Building Global Impact with Canada’s Quantum Leadership

From Waterloo to Sherbrooke to Calgary to Vancouver – researchers and entrepreneurs are relentlessly working to build what could be the country’s next great technological leap: quantum technologies.

Canada seized the quantum opportunity early, making foundational bets in research and talent development, that have given us a clear edge today. But the real opportunity lies in turning early leadership into enduring global competitiveness. Lisa Lambert, CEO of Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), is one of the leading voices championing this vision. We had the opportunity to talk to her about Canada’s place in the global quantum race, our strengths and opportunities, and what it will take to turn early leadership to lasting advantage.

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation:

1. This isn’t about science, it’s a strategic endeavour

Canada’s strong foundation in quantum didn’t happen by chance. It’s a result of strategic investments over the decades to build capability and talent. “Canada was one of the first countries to recognize the strategic opportunity in quantum and make early investments – both private and public. Waterloo is a tremendous example of that,” shared Lambert. “Today, Canada is home to the highest number of quantum companies per capita in the world.”

But being first is only the beginning. The next phase is even more critical. “If we really want to maintain and strengthen our position, we have to move quickly and boldly to industrialize,” Lambert emphasized.

And why does that matter?

Because, as Lambert explains, quantum is a ‘dual-use technology’, one that underpins both economic prosperity and national security. “I really see unlocking Canada’s quantum potential as a nation-building mission – translating our remarkable quantum capabilities into a thriving industry for the country.”

Canada has put in the hard work in building the foundation. Now it’s time to turn it into a global advantage.

2. From early leadership to global strength

Canada’s quantum advantage runs deep – and wide. Institutions like the Institute for Quantum Computing and Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, along with Institut Quantique in Sherbrooke and additional quantum centres of excellence in Vancouver and Calgary, each bring specialized regional expertise that strengthens Canada’s quantum landscape.

“We’re one of the few countries in the world that has strengths across the entirety of quantum technologies – from quantum computing hardware and software to sensing, communications, quantum-safe cryptography and the enabling technologies that make it all possible,” Lambert shared.

The next step is to shift from research and discovery towards mission-driven industrialization efforts for global impact. That’s where Lambert’s organization Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) plays an important role. As Canada’s business-led consortium, QIC unites 70 organizations from across the country to identify opportunities, close gaps and translate Canada’s quantum capabilities into global business success.

The ability to move as one will define our nation’s success in the next phase of the quantum era.

“Canada is home to 40 million people – it’s not a massive population in global terms – and that’s an advantage. We’re small enough to coordinate nationally and move fast,” noted Lambert. “We need all of Canada working together: industry, academia, and government aligning toward a shared mission.”

3. Charting the path forward with quantum strategy 2.0

For Canada’s success in the quantum era, we need a bold, coordinated push to turn our quantum early advantages into a nation-building opportunity. “Quantum is the deepest of deep tech. It takes time, patience, and coordinated support,” emphasized Lambert. “We need to leverage catalytic approaches that crowd in patient capital, develop supply chains, scale companies, and create anchor customers.”

Thankfully, the momentum is clearly building. Quantum is being recognized at the highest levels of global leadership. The G7’s common vision statement for the future of quantum technologies is a significant step forward, and most recently, Lambert presented a “Quantum 101” workshop at the APEC Business Advisory Council in Korea, alongside Greg Dick, CEO of Waterloo’s Open Quantum Design.

“Quantum is definitely having its moment,” said Lambert. “It’s encouraging to see the Government of Canada acknowledge the national strategic importance of this technology in its most recent Budget and position quantum as the dual-use platform that it is. To get to the next phase, we have to make Canada the best place in the world to build and grow quantum companies.”

And with a government that recognizes the economic and strategic importance of quantum and an industry ecosystem ready to deliver, the pieces are falling into place.

4. Waterloo as a cornerstone of Canada’s quantum ambition

The Waterloo region has been instrumental in building our country’s current quantum capabilities. Waterloo has been coined “Quantum Valley”, with decades of research excellence and entrepreneurial spirit to produce globally sought-after talent and technologies.

“For international business leaders, Waterloo offers a unique ecosystem – access to deep research, incredible talent and a community that’s proven it can turn science into globally relevant companies,” said Lambert.

Yet, the story is far from finished.

“I’d love to see Waterloo continue to champion the Quantum Valley story and keep rallying the community around a bold, forward-looking next chapter,” Lambert added. “Waterloo has a real barn-raising tradition – a community that comes together to build – and we haven’t finished building this barn yet.”

The quantum race is on – and Canada has a head start

Canada’s quantum ecosystem is moving in the right direction. We have a strong foundation in research and talent, as well as strengths across all verticals of quantum technologies. “If we play our cards right in this next round of the sector’s development, quantum will create thousands of jobs and billions in economic value,” noted Lambert.

For innovators, investors and international businesses, now is the time to join Canada’s quantum ecosystem and be part of the next big transformative technology.