The provincial government of Alberta’s $11.8-million investment is aimed at creating an international hub for quantum computing, according to the Calgary Herald. The paper adds that the fund will help the University of Calgary support programs designed to foster new technology-related jobs in Alberta.
“Diversifying our economy has never been more important,” Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer said. “That’s why we are investing in the U of C’s quantum technology project. Establishing Alberta as a leader in quantum technologies will give a competitive boost to our economy and create new jobs today and for the future.”
According to the story, the funding will lead to “research that will help establish Alberta as a national and international hub for quantum computing and related spinoff industries.”
A big piece of the funding is aimed directly at quantum research. Approximately $3 million from the Major Innovation Fund was awarded to aid U of C’s Quantum Alberta network. The program specializes in quantum technologies, such as sensor technology, secure communication and quantum computers.
The field affects “every element of our economy from how you order your coffee on your phone to the ability to order your groceries online, the ability to see how we can be more efficient in agriculture, to help become more efficient in how we produce energy,” said Schweitzer.
The province said growth in the quantum technologies sector would “help attract talent to the province, create long-term jobs, and help commercialize new technologies” in areas like molecular chemistry, large-scale biological research, geological exploration, space technology and quantum satellite communications.
In addition to the funding for quantum technology, the newspaper reports that $3.9 million will be dedicated for research on antimicrobial resistance, which is when bacteria or viruses stop responding as effectively to treatment. The research will support infection prevention and control strategies. The other $4.9 million in funding, through the Research Capacity Program, will support U of C’s SMILE-UVI satellite project.
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