Harper Government Announces Major Investment in Quantum Research at University of Waterloo

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan. 22, 2015) - Industry Canada

Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo, accompanied by the Honourable Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced a government investment of $15 million over three years in the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) based at the University of Waterloo. The investment will support the IQC's strategic plan to carry out and commercialize leading-edge research in quantum technologies.

The funding will help IQC undertake high-calibre research in quantum information science, continue to attract world-leading quantum researchers to Canada, engage in training and public outreach activities, and begin to translate new knowledge into market-ready quantum-based technologies resulting in economic and social benefits for Canadians.

IQC's goal over the coming years is to be the world leader in the field of quantum computer science and the first centre in the world to commercialize discoveries in quantum research with applications in medicine, resource discovery and other fields; in satellite-based quantum key distribution for ultra-secure intercontinental transmission of sensitive information; and in commercial schemes for securing information in the presence of general-purpose quantum computers.

Quick facts

• Recently, Prime Minister Stephen Harper delivered on the government's commitment to provide an updated science, technology and innovation strategy. The strategy, Seizing Canada's Moment: Moving Forward in Science, Technology and Innovation, is a vision and a road map for strengthening Canada's position as a global leader in scientific research while looking to harness greater Canadian innovations that create jobs, increase prosperity and improve the quality of life of Canadians.
  
  
• The work that the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) engages in corresponds to all three pillars of the renewed science, technology and innovation strategy: knowledge, people and innovation. IQC develops highly skilled people, builds research knowledge and shares this expertise with business to improve processes and technologies.
  
  
• This $15-million investment in IQC builds on previous federal support totalling approximately $74 million. Since IQC's inception, the federal government's investments have leveraged significant contributions from the provincial government and private sector sources.
  
  

Quotes

"Through our updated science, technology and innovation strategy, our government is making the necessary investments to push the boundaries of knowledge, create jobs and prosperity, and improve the quality of life of Canadians. This funding will help the Institute for Quantum Computing to continue attracting world-leading research talent and to increasingly translate new knowledge into innovative quantum-based technologies for the benefit of Canadians."

- Ed Holder, Minister of State (Science and Technology)

"Quantum computing has the potential to launch transformative technologies that will create new industries and generate a wave of leading-edge jobs in Waterloo Region's 'Quantum Valley.'"

- Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener-Waterloo.

Related product

- Seizing Canada's Moment: Moving Forward in Science, Technology and Innovation

Associated links

- Institute for Quantum Computing

- Economic Action Plan 2009

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