PacifiCan invests $11M in B.C.’s quantum tech industry

Government of Canada 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 investment of $11 million for three B.C.-based organizations leading innovation in quantum computing.

Harjit S. Sajjan, minister of emergency preparedness and minister responsible for PacifiCan announced the funding saying quantum technology can deliver the “innovations of the future with enormous potential for commercialization.”

“British Columbia is well-positioned to increase its lead in this exciting field. The PacifiCan-funded projects announced today will help B.C.-based organizations access the support they need to propel themselves forward, creating jobs and prosperity here in British Columbia,” Sajjan added.

The funding includes over $3.4 million to 1QB Information Technologies (1QBit) to develop and commercialize their topological quantum architecture design. Simon Fraser University received $4.3 million to establish the quantum fabrication centre at the university’s 4D labs facility. The University of British Columbia (UBC) received over $3.2 million to increase its capacity to commercialize quantum technologies at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute.

Dr Gail Murphy, vice-president of research and innovation at UBC said the facility “provides researchers and emerging quantum industry leaders with the research and technology development infrastructure to create groundbreaking solutions in areas like public health and clean energy. This investment…plays a pivotal role in enabling the facility to emerge as a leading device manufacturing hub, supporting a range of projects and enabling the commercialization of innovative quantum technologies.”

The investments will benefit 41 businesses and try to solidify Canada’s reputation as a leader in quantum science.