The governments of Quebec and Canada continues to support the setting up of a one-of-its-kind quantum communication test bed. Funding of over $10 million has been contributed for the deployment and operation of the test bed.
Numana's quantum communication test bed provides businesses and organizations with a platform for conducting experiments using quantum technology-driven systems and applications in the realm of telecom networks. This enables them to explore novel technologies seamlessly, without causing any disruption to their existing intricate digital infrastructure.
A Quantum-Led Future: Open, Collaborative, Adaptable and Scalable
The test bed will be available to startups, technology developers, academic institutions, research centers and businesses of all sizes operating in Quebec or anywhere else in the world. It will incorporate newly emerging quantum communication technologies as they become available in the market.
The quantum test bed's infrastructure will be designed to be scalable and adjustable, catering to the requirements of participants from diverse sectors, including healthcare, finance, transportation, security, military operations and telecommunications.
Interested organizations will have the flexibility to access the test bed from multiple locations. The initial launch is scheduled for the DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke in October 2023, with subsequent expansions to Montreal and Quebec City in early 2024.
“By supporting this kind of innovation, we are contributing not only to giving Quebec small and mid-sized businesses and organizations a leg up in the marketplace, but also to strengthening our global leadership in this emerging field,” said The Honorable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister Responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
“This initiative reaffirms Quebec's position as a key player in the fields of quantum and telecommunications, excellent new for the existing ecosystem,” added Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region.
Bell, TELUS and Ciena play a pivotal role in establishing the tangible foundation of the test bed. Through this involvement, they gain the opportunity to create, formulate and evaluate their individual quantum strategies, enhance the quantum knowledge base of their workforce and introduce advanced, ultra-secure services to address the expanding needs of the quantum sector. This collaboration extends to working alongside academic researchers and startup companies.
"The global interest in quantum communication and its possibilities is growing. Bell recognizes the importance of research in Québec and is excited to be part of it with the power of our fiber optic network,” expressed Nicholas Payant, VP of security, corporate systems and operations, Bell.
"Quantum computing will transform the way we process data and enable advances in many fields, such as the discovery of new medicines, the energy transition and artificial intelligence. We are proud to play an active role in the responsible development of quantum communication and to contribute to the technological dynamism of Quebec by creating an innovation hub that will bring together companies and researchers to contribute to the safe and responsible development of the quantum Internet,” shared Benoit Simard, VP of products, TELUS Business Solutions.
“We are pleased and proud to be a founding enabler of what we expect to be an exciting and vital initiative that will push the boundaries of innovation in Quebec,” noted Rodney Wilson, chief technologist for innovation and external research, Ciena.
