Opportunity for Canada to Be at Vanguard in Quantum Technology

(TheGlobe&Mail) Quantum technology poses a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Canada to be at the vanguard of the applications of these new technologies explains authors Tiff Macklem, Michele Mosca, and Brian O’Higgins (brief bios below). At the same time, quantum technology poses a threat to government, communications, transportation, banking, energy and other critical infrastructure systems. Canada must respond pro-actively to the quantum threat, putting in place an orderly and timely transition to improved cryptography that is resistant to quantum computing attacks.
The authors see the current time as an opportunity to both protect Canada from the quantum threat and enhance national prosperity by exporting our approach must be seized. They call on the government, industry and our universities to collaborate.
In closing, the trio offers this editorial warning, “If we don’t capitalize soon on our scientific leadership in quantum, others will. Our best shot is to start now and use the next decade to build a vibrant quantum ecosystem, including infrastructure, talent and home-grown Canadian businesses.”
Authors Bios:
–Tiff Macklem is the dean of the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management, which is home to the Creative Destruction Lab’s Quantum-AI venture program. He is also chair of the Global Risk Institute.
–Michele Mosca is a cryptographer and mathematics professor at the University of Waterloo, co-founder of the Institute for Quantum Computing and the director of Quantum-Safe Canada.
–Brian O’Higgins is chair of Quantum-Safe Canada and co-founder of Entrust.