Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems beyond the capabilities of conventional supercomputers, and could revolutionize the advancement of several fields, including materials science, biochemistry, finance, logistics, and artificial intelligence. It is thus essential to develop concrete expertise to take advantage of the new possibilities that will arise from quantum computing.
To take advantage of this unique opportunity for the Canadian quantum computing ecosystem, the NSERC CREATE training program QSciTech and NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing (Quantum BC), have joined forces with Quantum AlgoLab at Institut quantique, and CMC Microsystems to bring you a one-of-a-kind workshop to gain practical skills on using IBM’s quantum computers for real-world applications. It will allow you to develop your expertise in a tangible way while running calculations on real powerful quantum computers! See below for the details.
We invite you to join a 6-day virtual workshop from the end of January to the beginning of February 2023. This year, the workshop will focus on quantum chemistry on IBM’s gate-based quantum computers, incorporating problem-based learning, teamwork, and best practices in quantum software development. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to use the IBM Quantum platform and basic quantum computing tools to solve concrete, small-scale quantum chemistry problems. The workshop will also include poster sessions and an awards ceremony for the best student team presentations.
Partners
QSciTech is a training program that aims at preparing the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in the field of quantum science and technologies. Funded by NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) through its CREATE (Collaborative Research and Training Experience) program, QSciTech offers hands-on training to Master’s and Ph.D. students in physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and other related disciplines. The program includes training in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, design and project management, and quantum sciences, as well as teamwork and an internship in industry. The students develop a global vision of the quantum technology development chain and acquire the essential skills to ensure the success of these technologies.
The NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing program is a unique training program that equips graduates with skills in both quantum computing hardware and software. Hosted by the Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia, is co-delivered by faculty at three BC universities (UBC, SFU and UVic) with collaboration from leading quantum hardware and software companies. Students acquire highly specialized technical expertise and commercial skills in both quantum computing hardware and software through a combination of hands-on workshops, research projects, industrial internships and professional development workshops to ensure job readiness among graduates pursuing careers in the emerging quantum computing technologies sector.
CMC Microsystems offers quantum technologies services for Canadian academics, Start-ups and SMEs. Since 2020, CMC’s quantum team has supported 24 different quantum computing projects from 10 Canadian universities and 3 Startups, leading to 8 peer-reviewed publications. In 2021, CMC created the world’s first cost-sharing fabrication service for superconducting quantum devices. In addition to this training, CMC offers a series of Basecamp courses, such as Build Your Own Superconducting Quantum Device Workshop and Passive Silicon Photonics Fabrication Workshop.
Since 2020, the Quantum AlgoLab at Institut quantique de l’Université de Sherbrooke has supported quantum computing research projects for USherbrooke researchers and industrial partners. The team has worked on projects with partners such as the Bank of Canada, Thales, Lockheed Martin, and Statistics Canada. In the meantime, its activities have been followed by more than 7500 people during 125 workshops and events.
Target Attendees
The target audience for this workshop are graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate students involved in research along with other students, academics and industry members with interests in quantum science and technology.
Important Notes:
- You must have an IBMid prior to registering. Acknowledgement and compliance with the IBM Quantum End User Agreement is a requirement for joining this course, including compliance with related export restrictions. Registration to the workshop does not guarantee access to IBM’s quantum computers.
- Trainees are expected to participate in all scheduled activities and be involved in team projects (approximately 5 hours per week). A minimum attendance of 90% is required to receive the participation certificate. For students, participation in the poster presentation is mandatory.
- All participants must read and agree with the workshop’s Code of Conduct.
Pre-requisites
- Knowing quantum mechanics is an essential prerequisite.
- Having taken a university-level course in linear algebra is an essential prerequisite.
- As the workshop will involve Python programming, only students with some experience with Python should register.
- Having completed one of the following courses or training, or equivalent, is an asset, but not essential:
- University of British Columbia course EECE 571S Introduction to Quantum Computing, or
- Université de Sherbrooke course PHY 737 Information et calcul quantiques (or PHY 637), or GEI 777 Mécanique quantique pour ingénieurs, or GEI 825 Calcul et informatique quantiques or
- Simon Fraser University course PHYS 816 Quantum Information Science,
- University of Victoria course CSC 586/SENG 480: Quantum Algorithms and Software Engineering
- Qiskit training: https://qiskit.org/learn/intro-qc-qh/
Schedule
When: January 23, 26, 30, and February 2, 6, and 9, 2023
Start Time: 8 am Pacific/11 am Eastern
End Time: 2:30 pm Pacific/5:30 pm Eastern
The workshop will run 4.5 hours per day in three 1.5-hour sessions. It will emphasize teamwork and problem-based learning, focusing on quantum chemistry. Included are student poster presentations, awards and prizes.
Pricing and Registration
| Attendee Group | Price | Registration |
| Student* | $100 | Closed. |
| Subscriber | $200 | |
| Academic | $400 | |
| General | $500 |
* The $100 registration fee applies to only students at Canadian universities.
Contact
For questions, please contact:
- Brent Jodoin from CMC Microsystems: brent.jodoin@cmc.ca
- NSERC-CREATE QSciTech Program: info@qscitech.ca
- NSERC-CREATE in Quantum Computing Coordinator: bahiyyih.peters@ubc.ca
Cancellations
Course cancellations must be received in writing at least one (1) week before the beginning date of the course in question to receive a full refund of the registration fee. A cancellation made after the deadline will not receive a refund. CMC Microsystems makes no commitments on refunds for travel or accommodations.