Canada is taking significant steps to strengthen its leadership in quantum research, thanks in part to a collaboration between the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance), Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI) and Calcul Québec. These organizations have pooled more than $1.8 million for the implementation of the Supporting Researchers Using Quantum Computers program.
The initiative will provide critical training to personnel at participating institutions, enabling the research and innovation community to access and utilize quantum computing resources. It will spur collaboration across the national Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) ecosystem, integrating DRI tools and ensuring researchers in Canada have access to a spectrum of quantum computing options.
While quantum computing is still in its infancy, its potential to transform how we obtain, use and expedite data is incredible, and exponentially faster than today’s supercomputers. The rise of quantum will also introduce new opportunities and risks in cybersecurity, enabling classical encryption algorithms to be broken, while fostering new, secure communications technologies. Quantum computers may soon unlock answers to today’s most pressing challenges in climate, healthcare, finance, cybersecurity and much more. Preparing for these advancements is critical for Canada’s data sovereignty and security. With 2025 being declared by the UN as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), the spotlight on the power of quantum has never been brighter, and these latest investments are ensuring quantum knowledge can be built, leveraged and amplified in Canada.
"Quantum computing technologies hold promise for solving complex problems that are intractable for classical computers,” said George Ross, CEO of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. “This capability is crucial not only for advancing scientific research but also for driving economic growth across various sectors and enhance data security. With this initiative, we are further solidifying Canada’s position by fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and ensuring equitable access to quantum computing resources. This investment is not just about technology; it’s about creating high-skilled jobs and positioning Canada as a leader in the next technological wave."
QAI brings quantum to campuses
Thanks to this latest funding and through the Quantum Computing Training@QAI program, QAI in British Columbia is providing access to D-Wave Systems’ cutting-edge quantum computing technology in higher education settings. To date, more than 65 participants across Canadian post-secondary institutions have been trained on the DWave Leap™ quantum cloud service which provides real-time access to the world’s largest quantum computers and powerful hybrid solvers while offering production-grade accessibility, reliability, and security.
“Participating in D-Wave's Quantum Computing Training at QAI has been such a great experience for me,” shared Alexandre Boutot, student at University of Waterloo. “The comprehensive curriculum, combined with the hands-on exercises expanded my understanding of quantum computing and allowed me to learn how to use it for meaningful applications. It's an exceptional program that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application and has completely surpassed my expectations. I'm excited to see the positive impacts of this program on the growth of the quantum workforce.”
Calcul Quebec leverages new MonarQ system
In Eastern Canada, Calcul Québec has been working to enhance the capabilities of MonarQ, its new quantum computer designed by Anyon Systems. After months of development, MonarQ is now active in the research and development space with innovations like test benches, a plugin that integrates the open-source PennyLane Software development kit (SDK) with MonarQ's native programming language, a dedicated instructional platform, and a transpiler that efficiently maps circuits to MonarQ's native gates.
Additionally, MonarQ is being integrated into a high-performance computing (HPC) cluster, providing researchers with powerful tools that seamlessly blend quantum and classical computing capabilities.
“Working on MonarQ and contributing to the development of Calcul Québec's quantum computing capabilities is a rewarding experience,” said Kim Renaud, quantum computing analyst at Calcul Québec. “Over the past year, I have deepened my understanding of this cutting-edge technology, and this knowledge has been instrumental in developing techniques for error mitigation, addressing some of the key challenges in quantum computing during this ‘noisy, intermediate scale quantum’ era. I look forward to sharing these insights and collaborating with the research community across Québec and Canada.”
To help users prepare for these latest enhancements, Calcul Québec just launched two new workshops: a theoretical and a practical introduction to quantum computing.
With the commitment and foresight of these three partners, Canada’s researchers will be better trained and well-equipped to leverage quantum knowledge and build a robust and innovative future economy. This investment is made possible by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) Strategy and approved DRI funding for 2023–25.
ABOUT QUANTUM ALGORITHMS INSTITUTE
The Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI) is a non-profit organization working with government, academia, quantum industry, and customers for quantum solutions. QAI’s mission is to drive economic development in British Columbia by fostering quantum literacy, preparing the workforce for quantum technology adoption, and supporting organizations across industries to become quantum ready.
QAI leverages BC’s strengths in quantum technologies to foster a vibrant ecosystem focused on job creation and economic growth. Founded in 2020, QAI is a catalyst for BC’s continued leadership in quantum innovation.
ABOUT CALCUL QUÉBEC
Calcul Québec is a non-profit organization that offers advanced research computing services to the research and innovation community. Its members, universities and research centres play a central role in its operations through their participation in governance and by hosting the Calcul Québec team. In partnership with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, Calcul Québec provides access to computing infrastructure hosted in Quebec, including supercomputers, cloud services, and a quantum computer. This infrastructure, supported by local expertise and tailored training programs, contributes to the economic development of Quebec and Canada.
ABOUT THE DIGITAL RESEARCH ALLIANCE OF CANADA
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) advances and maintains digital research infrastructure (DRI) to support the management, storage and use of national research computing, data and research software. A non-profit organization funded by the Government of Canada, the Alliance serves researchers by improving data access, collaborating with DRI partners, nurturing the DRI workforce, integrating services and enhancing security. DRI is a critical national asset, and the Alliance leverages its capacities to support cutting-edge research and innovation across all disciplines — propelling Canadian research forward now and into the future.