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Innovation in quantum computing – Quebec government awards $171, 292 to CMC Microsystems to support a unique training program in the world 

July 4, 2023: CMC Microsystems, Canada’s leading hardware technology facilitator, received an investment of $171,292 to fund a training initiative that is unique in the world: Build Your Own Superconducting Quantum Device workshop. This financial support is from the NovaScience program, an initiative of the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE). NovaScience financially supports the development of the next generation of scientists in Québec by emphasizing and promoting scientific culture, as well as research and development (R&D) as well as business. It also allows new graduates to gain professional experience in research and development.

Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems beyond the capabilities of classical supercomputers, and it is set to revolutionize many fields, including biochemistry, finance, logistics and artificial intelligence. However, building quantum devices, such as processors, to create quantum computers is a major challenge, involving concepts and technologies that are very different from conventional silicon integrated circuits. 

Offered in partnership with the Institut Quantique (IQ), a research institute of the Université de Sherbrooke, the Zone d’innovation quantique – DistriQ, Quantum Algorithms Institute, an economic development agency in British Columbia, and the NSERC CREATE programs QsciTech and CREATE in Quantum Computing (Quantum BC), the workshop will cover the fundamentals of superconductors and participants will learn how to design, simulate, fabricate and test their own superconducting circuits. The trainees will participate in a brainstorming session with leading Canadian university and industry researchers to present their quantum device concept and will use CAD tools provided by CMC to design, simulate and submit devices for fabrication by a CMC-facilitated foundry. 

“Quebec is a center of excellence for innovation in quantum computing,” said Gordon Harling, President and CEO of CMC Microsystems. “The Government of Quebec has made strategic investments in quantum computing that have helped create new companies, attract established companies to do business in Quebec, as well as bring some of the world’s top researchers to Quebec.  With this vision, Quebec will be at the forefront of the quantum industry, which is expected to experience exponential growth.” 

This course would not be possible without the expertise of CMC’s partners, who are essential to the design and delivery of the program. “Quantum computing is evolving rapidly and has the potential to transform business and society. We are excited to work together to build on our areas of expertise and develop talented scientists who will lead the quantum revolution in Quebec, Canada and around the world,” said Richard St-Pierre, Executive Director of DistriQ –  Zone d’innovation quantique,  Yves Bérubé-Lauzière – Professor at the Université de Sherbrooke, researcher at the Institut quantique (IQ) and Director of QsciTech, Lukas Chrostowski – Professor at the University of British Columbia and Director of the NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing Program, and Quantum Algorithms Institute. 

“Québec, through the Zone d’innovation quantique – DistriQ, in Sherbrooke, plays a key role in the development of quantum innovations on a global scale. It is with state-of-the-art training that we ensure that we remain an essential pole for the development of quantum. Thanks to CMC Microsystems’ initiative, our next generation of innovators will learn the full quantum design cycle,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montréal Region. 

The workshop will be held June 25-30, 2023, at the Jouvence resort, in the Eastern Townships in Quebec, and will attract more than 40 participants from industry and academia. It includes a device measurement and characterization contest, in which participants will compete for prizes valued at $5,000. Participants who do not have access to a cryogenic testing facility will be able to test their devices at the Institut quantique’s Quantum FabLab. 

For more information about the workshop, please contact quantum@cmc.ca

About CMC Microsystems 

CMC Microsystems is a not-for-profit organization that promotes research and innovation in advanced technologies. Founded in 1984, CMC reduces barriers to technology adoption by creating and sharing technology platforms, including access to state-of-the-art design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities. CMC enables research, development and training activities for highly qualified personnel supporting a network currently composed of more than 10,000 university participants and 1,000 companies innovating in the field of advanced technologies. CMC’s guiding values are: to provide benefits to Canada, to act as an honest broker and to foster excellence in research. 

For more information:  
Kevin Dobie 
CMC Microsystems 
613-539-1027 
Kevin.dobie@cmc.ca 

© 2023 registered trademark – CMC Microsystems. All rights reserved. 

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