Sherbrooke quantique, one of the first two innovation zones (ZI) in Quebec, is beginning to take shape. This ZI aims to develop quantum sciences and their technological applications. It brings together several local partners, including the University, the Cégep, the City and Sherbrooke Innopole, in addition to companies such as IBM, Bell, 1QBit and Eidos. IBM should also install a quantum computer in Estrie, one of the company’s few outside the United States.
The ZI connects the University of Sherbrooke (UdeS) to the city center and its new Entrepreneurship Headquarters, passing through a former industrial sector. “The zone aims to attract foreign investment, develop the economy and strengthen the expertise in quantum computing that the region already enjoys, but it will also create living environments”, explains the interim director general, Josée Fort.
A buoyant area
Betting on quantum computing was not easy at first. The field remains little known and misunderstood. Josée Fortin herself admits that she only discovered in 2019 — when the Canadian quantum flagship 1QBit arrived — that the city was home to a beautiful ecosystem in this area. She was then general manager of Sherbrooke Innopole.
“For the ZI, we wanted a theme that stands out from what is being done elsewhere in Quebec, and quantum computing was a good fit,” she explains. In addition, it is a very promising sector for the future, like artificial intelligence a few years ago. »
Quantum computing remains quite obscure for ordinary mortals. To summarize very simply, remember that it operates using the quantum bit (qubit), which is more complex than the traditional bit based on series of 0s and 1s. This different approach and other particularities allow it to generate a capacity unparalleled computing. However, this power remains quite unstable. Quantum processors must be used at very low temperatures and remain very sensitive to their environment. Until now, quantum computing is offered as a service (QaaS), by giants like IBM, Microsoft and Amazon.
A new asset for the UdeS
The UdeS has been developing its expertise in this area for several years. The creation in 2016 of the Institut quantique, which brings together scientists specializing in materials, information and quantum engineering, was an important milestone. In June 2020, the Institute partnered with IBM to open the IBM Quantum Space, which promotes collaborations between the research community and private companies. Its members enjoy exclusive access to IBM’s most advanced quantum computing systems. This attracted new partners, including CMC Microsystems and Lockheed Martin Canada.
“Of course, the area is not limited to the Institute, but it has played an important role in structuring the quantum ecosystem in the region and in raising awareness of the possibilities that this technology offers to researchers and companies, explains Vincent Aimez, vice-rector for promotion and partnerships of the UdeS. It was a major element in obtaining a ZI. »
The arrival of the ZI will increase the opportunities for the University to establish research and application collaborations with private companies. The UdeS is already the one in Canada that relies the most on research projects in partnership with the private sector. “The ZI is based on the excellence of basic research and links with the private sector”, recalls the vice-rector.
The ZI also becomes an important asset for the training of the student community. “This will add environments to carry out experiential learning,” notes Vincent Aimez. The UdeS is also developing a new bachelor’s degree in quantum computing science, the first in Quebec and one of the few in the Francophonie. It should be offered in the fall and will include a large part of work placements.