June 2, 2020 — The Université de Sherbrooke is partnering with IBM to open an IBM Q Space at the Quantum Institute (IQ), the first of its kind in Canada.

From its very beginnings, the IQ has advocated a philosophy of creativity and openness. Guided by these values, it sets up quantum technological platforms. These platforms are intended to be a favorable place for the pursuit of excellence in scientific research by providing students, researchers and businesses with the tools necessary to carry out their work in a spirit of collaboration.

The Université de Sherbrooke is partnering with IBM to open an IBM Q Space at the Quantum Institute (IQ), the first of its kind in Canada. With financial support from the Government of Quebec, the UdeS has acquired a quantum computing platform with this space located at the IQ which will give its members exclusive access to the most advanced IBM quantum computer systems. , including that of 53 qubits which is currently the largest universal quantum calculator available on the market.

“The IBM Q Space at IQ is a tool both for basic research and for the development of practical applications. We want to build a quantum community of users at the intersection of academia, private enterprise and emerging businesses,” said Alexandre Blais, Scientific Director of the IQ.

In addition, the IBM Q Space at the IQ can already announce its first official member, CMC Microsystems, which has a national network of universities and companies working in innovation in micro-nanotechnologies. “This collaboration is ideal for researchers in our network,” said Gordon Harling, president and CEO of CMC Microsystems. “We are convinced that the quantum space will prove to be crucial and that, thanks to this initiative, many Quebec organizations will be able to be world leaders. ”

“IBM Q spaces such as that of UdeS are essential for developing the community of quantum computing necessary for the discovery of practical applications which are at the origin of commercial and scientific breakthroughs, launches Mr. Anthony Annunziata, director from the IBM Q Network and doctor of physics. Research, education and industrial collaborations through the UdeS will play a key role in Canada and around the world to develop the ecosystem of quantum computing. ”

Supported by numerous scientific and technical breakthroughs, quantum computing is booming. The potential of quantum to solve problems whose complexity exceeds the computing capacity of conventional supercomputers opens the way to several fields of applications notably in biochemistry, finance, logistics as well as artificial intelligence. Expertise, complexity and infrastructure remain major obstacles for most companies and research institutions that wish to explore and develop applications based on quantum computing.

“We have a solid pool of industries able to take advantage of breakthroughs in quantum technologies and whose design, manufacturing and distribution capabilities will encourage the development of new systems and devices. By adopting new technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing, Quebec is gaining a decisive competitive advantage in order to shine even more internationally. With the creation of Espace IBM Q, the University of Sherbrooke, to which the government has allocated $ 4.5 million, undoubtedly confirms that collaboration between researchers and entrepreneurs can make Quebec even more innovative,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region.

The IBM Q Space at IQ is one more initiative that consolidates the position of the University of Sherbrooke as a major axis in Quebec and Canada of research, know-how and technologies of quantum computing. ”  This agreement demonstrates the strength of the talent present at the IQ and the exceptional research environment of the UdeS ecosystem combining quantum sciences and technological applications  “ rejoices Vincent Aimez, vice-rector for partnerships at the University of Sherbrooke.

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Source: Université de Sherbrooke