PacifiCan funding of over $11 million will help three local organizations advance quantum technology
May 30, 2024 – Vancouver, British Columbia – PacifiCan
Quantum science examines the behaviour of matter and energy at the smallest scale. It has led to groundbreaking technological advances, such as new medicines, more efficient and secure digital communications, and new approaches to tracking and forecasting climate change. British Columbia is an early pioneer in the global quantum ecosystem and is poised for further growth.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $11 million in PacifiCan funding to three B.C.-based organizations leading innovation in quantum computing. This includes:
1QB Information Technologies, Inc. (1QBit) $3,488,806
The funding will support the development and commercialization of 1QBit’s Topological Quantum Architecture Design (TopQAD™️). This innovative software suite will help the quantum industry by lowering the uncertainty in fault-tolerant quantum computing development, therefore reducing time for development, testing, and commercialization of quantum-related technologies.
Simon Fraser University $4,300,000
The funding will add new quantum infrastructure to help industry users develop new products, mitigate supply chain risks by manufacturing locally and have access to new equipment to speed up the process while increasing commercialization outcomes for users of the facility.
University of British Columbia $3,247,713
The funding will increase capacity to commercialize quantum technologies at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI). The funding will expand the institute’s fabrication and computing capabilities, launch a new quantum foundry and develop a business scale-up strategy for small- and medium-sized enterprises. This project will help companies that use the institute to facilitate rapid prototyping of products, accelerating the path to market and increasing the likelihood of successful commercialization.
Today’s investments are the first three B.C.-based projects funded under the Regional Quantum Initiative. They will help solidify Canada’s reputation as a leader in quantum science. It is anticipated that today’s announcements will benefit 41 businesses.
As part of the Government of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, PacifiCan is delivering the Regional Quantum Initiative in British Columbia. The Regional Quantum Initiative will boost Canada’s global position by helping companies and organizations create good jobs and commercialize quantum technology in Canada and around the world.
