Quantum in BC

B.C. is a world leader in quantum computing.

 
 

It took many years of research to bring the world’s knowledge of quantum computing to a pre-commercial stage. Since 2015, B.C.’s quantum sector has been transitioning from an academic to a commercial setting at a rapidly accelerating pace. 

 
 
Efficient quantum computer cooling system with intricate coils for optimal performance
 

Quantum in B.C.

Canada is a significant investor in early research programs focusing on quantum technologies —

including an investment of $1 billion in quantum research from 2009 to 2020. Canada launched a National Quantum Strategy supported by a $360 million investment in the quantum sector in budget 2021. As a result of this consistent investment, Canada is a world leader in quantum with a significant academic and commercial quantum cluster in British Columbia.

 

Milestones

1998 — The first two-qubit computer was demonstrated by researchers in the US and UK.
2011 — D-Wave Systems (founded in B.C. in 1999) launched the world’s first commercially available quantum processor.
2012 — 1QB information Technologies (1QBit), the world’s first dedicated quantum computing software company, was founded in B.C.
2016 — IBM made its quantum computers accessible.
2019-2020 — Demonstration of quantum advantages by Google (2019) and the University of Science and Technology of China (2020).
2022 — Improving on Google’s and China’s earlier results, Canadian company Xanadu Quantum Technologies reported their quantum computer performed a single task 50 million times faster than a classical computer.

The Quantum Algorithms Institute builds on the momentum of B.C.’s early leadership and quantum expertise to help make B.C. a hub of world-class quantum knowledge and a vibrant and collaborative quantum community.  B.C. is a place to learn, use quantum skills, and grow quantum teams, companies, and investments. 

B.C. continues to lead the way in quantum advancement.

With 6 research universities and 7 quantum companies with over 500 employees and $270M+ in company financing, British Columbia is a vibrant hub of quantum technologies, products and services. Supported by the Canadian federal and B.C. provincial governments, the quantum sector in B.C. is thriving.

1

Research

B.C. research universities and quantum experts are the foundation of B.C.’s leadership in quantum, helping to drive the growth of this transformative sector.

QAI supports applied research, building case studies to provide reliable business information about the costs and benefits of using quantum computers to address industry challenges. 

2

Talent

B.C. has a strong foundation of quantum talent, developed through its research universities and into B.C. companies.

QAI programs help people in technology and business industries to learn about quantum and transfer their skills to the quantum workforce.

3

Commercialization

B.C. quantum companies, along with industries adopting quantum technologies and services, are leading the way to the future of quantum computing.

QAI supports B.C. to build a community of early adopters for quantum technologies and solutions. 

Current Stats

Canada’s leadership in quantum.

As one of the world’s leading nations in quantum research, Canada ranked 5th in the G7 in total expenditure on quantum science, and 1st per capita. Today, there are close to 50 quantum companies in Canada.

As a result of this consistent investment Canada is a world leader in quantum, with a significant academic and commercial quantum cluster in British Columbia.

The Quantum Ecosystem in B.C.

500+

Employees

7

Quantum Companies

404

Patents

$270M+

Financing