2023 marked Canada's quantum strides: strategies, centers, and processors emerged, shaping innovation and global attention. (Getty Images)
Throughout 2023, Canada's quantum field witnessed significant developments, steering advancements and attracting global attention. As the year draws to a close, a retrospective glimpse showcases a series of pivotal moments shaping the nation's quantum landscape.
The commencement of the year saw the introduction of the National Quantum Strategy by François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry. This strategy, supported by a $360 million federal investment, aimed to fortify Canada's position in quantum research and foster technology innovation, employment, and skill development. The strategy's pillars focused on advancing hardware and software, establishing secure communication networks, and nurturing quantum sensor pioneers.
March marked two remarkable milestones in the quantum realm. Ericsson, hailing from Sweden, inaugurated its Montreal-based Quantum Research Center, dedicated to pioneering quantum algorithms to revolutionize telecommunications networks and distributed quantum computing. Concurrently, OVHcloud, a French cloud computing giant, unveiled its inaugural quantum computer, MosaiQ, utilizing a photonic processor, fostering diverse research ventures to explore quantum applications.
The quantum buzz continued in June, witnessing Sherbrooke's DistriQ unveil the Quantum Studio, a collaborative effort with Quantonation Ventures and ACET to bolster quantum innovation. PASQAL, specializing in quantum computing via neutral atoms, announced plans for a cutting-edge production facility in Sherbrooke under the DistriQ umbrella, aiming to introduce neutral atom quantum computing to North America.
Further, NGen and DIGITAL, supported by the National Quantum Strategy, initiated a $30 million investment to catalyze quantum technology commercialization, promoting IP protection and partnering strategies.
July witnessed IBM and PINQ² commencing the installation of Canada's first IBM Quantum System One, a utility system featuring 127 qubits, aimed at accelerating advanced quantum research to address complex challenges. This collaboration aimed to bolster Quebec's quantum technology leadership.
In September, the inauguration of the IBM Quantum System One was hailed as a pivotal moment in Quebec's innovation sectors, marking a significant milestone in computer science.
November brought the announcement of PASQAL's $500,000 support to establish a quantum computing-focused professorship at Université de Sherbrooke's Faculty of Engineering, demonstrating a commitment to applied quantum computing.
Closing the year, IBM unveiled the IBM Quantum Heron, a 133-qubit processor, offering fivefold error reduction compared to its predecessor, powering the IBM Quantum System Two. This launch accompanied IBM's extended quantum development roadmap until 2033, targeting enhanced gate operations and expanded quantum circuit capabilities.
