Quebec’s Kirq quantum communication testbed, a pioneering initiative led by the non-profit organization Numana, has made significant progress since its launch in October 2023.
Backed by over USD 10 million in investments from the governments of Quebec and Canada, Kirq is reinforcing Quebec’s position as a national leader in quantum communication, significantly propelling Canada’s National Quantum Strategy.
Designed to address the growing demand for secure and efficient communication systems, Kirq enables users to develop and test emerging technologies without disrupting existing digital infrastructure.
Moreover, Kirq aims to expedite Canada’s development of quantum-secure solutions to protect the country’s critical digital infrastructure.
Read: Collaborative Efforts Forge Canada's Unique Quantum Communication Test Bed
Driving Collaborations with Key Industry Players
Kirq’s expansion is powered by its collaboration with key industry players such as Bell Canada, TELUS, and Ciena, providing fiber-optic infrastructure for hubs in Sherbrooke and Montreal for real-world testing of quantum technologies.
Optech Applied Research Center has supported Kirq’s research and development and provided laboratory services for projects utilizing the testbed. Playing a pivotal role, Toshiba integrated its state-of-the-art quantum key distribution (QKD) technology into Kirq’s multi-vendor network, enhancing the testbed’s security capabilities.
Francois Borrelli, President and CEO of Numana, highlighted, “We had a lot to do during this first year. Not only did we have to reach out to businesses and organizations and let them know about the kind of things that a quantum communication testbed can be used for, but we also had to cultivate forward-looking strategic collaborations and partnerships that would bring in innovative projects.”
“A quantum communication testbed is like a train sitting in a station. It takes a lot of energy to get it rolling, but once it is chugging along, it will take you where you need to go,” Borrelli added.
Furthermore, a collaboration with two global telecom and technology leaders joining the initiative will be announced this 2025. These new partnerships are expected to expand Kirq’s service offerings and attract more innovative projects.
Also Read: Canada Invests $7.6 Million to Advance Quantum Sensing Technologies
Advancing Quantum Research
Kirq’s infrastructure is also utilized for scientific research, enabling advancements in key quantum areas. The QuantaMole Consortium, led by Polytechnique Montreal, is developing quantum light sources using organic molecules to create light-manipulating materials.
The CanQuEST Consortium, spearheaded by Universite de Sherbrooke, is working on hybrid quantum transducers to securely connect quantum computers through distributed computing networks.
Meanwhile, the PIQUARD Project, a collaborative project of Ecole de Technologie Superieure (ETS) and Ciena, is implementing an 800 Gbps WDM optical interface with a quantum-secured channel for hybrid network applications.
The AQUA Consortium, led by INRS, is advancing scalable quantum communication, imaging, and sensing technologies using integrated photonic platforms.
For quantum-safe security, evolutionQ has deployed its BasejumpQDN within Kirq’s Sherbrooke hub, ensuring quantum-safe key management to protect communication systems from potential quantum threats.
These groundbreaking initiatives highlight Kirq’s versatility in supporting diverse verticals such as healthcare, finance, transportation, and critical infrastructure.
Currently operational in Montreal and Sherbrooke’s DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone, Numana plans to establish Kirq’s third hub in Quebec City.
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