Canadian Government supports growth and innovation in British Columbia's quantum technology industry (CNW Group/Pacific Economic Development Canada)
VANCOUVER — The federal government's economic development agency, Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), has announced an $11 million investment in three British Columbia-based organizations leading innovation in quantum computing.
Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Pacifican head Harjit S. Sajjan announced the funding, saying quantum technology can deliver “future innovations with great potential for commercialization.”
“British Columbia is well positioned to extend our lead in this exciting sector. The Pacifican-funded projects announced today will help British Columbia-based organizations access the support they need to move forward and create jobs and prosperity in British Columbia,” Sajjan added.
The funding includes more than $3.4 million for 1QB Information Technologies (1QBit) to develop and commercialize topological quantum architecture designs. Simon Fraser University received $4.3 million to establish a quantum manufacturing centre at the university's 4D Labs facility. The University of British Columbia (UBC) received more than $3.2 million to increase capabilities to commercialise quantum technologies at the Stewart Brasson Quantum Matter Institute.
Dr. Gail Murphy, UBC's vice-president of Research and Innovation, said of the facility, “It will provide researchers and emerging quantum industry leaders with the research and technology development infrastructure to create breakthrough solutions in areas including public health and clean energy. This investment will play a pivotal role in the facility's emergence as a major device manufacturing hub, supporting a range of projects and enabling the commercialization of transformative quantum technologies.”
The investment will benefit 41 companies and solidify Canada's reputation as a leader in quantum science.
