A Vancouver-based company operating in the quantum computing space has advanced to the next stage of the Canadian Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security NORAD Modernization Science and Technology Contest.
Photonic is developing commercial-scale quantum computers and quantum networks to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in materials science, drug discovery, security, and more.
“We are proud that Photonic was selected for this pivotal program,” remarked cofounder Stephanie Simmons, who serves as Chief Quantum Officer.
The company’s flagship ”Entanglement First” architecture leverages optically linked silicon spin qubits for high connectivity, enabling computation, error correction, and integration into existing environments.
Photonic is a member of the BC Tech Association.
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“This selection highlights the networking capabilities of our innovative Entanglement First architecture for distributed quantum computing and networking,” Simmons said.
As a semi-finalist in the IDEaS NORAD Modernization S&T contest, Photonic will receive an initial grant of $1 million.
Over the next year, the B.C. innovator will then work to advance its technology, which will aim to address current limitations of existing quantum repeater design.
Photonic is developing scalable, modular quantum computers that can also act as repeaters capable of operating at telecom wavelengths, enabling fast, high-quality communication across long-distance quantum sensor networks.
“We look forward to advancing the industrialization of quantum technologies in Canada and helping to improve North American defence by enabling large-scale quantum deployment,” stated Simmons.
Simmons posits that Photonic is laying the groundwork for secure quantum infrastructure that will prove critical to North America’s defence modernization.
Since launching in April 2018, IDEaS has been working with Canadian innovators to turn thinking into tangible solutions for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.
Earlier this year, Photonic was selected to participate in Stage A of the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
The global program assesses whether quantum computing technology can deliver “utility-scale” performance—meaning the computational value outweighs its cost—by 2033.
Beyond North America, Photonic is also entering the United Kingdom, with plans to open a $50M research and development facility there, pointing to the UK’s National Quantum Strategy as reason to establish a footprint in the region.
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