With $360- million in grants, Canada is ramping up Quantum Industry (QIC) investments
On March 9, 2023, Canadian officials said they would increase funding to support new commercial technological advances in computing, sensors, secure communications and advanced materials!
Quantum science and technology is a key sector that can drive Canada's long-term resilience and growth, with tremendous commercialization potential and game-changing advances, including more effective drug design, better climate prediction, improved navigation and innovations in clean technologies. As Canadian quantum technologies move from research labs to the marketplace - and into corporate operations - the Government of Canada is determined to work with Canadian companies and other partners to ensure that businesses can thrive in the next phase and solidify Canada's position as a quantum leadership position.
Today, François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a $1.4 million investment in Quantum Industries Canada (QIC) as part of the National Quantum Strategy to ensure that Canada's quantum innovation and talent translates into the success of Canadian businesses, economic prosperity and the creation of high-paying jobs.
QIC is a consortium of Canadian quantum technology companies whose primary role is to facilitate opportunities for representatives of key Canadian industries to meet with quantum companies to explore technology solutions to customer problems, while strengthening the relationship industry between the Canadian government and quantum companies.QIC will also connect Canadian businesses with international strategic partners - -focused on quantum computing and software, quantum communications and cryptography, and quantum sensing- to attract investment and deployment of quantum technologies, as well as to develop international standards.
To facilitate collaboration with like-minded partners, QIC recently signed an agreement to formally establish the International Council of Quantum Industry Associations, bringing together four associations from around the world: the Quantum Industries Association of Canada, the Quantum Economic Development Alliance of the United States, the Revolutionary Quantum Strategic Industry Alliance from Japan, and the European Quantum Industry Alliance. The Council aims to enhance communication and collaboration among participating consortia on their goals and approaches to the development of quantum technologies on a global scale. Membership in the council will allow Canada to maintain its world leadership position. qic will be hosting council member meetings in the coming weeks, and future meetings will be open to all quantum companies in Canada.
Previously, to strengthen Canada's quantum ecosystem, the Government of Canada has earmarked $360 million in funding, provided through financing initiatives and other support aligned with the strategy. In addition, government support for Quantum Futures will leverage a number of current and anticipated broad-based, large-scale programs that are critical to enhancing Canada's strengths in quantum research, innovation and commercialization, as well as Canada's growth and success.
The National Quantum Strategy (NQS) aims to expand Canada's significant strength in quantum research; develop Canada's quantum technologies, companies and talent; and consolidate global leadership in quantum science and its commercialization. The Government of Canada will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the NQS continues on the right path.
Beginning in 2021-2022, the Government of Canada has committed an additional $360 million over seven years to support strategy implementation. In addition, supporting a quantum future will leverage a number of current and anticipated broad-based, large-scale government programs that are critical to expanding Canada's strength in quantum research, innovation and commercialization, and can serve to advance the growth and success of Canada's quantum ecosystem. Examples include.
1) the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), which supports large, transformative and collaborative projects that promote the competitiveness of Canadian industry and enhance Canada's technological advantage and clean growth; and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI), which provides infrastructure investments across the research landscape.
2) Budget 2022 also announces the government's intention to establish the Canadian Innovation and Investment Agency (CIA). This agency will work to help new and established Canadian companies innovate, commercialize research, and create new economic opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.
3) A wide range of complementary government programs and initiatives from many of the departments and agencies that support quantum research, development and deployment will also be used to support the goals of the NQS and are described throughout the document.
As quantum science and related technologies mature, the Government of Canada will consider further actions to meet the needs of the quantum community, support excellence and ensure Canada's continued success.
While many fundamental and applied research questions and technical challenges remain relevant to the development of quantum technologies, the next wave of disruptive innovation is becoming clearer and Canadians are poised to lead the world in these areas. In addition to continuing to diversify investments in quantum R&D, it is time to focus on key areas of Canadian leadership and redouble efforts to achieve specific goals that will benefit the economy and society - such as creating the industries and jobs of the future, expanding quantum research in frontier areas, and solving important problems facing Canada and the world.
With this in mind, and based on feedback from the stakeholder community, NQS is focused on three tasks.
1) To position Canada as a world leader in the continued development, deployment and use of quantum computing hardware and software - to the benefit of Canadian industry, government and citizens.
2) Ensure Canadians' privacy and cybersecurity in a quantum world through the National Secure Quantum Communications Network and Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Program.
3) To enable the Canadian government and key industries to become developers and early adopters of new quantum sensing technologies.
Based on the Government of Canada's efforts, Canada has had some previous success in the quantum space.
l D-Wave launched the first computer based on quantum technology in 2011.
l 1Qbit was recognized by the World Economic Forum in 2015 as the first software company dedicated to producing commercial applications for quantum computers.
