New Members Highlight Waterloo Region’s Strengths in Translating Cutting-Edge Research to Market Applications
June 18, 2024 — Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), the national consortium dedicated to advancing the country’s quantum technology sector, is pleased to welcome four new companies with deep ties to Waterloo, Ontario’s renowned quantum ecosystem. Known as Quantum Valley and home to the globally recognized Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo and the independent Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics (PI), Waterloo Region has been a pioneering force in foundational and applied quantum information science research and technology commercialization for over two decades.
These new additions to QIC exemplify the journey from cutting-edge quantum research to commercialization:
- Phantom Photonics and Open Quantum Design are newly established start-ups, spun out from ongoing research at IQC and the Perimeter Institute Quantum Intelligence Lab (PIQuIL).
- US-based IonQ and Keysight Technologies have bolstered their capabilities by acquiring Canadian quantum start-ups Entangled Networks and Quantum Benchmark, respectively. Both Canadian start-ups were founded by researchers from IQC, showcasing Waterloo Region’s leadership in translating quantum research into practical applications.
More about these organizations:
- Phantom Photonics is developing quantum sensors with quantum coherence that will boast unmatched noise resilience.
- Open Quantum Design is a non-profit working to build the world’s first open-source, full stack quantum computer using trapped ions.
- IonQ is a world leader in trapped ion quantum computing that delivers high-performance systems capable of solving the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases.
- Keysight is a market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions company with a portfolio of quantum solutions.
“Waterloo Region has long been a beacon of pioneering research and innovation in the quantum realm,” said Lisa Lambert, CEO of QIC. “The inclusion of these four dynamic organizations in our consortium highlights the momentum in the emerging quantum industry, showcasing the accelerated transition from research to market and Canada’s position as a global leader in this critical technology sector.”
QIC now represents about 60 quantum technology and allied organizations among its members and affiliates, underscoring the consortium’s pivotal role in uniting and propelling Canada’s quantum industry forward. Quantum sector companies and organizations supporting Canada’s quantum ecosystem are invited to explore the benefits of QIC membership and affiliate opportunities and apply to join the national consortium here.
For more information, please contact:
Angela Olano
Quantum Industry Canada
angela[at]quantumindustrycanada[dot]ca
Quotes
“Phantom Photonics is thrilled to become a member of Quantum Industry Canada. QIC is creating a valuable community for the quantum innovators in our expansive nation, making it possible for us all to work in the same direction!”
— Alexandra Maierean, Co-founder & CEO, Phantom Photonics
“Open Quantum Design was founded on the premise that the more talented minds we have working toward a solution, the better the results are for all involved. As such, joining Quantum Industry Canada is a natural step for us, and we are keen to contribute to the mission, and to work alongside colleagues in the industry to make Canada the best place in the world for the development of quantum technology.”
— Greg Dick, Co-founder & CEO, Open Quantum Design
“We are excited to join Quantum Industry Canada and collaborate with its esteemed network of innovators. At IonQ, we believe that leveraging QIC’s shared expertise and resources will accelerate advancements in quantum computing, fostering groundbreaking research and driving innovation both within Canada and globally.”
— Peter Chapman, CEO and President, IonQ
“Keysight is committed to supporting the Canadian quantum ecosystem and values the leadership role played by Quantum Industry Canada, recognizing that industry is essential to the development and commercialization of quantum technologies both in Canada and globally. Joining QIC reinforces our dedication to driving innovation and accelerating the advancement of quantum technologies.”
— Joseph Emerson, Head of Quantum Strategy, Quantum Engineering Solutions, Keysight Technologies
About Quantum Industry Canada
Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) is the country’s national consortium, uniting quantum technology companies and allied organizations to champion the development of Canada’s rapidly emerging quantum sector. With nearly 60 members and affiliates, QIC is dedicated to transforming Canada’s quantum strengths and capabilities into global business success and economic prosperity. Given the Canadian quantum industry’s potential to contribute over 3% of GDP and create over 200,000 jobs by 2045 — the QIC community is fervently working to unlock Canada’s quantum potential, aiming to secure our nation’s leadership and economic success in the global quantum landscape while bolstering national security.
About Phantom Photonics
Phantom Photonics is a Waterloo-based quantum sensing company founded in 2023. We develop quantum LiDAR for civilian and defense applications. LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a sensor that uses light to probe its environment and generate a 3D image. Phantom’s proprietary quantum-enhancement allows for stealth, extended range, and is un-jammable. The core technology is designed for versatility, and could operate in marine, atmospheric, and space environments. Learn more at https://phantomphotonics.ca/
About Open Quantum Design
Open Quantum Design (OQD) is a non-profit organization committed to fostering a large collaborative effort between academia, industry, and government. The OQD intellectual property forms the world’s first open full stack quantum computer and uses revolutionary trapped ion technology. It was developed by Crystal Senko, Rajibul Islam, and Roger Melko at the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) and Perimeter Institute’s Quantum Intelligence Lab. Learn more at https://openquantumdesign.org/
About IonQ
IonQ, Inc. is a leader in quantum computing that delivers high-performance systems capable of solving the world’s largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ’s current generation quantum computer, IonQ Forte, is the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems, boasting 36 algorithmic qubits. The company’s innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Fast Company’s 2023 Next Big Things in Tech List and Deloitte’s 2023 Technology Fast 500™ List, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at ionq.com.
About Keysight Technologies
At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Keysight Quantum Engineering Solutions (QES) group enables your breakthroughs in quantum computing, sensing, and communications. As leaders in scalable quantum software and hardware solutions, our tools and expertise enable customer success and accelerate your quantum innovations. Learn more at www.keysight.com/find/quantum