UPDATE: Quebec facility to feature Pasqal presence; Quantum Studio helps quantum start-ups
Quantum technology innovators are getting a new place to work and grow in Sherbrooke, Quebec, courtesy of DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone, and partners Quantonation Ventures and business accelerator ACET (Accélérateur de Création d’Entreprises Technologiques).
Distriq, a non-profit organization which is based in Sherbrooke, announced the creation of the Quantum Studio, a start-up studio and support structure specifically designed to enable quantum innovators to research, develop, and refine their projects with the aim of creating new and unique technology solutions for customers, according to a statement.
The announcement comes as Inside Quantum Technology happens to be holding its IQT Canada event this week not far away from Sherbrooke in Montreal. The major theme of that event is “Ecosystems for Quantum Readiness,” and that’s also what the Quantum Studio is intended to help support by creating a center to deliver ecosystem characteristics like academic excellence, infrastructure, a large talent pool, access to private and non-dilutive financing and public support. The Quantum Studio also is being supported by Université de Sherbrooke Institut quantique, one of the quantum sector’s major academic and research institutions.
Quantonation, which has invested in several quantum firms, such as Quebec-based Nord Quantique. Since its investment in Nord Quantique, several of Quantonation’s portfolio companies have positioned their operations within DistriQ to take advantage of its world-class quantum infrastructure and talent, the statement said, adding, “The Quantum Studio will create a high-quality deal flow of quantum leaders.”
DistriQ soon will host a new facility, Espace Quantique 1, which is scheduled to open in Sherbrooke early fall 2023. The 50,000 square feet (4,600 square meters) building will be one of the largest and most commercially focused quantum centers.
Update, June 21, 2023, 12:30 p.m. EDT: French quantum computing firm Pasqal, which has a growing Canada unit and aiming for North American market growth, announced it will open a new factory at the Espace Quantique 1 facility. The company stated, “In this new flagship installation, Pasqal-Canada will produce hardware for the North American market to accelerate the adoption of neutral atoms quantum computing in the region. Pasqal Canada will develop in partnership, new commercial applications in multiple areas, such as: smart cities, energy, and materials science, focusing on providing business value to end-users in the short term.”
Raphaël de Thoury, CEO of Pasqal Canada, who was a featured speaker this week at IQT Canada, commented, “This location is ideal to catalyze Pasqal’s collaborations with academic institutions and industries in North America, ensuring a sustainable development in the growing quantum computing market. The ecosystem in Sherbrooke, fostered by the dynamism of DistriQ – Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke, is fertile ground for quantum industrial companies like Pasqal. DistriQ is unique, as it is gathering the key leading players in the value chain, from science to industrial applications.”
Christophe Jurczak, Managing partner of Quantonation Ventures, said, “The Quantum Studio fits a strong need to de-risk and accelerate the creation of companies born from quantum and deep physics technology research, reinforcing the pipeline of investment opportunities for computing, communications and sensing. Our investment in Quantum Studio is a strategic move based on the very positive progress we’ve experienced working with DistriQ and its wealth of quantum talent in the innovation zone. We are envisioning several such initiatives in leading quantum ecosystems worldwide that will be connected. We’re committed to our support of innovators with the supreme confidence that the solutions developed will become powerful solutions providing significant commercial advantages.”
Richard St-Pierre, Managing Director of DistriQ – Quantum Innovation Zone, added, “Quantum Studio is a powerful and unprecedented next step for accelerating quantum innovation. By providing quantum scientists and entrepreneurs with a leading global platform that meets their ambitions, we empower them to successfully bring their transformative ideas to reality. We are extremely proud to be part of this leap in the evolution of the quantum field, and proud to strengthen ties with Quantonation Ventures the global leader in quantum investment. We expect other Quebec funds and funding partners to join the initiative in the coming months.”
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.
