Canada’s Quantum Momentum: Milestones and What’s Ahead

Designated as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), it was a year to celebrate advances in quantum technology and to set the stage for its strategic use across industry and society.

Let’s recap the quantum wins and milestones that defined 2025 in Canada, with a spotlight on Waterloo region – Canada’s Quantum Valley.

1. Quantum as a national priority

In June 2025, leaders of the G7 – under Canada’s presidency – announced the Kananskis Common Vision for the Future of Quantum Technologies, recognizing quantum as a shared strategic priority at a global level.

Building on this global momentum, the federal government has matched vision with action at home. In the Budget 2025, the government has committed up to $334.3M over five years, including the launch of Phase I of Canadian Quantum Champions Program. The initiative is aimed to anchor leading Canadian quantum companies and talent, while supporting the development of fault-tolerant and scalable quantum systems to solve real-world problems.

These investments underscore a broader conviction – that quantum is not just an academic pursuit, but a driver of economic resilience, national security and global competitiveness.

2. Quantum as a dual-use technology

In one of our blogs, we shared insights from Lisa Lambert, CEO of Quantum Industry Canada, where she laid out a compelling case for why and how Canada should turn its early quantum leadership into economic advantage.

“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 emphasized.

She later reinforced this message as a witness before the House of Commons highlighting quantum’s dual-use potential. “Quantum isn’t a single technology. It’s an emerging platform that will reshape our economy, security and defence,” Lambert said.

2025 was the year when quantum was truly recognized as a dual-use technology with the power to drive Canada’s security and economic advantage.

3. Waterloo’s Quantum Valley in action

While the quantum industry made ripples across Canada, the Waterloo region continued to make an impact in quantum research, talent and commercialization. With world-class institutes like the Institute for Quantum Research (IQC) and Perimeter Institute, the Waterloo ecosystem was full of action.

Thirteen researchers from the University of Waterloo received $16.2M in federal funding through National Quantum Strategy and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to explore next-gen quantum technologies like quantum sensing, spin-qubit simulators and quantum communications.

Waterloo-based Open Quantum Design (OQD), spun out from IQC and Perimeter Institute’s Quantum Intelligence Lab (PIQuIL), is developing the world’s first open-source, full-stack quantum computer.

In our conversation, OQD’s CEO Greg Dick highlighted Canada’s unique quantum strengths. “We have good supply chain infrastructure for industries like semiconductors, AI and advanced materials in place which will help us scale quantum to give us a Canadian advantage.”

4. A year of impact and celebration

2025 was a landmark year for quantum in our Waterloo community. IQC and Perimeter Institute joined forces to celebrate 100 years of quantum mechanics by hosting a Year of Quantum Across Canada symposium. It brought together leading Canadian researchers and members of the quantum community to discuss how foundation theory can be translated into real-world quantum applications.

The same year, Perimeter Institute also marked its 25^th anniversary. As a world-renowned theoretical physics research hub, Perimeter focuses heavily on quantum physics and technology. From public events to exhibits and a Canada-wide tour, the Institute engaged academia, public and industry to raise awareness about quantum and theoretical physics.

IQC continued to grow its impact with its members and affiliates receiving close to $25M in funding during 2024-2025, helping create 50 new quantum-related jobs and almost half of its researchers engaged in commercialization.

5. Waterloo EDC and the International Year of Quantum

Throughout 2025, Waterloo EDC celebrated quantum’s centennial by showcasing Waterloo’s thriving ecosystem. We highlighted leading research hubs like the IQC and Perimeter Institute, shared insights from industry experts, explored quantum’s impact across sectors and spotlighted the strategic and business opportunities for international leaders looking to join Canada’s Quantum Valley.

Explore our Quantum Expansion Guide and Quantum Technology page for a deeper dive into Waterloo region’s ecosystem.

Looking ahead

2025 painted a clear picture of Canada’s growing commitment to maintain its quantum leadership at the global stage, with Waterloo as an important player. As we look ahead to write the next chapter, our community is well-positioned to drive commercialization, innovation and strategic partnerships for Canadian advantage.