Alberta launches $23 M quantum science tech hub ‘Quantum City’ at three universities
Posted Jun 10, 2022 11:25 am.
Last Updated Jun 10, 2022 1:28 pm.
The Alberta government is providing $23 million to three universities for a world-class quantum science technology hub.
Quantum City ready to make big moves with universe’s tiniest objects as Government of Alberta @YourAlberta invests $23M in quantum training, research and innovation hub https://t.co/ASrwsyjh3G #UCalgary pic.twitter.com/jgb6N2nino
— U Calgary (@UCalgary) June 9, 2022
Quantum city is being developed in partnership with the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and the University of Lethbridge to develop the tech talent needed here and around the world.
This includes building momentum towards the development, application, and uptake of building quantum technologies in the province, according to a provincial release.
Premier Kenney says it’s yet another step forward in Calgary’s booming tech sector.
“We now see greater momentum in Alberta’s tech sector than ever before, one of the fastest-growing tech sectors anywhere in North America. Part of a broader, exciting story of Alberta’s economic recovery,” said Kenney.
Creating a quantum hub in Calgary. (Photo: Nick Blakeney, CityNews Calgary)
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The number of startup tech companies is expanding rapidly in the province with Alberta’s Technology and Innovation Strategy aiming to create 20,000 new jobs and $5 billion more annual revenue by 2030, states the release.
Investment in the tech sector is crucial to allow for diversification enabling new opportunities for Albertans and positions Alberta to become the leader in quantum technology as it goes mainstream.
“I wish to thank the province for supporting this innovative new venture at UCalgary that will benefit our city and our province. With Quantum City, we’re starting something big. This science will change everything. From nanotechnology and artificial intelligence — to quantum internet and biomedical engineering – UCalgary is establishing our city as a global leader in the quantum revolution,” said Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Calgary.
“The U of A houses world-leading expertise in quantum research and technology, including areas with immediate commercial potential like quantum sensing,” says Elan MacDonald, vice-president of external relations. “The Quantum City partnership accelerates research and its potential to revolutionize industries and create thousands of jobs across Alberta and Canada.”
According to the province, the use of quantum technologies allows the potential for solutions across the divide including energy and mining, autonomous navigation, medical imaging and diagnostics, cyber security, and quantum computing.
The Quantum City initiative will help to fast-track these new technologies, develop skills and talent and attract additional other companies interested in quantum technologies.
Related Article: Alberta to invest $3.4M annually for province’s first artificial intelligence lab
Global tech firm Mphasis opened its Canadian headquarters in Calgary this week which is also part of the hub.
“We are excited to partner with the University of Calgary and the Government of Alberta on Quantum City. The Quantum Computing lab at UCalgary aligns with our area of focus and will further bolster the tech transformation journey of our Fortune 500 clients,” said Nitin Rakesh, executive director and CEO of Mphasis.
Together we aim to strengthen Calgary’s position as a global technology hub by driving research and innovation locally, and generating next-gen technology talent to meet the skill demand of the region,” said Rakesh.
–With files from Mark Strashok
