Vancouver-based quantum computing company Photonic is expanding internationally with plans to establish a new research and development (R&D) facility in the United Kingdom, a move that deepens Canada’s leadership in quantum innovation while forging closer transatlantic ties.
Over the next three years, Photonic will invest more than $49 million into the UK operation, creating over 30 high-paying technical jobs. The new facility will complement Photonic’s Canadian headquarters by advancing targeted R&D capabilities and enabling collaboration across borders.
“Our expansion into the UK is a win-win—strengthening our ability to scale globally while reinforcing Canada’s position as a leader in secure, scalable quantum technologies,” said Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Founder and Chief Quantum Officer at Photonic. “I’m excited by the ambition in the UK’s National Quantum Strategy and look forward to supporting its missions.”
The UK site represents a strategic milestone in Photonic’s global growth plans. While core research and foundational technologies will remain in Canada, the UK facility is expected to boost Photonic’s innovation pipeline and support market access across Europe and beyond.
Canadian and British officials welcomed the announcement as a sign of growing collaboration in the emerging quantum sector.
“Photonic is a Canadian homegrown success story and a shining example of the world-class innovation emerging from our national quantum ecosystem,” said Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. “Its UK expansion reflects our shared ambition to build a trusted transatlantic quantum future.”
UK Science Minister Lord Callanan (formerly Vallance) also celebrated the move. “This £25 million investment will create jobs and generate economic growth, while deepening collaboration between the UK and Canada on this vital technology,” he said.
Photonic’s global momentum has been supported by cross-border investment. The company is backed by Canada’s BCI and Inovia Capital, as well as UK-based Amadeus Capital Partners and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF). It also participates in a joint initiative between Canada’s National Research Council and Innovate UK.
Founded by Simmons, a quantum physicist with ties to both Canada and the UK, Photonic is known for pioneering fault-tolerant quantum computing technologies based on photon-based qubits. The company aims to commercialize scalable and secure quantum systems that can power breakthroughs across communications, security, and computing.
The UK expansion comes as governments and private investors ramp up support for quantum R&D, recognizing the field’s transformative potential across industries and national economies.
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