Panel Abstract:
Canada is a leader quantum science and technologies, with an ecosystem of expertise across the country. Quantum technology promises to reshape many sectors including national security, patient privacy, drug discovery, and the creation of new materials. Canadian companies are at the forefront, with world-class talent and innovative technologies. This panel will explore opportunities to strengthen and accelerate the growth of Canada’s quantum sector. Panelists will explore how Canada can continue to be a leader in emerging quantum technologies, how best to invest and develop dual-use quantum technologies, and continue to position Canada as a leader in the emerging quantum market.

Summary of Conversations

The discussions highlighted that quantum technology is at a critical inflection point, moving from theoretical possibility to tangible application across computing, sensing, and communications. This realization necessitates action to secure sovereign capabilities and drive economic prosperity through technology adoption. A key theme was the challenge of moving “deep tech” innovation to market, as domestic venture capital often lacks the necessary risk tolerance and scale for the long development cycles. Panelists suggested that government procurement could be a mechanism to de-risk startups for the global market by acting timely as a “first buyer”. The academic community affirmed that quantum research is inherently dual-use, but a critical dialogue is needed on navigating defense funding, protecting intellectual property, and evolving the workforce to meet industry demands for engineers and business-focused professionals. Addressing these systemic gaps is crucial for the nation to capitalize on its strong quantum ecosystem.

Take Away Messages/Current Status of Challenges

• Venture Capital Risk Aversion: Canadian venture capital exhibits insufficient risk tolerance and scale for investing the significant, prolonged funding required to transition deep-tech quantum innovations from early technology to viable commercial products.
• Sluggish Procurement Processes: Government procurement and program processes, such as the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program, operate too slowly, resulting in missed opportunities as rapidly growing startups outpace contract finalization.
• Restricted Domestic Market: The national market alone is too small to sustain major quantum companies, compelling them to pursue immediate international sales and underlining the urgent need for robust governmental first-buyer support.
• Academic Publication Conflict: Graduate students and researchers express concern and hesitancy regarding defense-funded research, fearing that security restrictions may prevent them from publishing their work, which is a non-negotiable requirement for obtaining advanced degrees.
• Evolving IP and Sovereignty Demands: The traditionally open and collaborative international nature of quantum research must now be balanced with heightened security and strategic efforts to protect domestic intellectual property and technological sovereignty.
• Misalignment of Talent Pipeline: The current academic focus on training PhDs and postdocs is misaligned with immediate industry growth needs, which are primarily for engineers, computer scientists, technicians, project managers, and general business professionals.
• Geopolitical Supply Chain Constraints: Dual-use quantum companies face inherent limitations in sourcing components due to geopolitical considerations (e.g., avoiding non-allied countries) and unexpected logistical delays from trade issues like international tariffs.

Recommendations/Next Steps

• Implement Agile Procurement Mechanisms: Government programs could be streamlined and accelerated to function as an “entrepreneurial state” and timely first customer, providing critical, early revenue and professionalization to domestic quantum firms.
• Recalibrate Investment Risk Calculus: Adopt an approach to public investment by factoring in the strategic, societal value of retaining sovereign technological capabilities, allowing for higher risk tolerance than pure economic metrics.
• Invest in Strategic Anchoring Infrastructure: Prioritize capital investments in unique research facilities and advanced manufacturing capacity that can serve as critical infrastructure, anchoring companies and their supply chains to the national ecosystem.
• Diversify Quantum Workforce Training: Shift focus from merely increasing PhD/postdoc scholarships to developing comprehensive professional training programs for in-demand roles, including engineers, project managers, and business developers.
• Integrate Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS): Mandate and fund the involvement of HSS researchers to address the ethical, social, and policy implications of dual-use technologies, ensuring a socially accepted and responsible innovation posture.
• Executive Quantum Awareness Training: Establish a professional training program targeting executives in critical infrastructure sectors (e.g., banking, telecom) to instill a sense of urgency and responsibility regarding the transition to quantum-safe systems and overall governance.
• Develop Clear Publication Guidelines: Create clear educational resources and policies for the academic community regarding the publication, patenting, and classification of defense-related research to alleviate student and faculty concerns about academic freedom and graduation requirements.