First IBM Quantum System in Canada

By ibmblogsFebruary 3, 2022

IBM and the Government of Quebec Launch Quebec-IBM Discovery Accelerator

The world is moving quickly to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI, cloud, HPC and quantum computing, and Canada is making important strides to compete – including the installation of the country’s first IBM Quantum System One.

IBM is partnering with Quebec’s Ministry of Economy and Innovation on Canada’s first Discovery Accelerator and the deployment of an IBM Quantum System One to be located at the IBM Bromont plant. This is a significant milestone –for IBM and Quebec, as well as for Canada and the world – as this will be the first quantum system IBM has installed in Canada and only the fifth dedicated system to be deployed globally, following those in Germany, Japan, South Korea and the US.

The Quebec-IBM Discovery Accelerator will enable researchers to apply IBM’s quantum, AI, hybrid cloud and high-performance computing to some of the world’s most complex challenges in energy, life sciences and sustainability, and accelerate the process of scientific discovery.

Another part of the announcement was commitment from the Ministry to promote innovation in Bromont for the development and assembly of microelectronics components, including those used to package semiconductors. This further supports IBM Bromont’s instrumental role in advancing innovation, especially in silicon photonics packaging where it has an important role to play in the future.

The opportunity of quantum can only be captured by bringing together academia, government and business in a collaborative approach. IBM has been working closely with the Ministry for several years, driving quantum innovation and research in the province. As part of this focus, in 2020 the Quantum Institute at the University of Sherbrooke joined the IBM Quantum Network as a Hub, also the first in Canada. Since then, other industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin Canada and CMC Microsystems have joined Sherbrooke’s hub having recognized the magnitude of what it offers. Together, 13 Canadian organizations, including start-ups, academic institutions and industry leaders are actively exploring with us how quantum can revolutionize industries.

Canada is a hotbed of research and development in quantum, AI and other emerging technologies; however, we will need to train, attract and retain many more quantum-ready workers in the coming years in order to meet demand. A 2017 economic analysis conducted for the National Research Council of Canada estimated that by 2030 the domestic quantum technology industry could be worth $8.2 billion and would require 16,000 people. By 2040, quantum technology is expected to reach 50 percent adoption, and could grow into a $142.4 billion industry, creating 229,000 jobs. That is why partnerships – like the one we have with the University of Sherbrooke – are instrumental in filling the quantum skills gap.

Strong relationships amongst academic institutions, companies and governments are needed to both develop skills in the upcoming generation and also those of their own employees. The world of quantum is an exciting one as it grows alongside AI, Hybrid Cloud and HPC in its potential to solve some of society’s most difficult problems. IBM’s quantum presence in Canada is sure to bring benefits for years to come, and I am proud to be a part of a company that is leading the way in making this happen.

Link: Press Release

Link: Driving Canada’s Industrial & Academic Eminence towards a National Quantum Strategy

Link: IBM Research Blog