Purchase of a Pasqal quantum computer by Distriq, Quantum Innovation Zone

Sherbrooke, June 17, 2025 – Distriq, the quantum innovation zone, is proud to announce the acquisition of a state-of-the-art quantum computer developed by the company Pasqal on the same day as the opening of its factory located at Espace Quantique 1. 

This investment, made possible through loans of $9.6 million from the Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation and de l'Énergie and Investissement Québec, $2.4 million from the National Bank of Canada, and a repayable contribution of $1.2 million from Economic Development Canada for the regions of Quebec (CED). 

This neutral atom model with 100 qubits will be fully manufactured and installed in Sherbrooke, where it will integrate the computing power project under the direction of Distriq.

An infrastructure for future collaborations

This computer paves the way for ambitious future collaborations between academic and industrial sectors, aiming to fully exploit the opportunities offered by this revolutionary technology.

Mehdi Bozzo-Rey, Vice President of Growth and Partnerships at Distriq, Quantum Innovation Zone emphasizes:

“The acquisition of the Pasqal quantum computer by Distriq is a major step in continuing to equip Quebec with the latest best quantum technologies globally. This first computer will be manufactured in Sherbrooke, in Pasqal’s future factory, the first in North America. This strategic advancement positions Quebec as a world leader in the race for quantum innovation by enhancing the development of the ecosystem around the industrial applications of quantum computing.”

This equipment will play a central role in developing concrete solutions to global challenges, making quantum computing power accessible and catalyzing innovation in Quebec and internationally.

An infrastructure serving everyone

The new Pasqal computer will support:

• Quantum computing researchers: by allowing them to access an industrial-grade computer, they will be able to develop new impactful algorithms in areas such as health, energy, logistics, advanced materials, and finance.

• Industrials: by enabling them to explore the potential of quantum computing that meets the growing needs for high-performance computing to simulate complex problems, optimize processes, and develop artificial intelligence.

• The attractiveness of the Quebec quantum ecosystem: by strengthening collaboration between companies, researchers, and startups around algorithm and application development projects. 

Notable testimonies

“The sale of our first computer in North America is a key milestone in the global deployment of our technologies. By executing our ambitious industrial strategy, we are proud to sustainably support Quebec's commitment to innovation and its positioning as a leader in the global quantum ecosystem. With access to industrial-grade neutral atom computers, the Quebec community of researchers and application developers in quantum computing will be able to achieve remarkable advancements on the international stage.”

— Wasiq Bokarhi, Executive President of Pasqal

“The addition of this new infrastructure will allow Distriq and the Quebec research and innovation ecosystem to explore new fields of research in quantum and better respond to industrial needs for advanced computing. Quebec is becoming one of the places in the world where the most advanced commercial quantum technologies will be offered. We are very proud to support this promising project for our economy and our international shine with $9.6 million!”

— Christine Fréchette, Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy.

“The acquisition of this quantum computer represents a major advancement for Quebec in terms of innovation and research. By integrating it into the innovation zone, we create an environment conducive to close collaboration between key players, allowing for the acceleration of the transition from research to concrete applications and their marketing, a priority for Investissement Québec.”

— Bicha Ngo, President and CEO of Investissement Québec

“The National Bank has been committed for many years to supporting the technology and innovation sectors in Quebec, notably through academic and entrepreneurial initiatives. The Technology and Innovation Group of the Bank is proud to contribute to the advancement of quantum research through this funding.”

— Tuyen Vo, Head – Technology and Innovation Group, National Bank

“Quebec and Canada are taking their place in the economy of the future, and our government is here to support innovation. The acquisition of a Pasqal quantum computer, an innovative, powerful, and efficient tool, will enable advanced quantum calculations, primarily aimed at the industrial, academic, and technological sectors. By supporting innovation, we ensure that Quebec SMEs and organizations are well positioned and strengthen our global leadership in this emerging field. Congratulations to Distriq for this major advancement!”

— The Honorable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister Responsible for DEC 

About the Pasqal computer in Sherbrooke

The Pasqal computer, equipped with 100 neutral atom qubits, is designed to stimulate innovation by accelerating industrial research and development through strengthened collaboration between these two spheres. Fully manufactured in the future Pasqal factory in Sherbrooke, it will be installed at Espace Quantique 1, providing exclusive access to this cutting-edge technology for local and international actors.

A flagship project for Quebec innovation

With the support of MEIE, Investissement Quebec, the National Bank of Canada and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), this acquisition marks a decisive step for Quebec and Canada in the development of quantum technologies. It strengthens the innovation ecosystem by consolidating a network where industries, researchers, and startups collaborate to tackle global challenges through the power of quantum.

Contacts

Bérangère Sintes
Communications and Marketing Manager
Distriq, Quantum Innovation Zone
berangere@distriq.com 

Florence Vallot
Vice President of Marketing
Pasqal
florence.vallot@pasqal.com