The Government of Canada is investing more than $8 million in the quantum sector in Sherbrooke.

Supporting the development, adoption, and commercialization of quantum technologies helps position organizations in Quebec in this emerging field while strengthening Canada's global leadership. This is why the Honorable Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke and Minister of National Revenue, announced today, on behalf of the Honorable Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for DEC, investments totaling $8.1 million in Distriq ‒ Sherbrooke Quantum Innovation Zone, in the Quebec Digital and Quantum Innovation Platform (PINQ2), in the Technology Business Creation Accelerator (ACET), as well as in Nord Quantique. These financial contributions from DEC aim to support SMEs and NPOs in the adoption, development, and commercialization of quantum technologies and products based on these technologies. The financial aid granted to these organizations is detailed as follows: 

• Distriq receives a non-repayable contribution of $5.2 million for the acquisition of cutting-edge equipment for DevTeQ, the shared laboratory located at Espace Quantique 1, providing equipment for companies for the development of quantum technologies. Officially designated in February 2022, Distriq ‒ Quantum Innovation Zone, the main engine of Quebec’s quantum ecosystem, is a world-renowned center funded in part by the Government of Quebec, bringing together research, incubation, financing, and industrial development to attract talent and international companies while accelerating quantum activities and making Sherbrooke a hub for sustainable and attractive innovation. 

• For its part, PINQ2 receives a non-repayable contribution of $250,000 (for one year) and Distriq a non-repayable contribution of $500,000 (for two years) to support the Quebec Quantum initiative. Founded in 2021, Quebec Quantum is a grouping of stakeholders in the quantum sector whose mission is to mobilize the industrial cluster of quantum technologies in Quebec to support its growth and its visibility on the world stage. Quebec Quantum was under the administration of PINQ2 in 2023, but since 2024 the initiative is now integrated into Distriq. The DEC aid for this project of $750,000 over three years focuses on the outreach activities of the cluster, professional fees, salaries, and benefits as well as administrative costs. 

• The ACET receives a non-repayable contribution of $435,000 to strengthen its capacity to support the creation and startup of companies that develop, enable, or adopt quantum technologies. Founded in 2011, ACET is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Université de Sherbrooke. This designated business incubator of the Sherbrooke Quantum Innovation Zone aims to foster, facilitate, and accelerate the creation and startup of innovative technology companies. The DEC aid will, in particular, support the professional fees of external facilitators, the outreach activities of the incubator, access fees to technological development platforms for entrepreneurs, as well as salaries and benefits of employees. 

• For its part, Nord Quantique receives a repayable contribution of $1.8 million for the establishment of an assembly laboratory for the manufacture of quantum computers. Founded in 2020 and emerging from the Quantum Institute of the Université de Sherbrooke, Nord Quantique is a young SME specializing in quantum error correction. The company aims to develop and manufacture the first reliable, efficient quantum computer that can be useful in several application areas. The DEC aid allows for the acquisition of dilution refrigerators and quantum control electronics and supports other related costs. 

To support the Canadian quantum sector and consolidate the country's position among leaders in this expanding field, the Government of Canada has implemented the National Quantum Strategy. This strategy aims to help Canadian businesses adopt quantum technologies so that they can position themselves in this emerging area and generate economic benefits for the entire community. 

Citations 

"With the University, its technology business accelerators, and its young talent, the quantum technology ecosystem of Sherbrooke is the envy of the world. Our government is committed to strengthening Canada's global leadership in this emerging sector ‒ and Sherbrooke is an indispensable center of expertise in this regard. Congratulations to Distriq, PINQ2, ACET, and Nord Quantique: your work has the potential to develop new medications more rapidly and to find solutions to climate challenges, among other things." 

The Honorable Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for Sherbrooke and Minister of National Revenue 

"Quebec and Canada are taking their place in the economy of the future, and our government is here to support them. The projects of Distriq, PINQ2, ACET, and Nord Quantique will transform our economy, ensure our long-term growth, and shape our competitiveness for the future. By supporting innovation in this way, we are not only helping to position Quebec SMEs and organizations well but also strengthening our global leadership in this emerging field. Kudos to these Sherbrooke organizations for their promising projects!" 

The Honorable Pascale St-Onge, Member of Parliament for Brome-Missisquoi, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for DEC 

Facts at a Glance 

• Funds have been granted under DEC's Support for Regional Quantum Innovation, which will allow for strategic investments until 2028 to help SMEs and NPOs adopt, develop, and commercialize quantum technologies and products based on these technologies. These interventions are part of the Government of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy. 

• DEC is the federal key partner in regional economic development in Quebec. Through its 12 regional business offices, DEC supports companies, support organizations, and all regions in Quebec towards the economy of tomorrow. 

Information 

Media Relations Economic Development Canada for the regions of Quebec media@dec-ced.gc.ca 

Mohammad Hussain Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Economic Development Canada for the regions of Quebec Email: mohammad.hussain@ised-isde.gc.ca