Three promising projects led by INRS professors will receive $7.4 million in funding over the next few years. These initiatives aim to enhance quantum communication, computing, and sensing capabilities by integrating photonics and quantum technologies.

In a webinar presentation today, French quantum hardware manufacturer Pasqal has released a roadmap for its hardware and software development and also has described some of the early customers and applications who are working with their neutral atom based machine. The company has an aggressive schedule for improving their hardware along several fronts including the number of qubits, repetition rate, gate operations per calculation, hours of QPU availability, and software features. They are also working to expand the number of manufacturing facilities with a new one in Sherbrooke, Quebec slated to build and deliver a machine to its first customer later this year. Pasqal is currently working with over 50 customers who are testing out their applications and the company hopes that some of them will be able to move their application to regular production by 2025.

Quminex, a Canadian startup, is using AI and quantum computing to improve mineral exploration by turning complex data into actionable insights for critical resource discovery. The company has secured pre-seed investments from QV Studio, Quantacet, and Quantonation, and is among the first accepted into the QV Studio program at Distriq in Sherbrooke, Quebec.

Nokia and Honeywell Aerospace Technologies today announced a strategic partnership with Numana to advance Quantum-Safe Networks (QSN) in Montreal, Canada, and worldwide. This collaboration will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and accelerate the adoption of next-generation secure networking technologies for enterprises and service providers. Additionally, this partnership will help raise awareness about the importance and benefits of these technologies, advancing secure and reliable networking solutions for a resilient digital future.

Supporting the development, adoption and commercialization of quantum technologies helps Quebec organizations to position themselves in this emerging field, while also strengthening Canada’s global leadership. That is why the Honourable Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke and Minister of National Revenue, today announced, on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, a total of $8.1M in investments for Distriq ‒ Quantum Innovation Zone Sherbrooke; the Quebec Digital and Quantum Innovation Platform (PINQ2); the Accélérateur de création d’entreprises technologiques (ACET); and Nord Quantique. The aim of these CED financial contributions is to support SMEs and NPOs in adopting, developing and commercializing quantum technologies and products based on these technologies.

Canada has announced over CA$74 million (approximately $52 million) in funding for 107 quantum science projects, in order to advance quantum technologies in areas like quantum computing, communications, encryption, materials, and sensing. The funding aligns with Canada’s National Quantum Strategy and includes partnerships with private, public, and international organizations.

The Board of Directors of the Platform for Digital and Quantum Innovation of Quebec, a non-profit organization (NPO) founded in 2021 by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy of Quebec (MEIE - Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec) and the Université de Sherbrooke, proudly announces the appointment of MarieClaude Messier as Executive Director. This appointment follows the recent resignation of Éric Capelle, who has held this position with commitment and success since PINQ² was founded, and who has wished to hand over the reins to devote his time on community development projects.

Nord Quantique, a scaleup company and leader in the field of quantum error correction, today announces two new partnerships to secure its supply chain long-term, as relates to chip fabrication for its quantum computers. Both partners are located within the emerging “Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor,” a region dedicated to the production of microelectronics and quantum microchips. This territory runs from Manhattan to Montreal, spanning the border between New York State and the Canadian province of Quebec. Dozens of companies in this area will play a key role in reshoring semiconductor manufacturing here in North America over the coming years.

Calcul Québec is proud to announce today the official inauguration of MonarQ, its 24-qubit superconducting quantum computer designed entirely in Quebec.

Distriq, the quantum innovation zone of Sherbrooke, is proud to announce the appointment of Pascale Nini as CEO. Pascale brings extensive experience in entrepreneurship and technological leadership, and her mission will be to guide Distriq in its strategic development to solidify its position as a major hub of quantum innovation.