PASQAL is setting up its quantum computer factory in Canada

PASQAL, the world leader in neutral atom quantum computing, announces the establishment of a cutting-edge quantum production and processing facility at Quantum Space 1 in DistriQ, a quantum innovation zone, in Sherbrooke, Canada. In this new flagship facility, PASQAL-Canada will leverage its technology to serve the North American market to support the acceleration of the adoption of neutral atom quantum computing in the region. PASQAL Canada will develop new commercial applications in various fields such as smart cities, energy, and materials science, focusing on short-term commercial added value for end-users.

PASQAL's quantum technology uses highly concentrated lasers, known as optical tweezers, to trap and manipulate individual neutral atoms, creating 1D and 2D arrays in multiple configurations. In these quantum processors, each quantum bit (qubit) is encoded at two energy levels of an atom, so that each atom in these arrays represents a qubit. PASQAL's neutral atom technology has already demonstrated its capability to operate with more than 300 qubits, and the next generation will offer a quantum computing power of 1,000 qubits, which, according to PASQAL, will provide significant commercial advantages over classical computers by 2024. The company counts among its clients BMW, BASF, Johnson & Johnson, Siemens, Airbus, LG Electronics, and Thales, among others.

Quantum Space 1, which will open its doors in Sherbrooke in early autumn 2023, offers more than 50,000 square feet (4,600 square meters) of offices, collaboration spaces, and a shared laboratory where PASQAL will set up its quantum computer production. DistriQ, a quantum innovation zone, aims to accelerate the development of technologies and applications by allowing companies, such as PASQAL, to invest in research and development rather than in costly infrastructures and technologies.

“This location is ideal for catalyzing PASQAL's collaborations with academic institutions and industries in North America, thus ensuring sustainable development in the growing quantum computing market,” said Raphaël de Thoury, CEO of PASQAL Canada. “The Sherbrooke ecosystem, favored by the dynamism of DistriQ, the quantum innovation zone in Sherbrooke, is fertile ground for quantum industrial companies like PASQAL. DistriQ, a quantum innovation zone is unique because it brings together all players in the value chain, from science to industrial applications.”

Applications arising from the power of hybrid computers (quantum computing combined with high-performance computing) are numerous; here are a few examples:

• Optimizing distribution or transport networks

• Understanding the mechanisms of photosynthesis

• Designing catalysts for fertilizers or new drugs

• Optimizing batteries or solar cells

Quantum computing is a promising field, and many companies around the world are investing in the development of quantum technologies and applications in the hope of finding solutions to the human challenges facing us today.

ABOUT DISTRIQ, QUANTUM INNOVATION ZONE

The Quantum Innovation Zone, a non-profit organization based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, is a catalyst for quantum expertise and infrastructures to foster the emergence and acceleration of innovations in this industry. One of DistriQ's flagship projects is the Quantum Studio. The founding partners invested in DistriQ are the City of Sherbrooke, Cégep de Sherbrooke, Productique Quebec, Centre 24-Juin, Sherbrooke Innopole, and the University of Sherbrooke, including its integrated innovation chain which encompasses the Quantum Institute and the 3iT.

ABOUT PASQAL

PASQAL is a leading French company in quantum computing that builds quantum processors from neutral atoms arranged in 2D and 3D lattices to provide practical quantum advantage to its clients and solve real-world problems. PASQAL was founded in 2019, stemming from the Institute of Optics, by Georges-Olivier Reymond, Christophe Jurczak, Professor Dr. Alain Aspect, Nobel Prize winner in Physics 2022, Dr. Antoine Browaeys, and Dr. Thierry Lahaye. PASQAL has raised over 140 million euros in funding to date. To learn more about PASQAL, visit www.pasqal.com.

Source

Isabelle Stébenne 514 755.4928, istebenne@DistriQ.com

Alexandra De Castro: alexandra.decastro@pasqal.com