NGen and DIGITAL announce partnership to launch $30M in new quantum research projects

OTTAWA — NGen, the industry-led organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing and DIGITAL, Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies, have partnered to launch $30 million in new projects to drive the commercialization of quantum technologies. The clusters will build on Canada’s National Quantum Strategy to deliver industry-led commercialization projects that use quantum technologies to solve industrial and societal challenges. The clusters will leverage their cross-country networks to deploy R&D leadership to deliver strategic industrial advantages through the use of emerging quantum technologies.

Under the National Quantum Strategy, DIGITAL and NGen will receive $14 million in total to advance the commercialization of products, services and technologies based on advances in quantum science. The clusters aim to leverage the NQS funding to attract more than $30 million in total investments and will focus their projects in three key categories of quantum technologies including:

• Quantum Sensors – photonics and transducers, chip-based quantum systems.
• Quantum Networks – quantum communications, quantum key distribution, quantum internet.
• Quantum Computing – quantum software, cryptography, algorithms, information processing, hybrid applications, hardware, and middleware.

In the coming weeks the clusters will provide more information about the mechanics of the program including priority sectors for applications, a formal call for proposals, timelines for applications and eligibility criteria for projects.

DIGITAL and NGen invite individuals and organizations who would like to receive updates or learn more about the opportunity to sign up for notifications by completing the form at www.quantumadvantage.ca.

“DIGITAL is advancing human health, improving environmental health and building a more inclusive and prosperous Canada through the development and deployment of digital technologies. We are excited to partner with NGen and leverage the expertise and experience of our two organizations to maximize economic opportunities for Canadian industry and real benefits to Canadians,” said Sue Paish, CEO, DIGITAL.

“This partnership between NGen and DIGITAL to launch $30 million in new quantum projects is an important step towards the implementation of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy. Canada has long been a leader in developing cutting edge technologies, and this initiative is key to reinforcing that leadership with commercial products, services and technologies. Through projects such as these, Canada can obtain competitive and national security advantages with lasting impacts for generations to come,” said Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Co-chair of the Advisory Board for Canada’s National Quantum Strategy.