Over $10M invested in Canada’s first quantum-communication test bed
At the end of October, the regional Government of Québec and the national Government of Canada announced over $10 Million is being invested in the first Quantum Communication Test Bed available in Canada.
IDQ partner Numana, a Quebec-based, not-for-profit organisation, will be responsible for the deployment and operation of the test bed, which will allow a wide range of organizations to experiment with quantum technology–based systems and applications.
ID Quantique has a long-standing relationship with stakeholders, both commercial and academic, in the region. Since 2022, IDQ has been collaborating with Numana to prepare the test bed, which will link the cities of Montreal, Quebec City and the DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke. We are delighted to be part of this ground-breaking infrastructure project.
Our fourth generation of QKD devices will be used to distribute secure keys to the link encryptors provided by Ciena, charged with securing the new fibre-based quantum infrastructure. Telco operators Bell and Telus are playing a central role in deploying the physical infrastructure of the test bed, as well as providing access to their fibre optic network.
✔ A multi-hub, multi-node, and multi usage test bed
Organizations interested in using the test bed will be able to do so from several locales, which will offer a variety of features that can be leveraged to configure different network topologies and validate use cases.
✔ A test bed that is open, collaborative, adaptable and scalable
The test bed will be scalable and its parameters adjustable to meet the needs of participants and a wide range of verticals (health, finance, critical infrastructure, transportation, security, military operations, telecom, etc.).
This test bed is the only one of its kind in Canada. It will position Quebec as a national leader and potentially serve as a cornerstone for future quantum communication research across the country, as outlined in Canada’s National Quantum Strategy.
“With this project, our ambition is to accelerate quantum technology in Quebec, and help the industry develop leading-edge products to transform the province into a true global leader in quantum communication. This project aligns with Numana’s new positioning as a technology think tank which analyzes disruptive technologies and conducts field projects to test them and accelerate their adoption,”
– François Borrelli, President and CEO of Numana.
“Quebec and Canada are carving out their space in the economy of the future, and our government is there to support them. Numana’s project will transform our economy, underpin our long-term growth and enhance our competitiveness going forward. By supporting this kind of innovation, we are contributing not only to giving Quebec small and mid-sized businesses and organizations a leg up in the marketplace, but also to strengthening our global leadership in this emerging field. Congratulations to Mr. Borrelli and the entire team behind this catalyst of technological innovation!”
– The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, MP for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
“The quantum communication loop of Numana represents a significant step towards enabling the creation of a unique network in Canada. This initiative reaffirms Quebec’s position as a key player in the fields of quantum and telecommunications, excellent new for the existing ecosystem”
– Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy, Minister Responsible for Regional Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Metropolis and the Montreal Region.
For more information, you can read the original Numana PR.
