Insider Brief:
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) is investing CA$8.1 million (approximately $5.7 million) to strengthen Quebec’s quantum sector, funding four organizations in Sherbrooke to support technology development, adoption, and commercialization as part of the National Quantum Strategy.
- Distriq receives CA$5.2 million to equip DevTeQ, a shared quantum technology lab, while PINQ2 and Distriq receive a combined CA$750,000 to support the Québec Quantique initiative, which promotes the province’s quantum ecosystem globally.
- ACET receives CA$435,000 to accelerate quantum startups, providing mentorship, funding access, and technical support, while Nord Quantique receives CA$1.8 million to build a quantum computer assembly lab, focusing on error correction technology.
- The funding aligns with Canada’s long-term quantum innovation strategy, ensuring Quebec’s leadership in quantum research, industry partnerships, and economic growth.
PRESS RELEASE — In a recent release, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions announced CA$8.1 million (approximately $5.7 million) in financial support for four organizations in Sherbrooke to advance quantum technology development, adoption, and commercialization. The funding is intended to strengthen Quebec’s position in the field while contributing to Canada’s broader National Quantum Strategy.
The financial assistance is being distributed among Distriq – Quantum Innovation Zone Sherbrooke, the Quebec Digital and Quantum Innovation Platform (PINQ2), the Accélérateur de création d’entreprises technologiques (ACET), and quantum computing startup Nord Quantique.
Funding Breakdown and Objectives
Distriq – Quantum Innovation Zone Sherbrooke is receiving CA$5.2 million (approximately $3.7 million) in non-repayable funding to acquire advanced equipment for DevTeQ, a shared laboratory within Espace Quantique 1. The facility will provide businesses with access to specialized quantum technology development tools. Established in 2022, Distriq serves as a central hub for Quebec’s quantum ecosystem, facilitating research, industry partnerships, and talent attraction.
PINQ2 is receiving CA$250,000 (approximately $176,000) in non-repayable funding for one year, while Distriq is receiving CA$500,000 (approximately $352,000) over two years to support the Québec Quantique initiative—a collaborative effort to enhance the province’s quantum technology sector and global visibility. Initially managed by PINQ2, Québec Quantique has been integrated into Distriq since 2024. The funding will support promotional activities, professional fees, salaries, and administrative costs.
ACET is receiving CA$435,000 (approximately $306,000) in non-repayable support to enhance its role in launching and scaling quantum technology startups. As a designated incubator affiliated with the Université de Sherbrooke, ACET provides mentorship, funding access, and technical support to emerging companies. The funding will cover expert coaching, promotional efforts, and access to specialized technology platforms for entrepreneurs.
Nord Quantique, a quantum computing startup focused on quantum error correction, is receiving CA$1.8 million (approximately $1.3 million) in repayable funding to establish an assembly laboratory for manufacturing quantum computers. Founded in 2020 as a spinout from the Université de Sherbrooke’s Institut quantique, the company aims to develop more reliable quantum computing hardware. The funding will support the acquisition of dilution refrigerators and quantum control electronics—critical components for maintaining the ultra-cold conditions necessary for quantum operations.
Government Investment in Quantum Innovation
The funding is part of CED’s Support for Regional Quantum Innovation initiative, which is set to run until 2028, and aligns with Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, which is in place to support businesses in integrating and commercializing these emerging technologies.
According to the release, Minister of National Revenue Élisabeth Brière emphasized Sherbrooke’s growing reputation in the quantum sector: “With the University, its technology business accelerators and its young talent, Sherbrooke’s quantum technology ecosystem is the envy of the entire world. Our government is determined to strengthen Canada’s global leadership in this emerging sector—and Sherbrooke is a major hub of expertise in the area.”
Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome–Missisquoi, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED, spoke to the broader economic impact of the funded projects: “Quebec and Canada are taking their place in the economy of the future, and our government is here to support them. The projects by Distriq, PINQ2, the ACET and Nord Quantique will transform our economy, ensure our long-term growth and shape our competitiveness for the future. By boosting innovation in this way, we are helping not only to ensure Quebec’s SMEs and organizations are well positioned, but also to strengthen our global leadership in this emerging area.”
Sherbrooke has become a key center for quantum technology in Canada, with strong ties between academia, industry, and government initiatives. Investments like these support the growth of early-stage startups, expand infrastructure for quantum research, and help integrate quantum technologies into commercial applications.
