Lockheed Martin Canada has been announced by the Institut Quantique (IQ) at Université de Sherbrooke as its newest IBM Quantum Hub member. Working with IQ’s scientific director, Prof. Alexandre Blais, and his research team, the company will explore the potential offered by quantum algorithms.
Prof. Alexandre Blais said, “the IBM Quantum Hub at IQ offers an ideal platform to forge close links between fundamental research and industry-based research towards the development of quantum applications.”
The partnership with Lockheed Martin Canada includes a $1.3M investment that aligns with Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy. “This ITB-enabled collaboration contributes to the advancement of technologies and industrial capability that will drive Canada’s economic prosperity well into the future,” said Lorraine Ben, chief executive, Lockheed Martin Canada. “Our investment supports some of the brightest and energetic minds charting new pathways in the field of quantum computing.”
The IBM Quantum Hub at IQ was launched in June 2020 with the financial support of Québec’s ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation (MEI). It offers its members cloud-based access to IBM’s most advanced quantum computing systems. This also includes a community of experts to support quantum research projects. By partnering with companies and fostering a growing ecosystem, the IQ hub is committed to accelerating and scaling up quantum computing.
IBM Canada President, Claude Guay explained, “Professionals across industry and academia need new skills to capitalize on the emerging field of quantum computing. By leveraging the IBM Quantum Hub at IQ, organizations have access via the cloud to the largest fleet of quantum computers in the world, and receive support, training, and enablement from IBM’s industry-leading technical experts to advance the field of quantum computing and drive adoption. We’re pleased that Lockheed Martin Canada is committing to new research and applications in the field of quantum computing with the Institut Quantique, and we look forward to collaborating on the journey to quantum advantage and beyond.”
The Université de Sherbrooke has been working to develop a dynamic ecosystem through its integrated innovation chain for several years. This integrated innovation chain combines quantum science, quantum materials manufacturing, and scale up efforts. Lockheed Martin previously partnered in quantum information with the Université de Sherbrooke by sponsoring research contracts between 2012 to 2015.
Dr. Kristen Pudenz, Lockheed Martin Corporate Lead for Quantum said, “Lockheed Martin’s growing team of quantum scientists and engineers are eager to participate in the IBM Quantum Hub and extend our collaboration with researchers at the Université de Sherbrooke. This agreement will be an asset to our development of industrial quantum computing applications.”