Canada’s federal government is stepping up its efforts to retain homegrown talent in the emerging quantum computing industry. A new program, known as the Canadian Quantum Champions Program, has been launched with a commitment to fund four promising quantum computing companies. The goal is to ensure that these companies remain in Canada and develop into industry leaders. This initiative forms part of the government’s wider commitment to supporting Canada’s quantum sector, with a budget allocation of $334.3 million.
Federal government funds four quantum computer developers, aiming to keep them in Canada
Through the initial phase of the Canadian Quantum Champions Program, the government has pledged to provide up to $23 million each to four companies showing early promise in quantum computing. These are Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. of Toronto, Montreal-based Anyon Systems Inc., Photonic Inc. based in Coquitlam B.C., and Sherbrooke’s Nord Quantique.
The program, overseen by the National Research Council, will involve thorough vetting to ensure these companies have the potential to deliver on their promises. The government’s aim is to ensure that funding goes to the right places that will significantly contribute to the development of industrial-scale quantum systems.
Canada’s Quantum Computing Sector
Quantum computing is an area where Canada has established early research and development leadership. Industry proponents suggest that quantum computers could offer solutions to tasks that are currently beyond the reach of existing computers, introducing new applications in financial forecasting, drug and material discovery, and machine learning.
Unlike conventional computers, quantum systems tap into the peculiar properties of matter and light at microscopic scales. This emerging technology also has potential applications in sensing, communications, and cybersecurity. However, the advancement of quantum technology is twinned with concerns over cybersecurity threats, as quantum computers could potentially decipher cryptography algorithms that secure the world’s digital economy.
Support for Canadian Companies
The support for the four Canadian companies comes at a crucial time for the quantum sector. Interest in quantum technologies has been growing, partly due to a competition by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) that challenges developers to build a commercial-grade quantum computer by 2033.
Three of the Canadian companies, Xanadu, Photonic, and Nord Quantique, are among 11 that have made the first two cuts of DARPA’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) program. This qualifies them for $16 million in U.S. government funding, with the potential for an additional $300 million if they successfully complete the third phase.
Preventing a Brain Drain
With other jurisdictions also investing heavily in their quantum sectors, there are concerns that if Canada doesn’t step up, it could lose its best and brightest to other regions. The government’s new initiative is therefore a proactive step to retain talent and intellectual property within the country.
As part of this initiative, the Canadian program will not hold companies to the arbitrary 2033 deadline set by DARPA and will provide larger funding for the first phase. The aim is to create a sovereign quantum capability, and Canada is unapologetic about it, according to the Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation.
