Canada is investing $5.7 million to advance quantum technology, National Revenue Minister Elisabeth Briere announced Thursday. The funding will be distributed through the Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions’ Support for Regional Quantum Innovation initiative.
The tech grants aim to support small and medium enterprises and nonprofit organizations in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
The following organizations will benefit from the funding:
- Distriq ‒ Quantum Innovation Zone Sherbrooke is receiving $3.7 million to acquire state-of-the-art equipment for DevTeQ, a shared laboratory located in Espace Quantique 1.
- PINQ2, or the Quebec Digital and Quantum Innovation Platform, will receive $176,000 to support Québec Quantique, a consortium of stakeholders committed to showcasing local quantum sector contributions globally.
- ACET, or Accélérateur de création d’entreprises technologiques, a business incubator, is allocated $306,598 to develop, enable, and adopt quantum technologies.
- Nord Quantique is set to gain $1.3 million to establish an assembly laboratory focused on the manufacturing of quantum computers.
Briere highlighted Sherbrooke’s vital role in the development of quantum technologies, driven by the presence of Universite de Sherbrooke, local young talent and technology business accelerators. “Our government is determined to strengthen Canada’s global leadership in this emerging sector, and Sherbrooke is a major hub of expertise in the area,” she said.
This investment aligns with the Canadian government’s broader efforts, including the National Quantum Strategy, which aims to assist businesses nationwide in adopting quantum technologies.