SME universe | When the Quantum Institute reaches critical mass

Let’s talk about quantum physics.

The Institut quantique (IQ) of the University of Sherbrooke has received the decisive support of Lockheed Martin Canada, which is joining its IBM Quantum Space – a community of researchers and companies interested in the concrete applications of quantum science.

With this partnership, Lockheed Martin Canada will donate $ 500,000 to the Quantum Institute, in a total commitment of $ 1.3 million intended to promote the industrial and technological benefits of quantum computing.

“This is an important milestone. We make a lot of efforts, and they are once again rewarded ”, rejoices the scientific director of the Quantum Institute, Alexandre Blais.

Lockheed Martin Canada will work with the quantum information research group he heads to explore the potential of certain quantum algorithms.

Confirmed appeal

Lockheed Martin Canada’s membership confirms the attractiveness of the IBM Quantum Space and adds to its gravitational field, which will allow it to attract more small and large companies interested in quantum technologies into its orbit.

“We are a research institute, but we still want to bring our work towards prototypes, towards something useful for society, beyond the results of fundamental research,” explains Alexandre Blais. But to do that, we must continue to attract the best talent and build a quantum community. ”

For the few of us who are not nuclear physicists, remember that quantum science is interested in the properties of fundamental particles of matter, including the transfer of energy in portions and their puzzling ability to simultaneously maintain two states. different.

“We have understood, in recent years, that we could do a lot more than we thought with quantum,” says the professor. By using quantum technology much more actively, we arrive at technologies that are downright impossible otherwise. ”

Critical mass

The IQ was created in 2016 when an investment of $ 33.5 million over seven years from the Apogée Canada Research Excellence Fund brought together researchers from the University of Sherbrooke who were already working on science and research. quantum technologies.

For the past ten years or so, this critical mass has attracted more quantum talent around its core of high-level specialists.

“As of today, there are 32 teachers, so 32 groups, 250 students and around twenty professional technicians,” lists Alexandre Blais. It is still a major company. ”

The Institute’s work revolves around three axes: quantum information (quantum computers and quantum communication applications), quantum materials (which take advantage of quantum properties) and quantum engineering (concrete applications).

Quantum community

In partnership with IBM, the IQ launched its IBM Quantum Space in 2020 to raise awareness among SMEs and large companies of the possibilities of this fertile, barely cleared field.

The Institute wanted to create this community of researchers and users “so that Quebec SMEs and businesses understand that there is an opportunity with quantum,” explains Alexandre Blais.

The IBM Quantum Space is one of 14 quantum hubs, or quantum poles, set up by the American giant, explains the research director.

“It is a privileged collaboration between research centers like ours and IBM, which gives us access to its prototypes of quantum computers. ”

This privileged path provides the Institute with a “formidable research tool”, he says.

“You can access them online, program them, see how it works and develop new applications. This is not science fiction: I can really “log in” with my computer and start controlling a prototype quantum computer. ”

Test your ideas

The work of the Quantum Institute has also contributed to the development of these prototypes, he emphasizes.

“It is also a great tool for attracting the attention of potential users. ”

Through its IBM Quantum Space, the Institute offers member companies a platform where they “can come and test their ideas” on these quantum computers.

The Quantum Institute also has a vocation of communication and popularization, which is expressed in its program Curieux quantiques – nothing to do with Christmas carols.

“Since the creation of Curieux quantiques, we have spoken to 5,000 people across Canada, including hundreds of students in some 20 CEGEPs across the province. ”

Creation of SMEs

The Quantum Institute also produces buds.

“We have three young quantum shoots”, rejoices Alexandre Blais.

Two are interested in quantum sensors, the other is exploring new avenues for the design of quantum computers.

“And there is a young start-up from Vancouver who settled in Sherbrooke. “

More good news is to come, he says.

“There is already a very concrete effect outside the walls of the Institute. About fifty jobs have been created using quantum technology in recent years. ”

The Rivières Group digs its bed in the Lower North Shore

Steel River Group, a diversified Indigenous-owned management, development and construction consortium based in Calgary, has announced the creation of a new Quebec-based company, Groupe Rivières. The activities of Groupe Rivières will be concentrated in the Lower North Shore region, where several members of the Steel River team come from. Himself a native of Rivière-Saint-Paul, near Blanc-Sablon, Chad Keats has been appointed general manager of the company, which will open a local office once its activities are launched. Groupe Rivières, which describes itself as a general construction and subcontracting company specializing in civil engineering, residential development and renovations, wants to promote jobs in the region’s Indigenous communities and reduce the exodus of workers seeking employment. employment in construction. “By allowing Bas-Côtiers to stay in their region and hire locals, we will help create sustainable economic opportunities for generations to come,” said Trent Fequet, Founder and CEO of Steel River Group, in a statement. With the addition of Groupe Rivières in Quebec, Steel River is extending its basin from coast to coast, the company said.

25 million for Explorance

There is something to express satisfaction. The Montreal firm Explorance, which offers experience measurement solutions for students and employees, has just obtained an investment of $ 25 million from Investissement Québec. This first external institutional financing is intended to strengthen its growth in world markets. Explorance’s solutions and platforms allow educational institutions and businesses to assess learning and measure the satisfaction of their students and employees. Founded in 2003 in Montreal, where its head office is still located, Explorance has offices in Chicago, Chennai, Melbourne, Amman and London. This year, more than 20 million students and employees from around the world have expressed their opinions with company tools. Over the past four years, Explorance has increased its revenues by 238% and expanded its customer base by 115%.

Furniture makers urged to get on the right track

The Association of Quebec Furniture Manufacturers (AFMQ) has just launched the first supply chain optimization program for this sector of activity. It’s a way for furniture makers to sit around the same table to jointly tackle instability in supply chains. More specifically, this shared transport program will allow participating manufacturers to reduce their ecological footprint and lower their transport costs. Supported by the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation, the On the right track program – that’s its name – is set up in collaboration with the firm Cedric Millar, specializing in 4PL type logistics services (fourth party logistics, or fourth stage of outsourcing of a company’s logistics activities). Several companies are already participating in the evaluation phase. The data collection will make it possible, within one year, to set targets that will become an industry standard. The AFMQ, which will actively promote it, hopes that its members will come aboard in large numbers.

60%

This is the rate of Quebec entrepreneurs who wish to sell their business, but cannot find a succession. This distressing figure prompts the Regroupement des jeunes chambres de commerce du Québec to launch Mouvement Repreneuriat. Developed with the City of Montreal and presented by Desjardins, this program aims to promote business transfer as an entrepreneurial route for young business people in Quebec.