality.