Projet Numana

Think Tank: Quantum technologies

Governments are investing strategically in quantum technology. The global digital industry is also taking an interest. There are four main areas of development and innovation in quantum science and technology: computing and simulation, quantum communications, quantum sensors and metrology, and quantum materials.

Why did Numana select this project?

Numana identified quantum technologies in 2019 (at the first edition of our Humanitek event) as an emerging technology potentially bringing major disruptions in the future.

In collaboration with Quebec’s Ministère de l’Économie et de l’Innovation, Numana launched one of its first living labs on this complex subject.

Project objectives

Identifying opportunities
With the emergence of an international quantum technology industry, Quebec needs to position itself in this ecosystem.
Identifying threats
The emergence of quantum technologies and higher computing speeds implies potential threats that Quebec cannot ignore
Identifying opportunities
With the emergence of an international quantum technology industry, Quebec needs to position itself in this ecosystem.
Identifying threats
The emergence of quantum technologies and higher computing speeds implies potential threats that Quebec cannot ignore
Identifying opportunities
With the emergence of an international quantum technology industry, Quebec needs to position itself in this ecosystem.
Identifying threats
The emergence of quantum technologies and higher computing speeds implies potential threats that Quebec cannot ignore

In order to bring this initiative to fruition, to ensure that the conditions and development of a quantum innovation ecosystem are in place, and to develop a Quebec strategy for quantum technologies in this new industry, Numana formed the Quantum Advisory Committee, made up of experts with extensive experience in industrial innovation. These advisors have developed a series of activities to be implemented to grow the quantum sector in Quebec. These include the development of a global strategy to build a competitive industry, mapping, international animation, communication and promotion activities, facilitating access to financing, attracting foreign players, etc., and the proposal of structuring projects for the sector.

The quantum technology strategy for Quebec is based on two priority tactics:

Develop cutting-edge products and services: Structure and accelerate the emergence of a quantum ecosystem by supporting collaborative R&D projects, funding proof-of-concept, and equipping Quebec with open industrial infrastructures for R&D, testing and prototyping.
Support industry growth. Attract, develop and retain a critical mass of highly qualified personnel in science, engineering, technology and business, build R&D partnerships around institutions or infrastructure projects, attract researchers, support foreign investment and promote quantum here abroad.

The Quantum think tank committee included players from universities and research institutions, industry, government and others involved in financing and business incubation in particular:

Vincent Aimez, Vice-Rector, Valorisation and Partnerships, U. de Sherbrooke;
François Borrelli, CEO, Numana;
Richard Bruno, CIRANO Visiting Fellow;
André Fougères, Vice President, Innovation and Technology, INO;
Charles Lespérance, Partner – Deep Technology Fund, BDC Capital;
Shibl Mourad, Director, Software Development, DeepMind Canada*;
Observers
- Daria Riabinina and Nathalie Richard, Quebec – Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy
- For Numana, Denis Akzam and Jacques Mc Neill were responsible for coordinating the advisory committee and the quantum development strategy, with support from Marc Leclair.