qConnect 2024 unites global innovators as Alberta’s quantum tech receives $8.4M investment

The highly anticipated qConnect 2024 summit, held over two inspiring days, successfully brought together quantum creators and technology users to explore the future of quantum applications. 

Hosted by Quantum City in collaboration with industry leaders and government stakeholders, the event served as a unique platform for fostering innovation and collaboration in the rapidly advancing field of quantum technology.

Featuring a wide range of insightful presentations, panel discussions, and showcase sessions, qConnect 2024 highlighted quantum technology's potential to transform industries. With speakers and moderators from across the globe, the summit fostered meaningful discussions on how quantum solutions can address modern challenges. 

• Photo above: Participating in the Incubators and Accelerators for Quantum Innovators panel at qConnect 2024 were, from left: David Yiptong, manager, QAI Accelerator (powered by Quantum City); Jake Malliaros, Quantum Stream lead, Creative Destructive Lab; Sarah Jenna, managing director, QV Studio; Ezunial (Eze) Burts III, director, Duality Quantum Startup Accelerator at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business; and Thomas Landis, COO, QAI Ventures. 

qConnect 2024 followed a theme of supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), emphasizing the potential of quantum technologies to address global challenges. Sessions throughout the summit focused on how quantum solutions can contribute to improving human health, enabling modern energy for all, and building sustainable cities. 

Presenters discussed innovations in quantum-enabled medical diagnostics, renewable energy optimization, and urban planning innovations. The summit also discussed areas in which the quantum tech ecosystem can benefit from, highlighting the importance of incubators, accelerators and diversity in the space. 

One panel on the topic of how organizations are preparing for quantum technologies, moderated by Ken Barker, scientific director, National Cybersecurity Consortium, and professor at the University of Calgary, discussed the conflicting information and opinions about the urgency of becoming quantum-ready.

Panelist Martin Charbonneau, head of Quantum-Safe Networks, Network Infrastructure Business Group at Nokia, commented, “We see what's happening in Europe, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, and the U.S. — cybersecurity agencies are all pointing towards the same direction. The message is clear: we need to act now.” 

“qConnect 2024 was a testament to the incredible potential of quantum technologies and solutions,” commented Quantum City’s managing director, Dr. Megan Lee. “We saw first-hand how collaboration between creators and users can ignite transformative ideas that will have real-world impact on everything from sustainable energy to health care.”

Exciting new initiatives from Quantum City

At qConnect 2024, Quantum City also unveiled exciting initiatives set to accelerate the growth of Alberta's quantum tech ecosystem. 

Among the highlights were updates on infrastructure projects, including qLab plans, set to start construction shortly, with an opening date of 2027 for the state-of-the-art nanofabrication cleanroom to support advanced quantum research. 

Additionally, the launch of Quantum City's Scientist in Residence program now offers organizations tailored guidance on adopting quantum solutions, while the new Membership Program provides industry leaders with resources and expert support to explore quantum technology.

Major investment boosts Alberta's quantum future

A key highlight of the event was a major funding announcement from Prairies Economic Development Canada. Announced by MP George Chahal on behalf of Minister Dan Vandal, the funding will support key projects, including $4.1 million for the University of Calgary's Quantum City initiative to develop cutting-edge facilities like Quantum City’s planned qHub and qLab spaces, designed to provide critical support to the province's quantum tech ecosystem. 

"Quantum City has the potential to impact every sector, from agriculture to life sciences, from energy to logistics," said Dr. Ed McCauley, president of UCalgary, at the announcement. Additional investments announced will support a quantum hardware innovation hub at the University of Alberta and an Alberta quantum hardware company.

From left: Christopher Cassin, CEO, Zero Point Cryogenics; David Chang, director of innovation and partnerships, University of Alberta; Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, University of Calgary; George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview; Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation of Alberta; and Dr. Megan Lee, managing director, Quantum City.