Canada’s leading quantum research institutions have renewed and expanded the Quantum Co-laboratory, reinforcing the country’s commitment to maintaining global leadership in quantum science, technology development, and workforce training.
Entering its second five-year phase, the Quantum Co-laboratory now includes the University of Calgary’s Institute for Quantum Science and Technology (IQST), joining three founding partners: the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), Université de Sherbrooke’s Institut quantique, and the University of British Columbia’s Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (UBC Blusson QMI). Harvard
The initiative serves as a national platform that connects specialized quantum research facilities, advanced scientific equipment, and expert knowledge across Canada. By creating a coordinated network of institutions, the Co-laboratory enables researchers, companies, startups, and government organizations to access capabilities that would otherwise be difficult or costly to develop independently.IBM
Strengthening Canada’s Quantum Ecosystem
Quantum technologies are widely viewed as one of the most strategically important emerging technology sectors, with potential applications spanning computing, communications, sensing, cybersecurity, healthcare, energy, finance, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.
While individual research institutions often possess unique strengths in specific areas of quantum science, major technological breakthroughs increasingly require collaboration across disciplines and geographic regions. The Quantum Co-laboratory was created to address this challenge by enabling seamless access to infrastructure and expertise throughout Canada.
Through the network, researchers can utilize specialized fabrication facilities, advanced quantum measurement systems, cryogenic equipment, photonics laboratories, quantum materials characterization tools, and other highly specialized resources. The collaborative model reduces duplication of investments while accelerating scientific discovery and technology commercialization.
The inclusion of the University of Calgary further expands the network’s capabilities, particularly in areas where Alberta’s growing quantum ecosystem has become increasingly active through initiatives such as Quantum Horizons Alberta and Quantum City.
Supporting Industry and Commercial Innovation
Beyond academic research, the Quantum Co-laboratory is designed to support Canada’s rapidly growing quantum industry.
Canadian startups and established technology companies often face barriers when attempting to access expensive research infrastructure required for product development and testing. The Co-laboratory provides a mechanism for industry partners to leverage world-class facilities and engage directly with leading scientists and engineers.
This approach helps bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial deployment, accelerating the development of practical quantum technologies and supporting Canada’s broader innovation agenda.
Industry participation is expected to play an increasingly important role as global competition intensifies in areas such as quantum computing hardware, quantum software, quantum networking, quantum sensing, and secure communications. IBM.
Building the Next Generation of Quantum Talent
A central objective of the renewed partnership is workforce development.
As governments and private-sector organizations invest heavily in quantum technologies, demand for highly trained quantum scientists, engineers, technicians, and entrepreneurs continues to grow worldwide. The Quantum Co-laboratory provides students and early-career researchers with access to diverse training environments and mentorship opportunities across multiple institutions.
By exposing trainees to different research approaches, infrastructure platforms, and industry collaborations, the network aims to produce a highly skilled workforce capable of translating scientific breakthroughs into economic and societal impact.
The initiative also promotes interdisciplinary education, recognizing that future quantum innovation will require expertise spanning physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, materials science, and business development.
National Collaboration as a Strategic Advantage
According to leaders of the participating institutions, the Co-laboratory demonstrates how coordinated national collaboration can strengthen Canada’s position in the increasingly competitive global quantum landscape.
“Canada is a leading actor in quantum research and technology,” said Marcel Franz, Scientific Director of UBC Blusson QMI. “Quantum Co-laboratory activates our national ecosystem to share resources and expertise, build capacity, and train the quantum workforce of the future.”
Adrian Lupascu, IQC faculty member and scientific lead of the Quantum Co-laboratory at the University of Waterloo, emphasized the value of combining complementary strengths.
“I’m excited to see this collaboration continue and expand,” Lupascu said. “Our institutions have highly skilled experts and unique resources, and the Quantum Co-laboratory enables us to better share these complementary resources and specialized knowledge to boost Canadian quantum technology advancements and grow talent.”
For the University of Calgary, joining the network represents an opportunity to integrate Alberta’s expanding quantum activities into a broader national framework.
“UCalgary’s quantum ecosystem is dynamic and growing, and we are delighted to join other leading Canadian institutions in this research partnership to strengthen the national quantum agenda,” said Dr. Robert I. Thompson, Associate Vice-President (Research) at the University of Calgary.
At Université de Sherbrooke, leaders highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration.
“The Quantum Co-laboratory represents a unique opportunity to unite Canada’s leading quantum research hubs, creating not only new avenues for collaboration but also a concrete mechanism for efficient knowledge sharing across the country,” said Professor Mathieu Juan, Associate Director of the Institut quantique and Director of the Quantum FabLab Platform.
Looking Ahead
As nations around the world race to establish leadership in quantum technologies, Canada’s collaborative approach offers a model for maximizing the impact of research investments while accelerating commercialization and talent development.
The renewed Quantum Co-laboratory positions Canada to further strengthen its standing as one of the world’s leading quantum innovation ecosystems. By connecting institutions, infrastructure, researchers, students, and industry partners under a shared national framework, the initiative aims to ensure that Canadian discoveries continue to translate into technological advances, economic growth, and global competitiveness over the coming decade.
