PINQ² Announces the Inauguration of IBM Quantum System One Quantum Computer in Bromont

Insider Brief

• The Platform for Digital and Quantum Innovation of Quebec announced the inauguration of an IBM Quantum System One at IBM Bromont.
• The machine is one of the most advanced quantum computers in IBM’s global fleet of quantum computers.
• As part of the PINQ² and IBM partnership, the two organizations will lead a working group dedicated to using quantum computing to investigate sustainability challenges.
• Image: IBM Research

PRESS RELEASE — The Platform for Digital and Quantum Innovation of Quebec (PINQ²), a non-profit organization (NPO) founded by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy of Quebec (MEIE – ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie du Québec) and the Université de Sherbrooke, and IBM are proud to announce the historic inauguration of an IBM Quantum System One at IBM Bromont. This event marks a major turning point in the field of information technology and all sectors of innovation in Quebec, making PINQ² the sole administrator to inaugurate and operate an IBM Quantum System One in Canada. To date, this is one of the most advanced quantum computers in IBM’s global fleet of quantum computers.

This new quantum computer in Quebec reinforces Quebec’s and Canada’s position as a force in the rapidly advancing field of quantum computing, opening new prospects for the technological future of the province and the country. Access to this technology is a considerable asset not only for the ecosystem of DistriQ, the quantum innovation zone for Quebec, but also for the Technum Québec innovation zone, the new “Energy Transition Valley” innovation zone and other strategic sectors for Quebec.

“DistriQ is orchestrating Quebec’s rise as a global epicenter for quantum technologies, from academic innovation to market-ready solutions. PINQ2’s inauguration of an IBM Quantum System One into the Zone, is an important first phase for DistriQ in our objective of creating a leading commercial quantum research infrastructure. Our strategy of empowering innovation success is not only drawing leading global quantum companies to establish offices in Quebec but is also poised to deliver transformative technology solutions to top-tier industries worldwide,” said Richard St Pierre CEO Quantum Innovation Zone.

In addition to having access to an IBM Quantum System One, the high-performance computing centre (HPC) set up at the Humano District in Sherbrooke will enable PINQ² to offer a hybrid computing approach. This technological capability will provide businesses with an opportunity to access a full range of hybrid quantum computing services. PINQ² offers businesses an easy and seamless experience to assess the potential of digital and quantum technologies and innovations within their existing processes, with an emphasis on specific sectors such as healthcare, energy, manufacturing, the environment and sustainable development.

As part of the partnership between PINQ² and IBM announced in July 2023, the two organizations will lead a world-class quantum working group dedicated to exploring quantum computing to develop solutions to sustainability challenges. This working group will be supported by the valuable contributions of founding members Hydro-Québec and the Université de Sherbrooke through its Institut Quantique.

Discovery Accelerator 

PINQ² is currently the only entity to offer access to an IBM Quantum System One  situated in Canada, and PINQ² positions Quebec as the only other place in the world, outside the United States, to be engaged in an IBM Discovery Accelerator associated with its own high-performance computing infrastructure and a  quantum computer entirely dedicated to research and industrial innovation.

“Quantum computing is accelerating at a rapid pace. This is in large part due to a growing global ecosystem that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible,” said Jay Gambetta, Vice President, IBM Quantum. “Our partnership with PINQ2 to deploy an IBM Quantum System One in Quebec, Canada marks a significant milestone in quantum technological and scientific progress, and enables the region’s strong culture of innovation and talent to help extend the frontiers of quantum computing’s potential.”

A historic turning point for the province and the country 

“At PINQ², our passion for digital and quantum innovation is our driving force,” said Éric Capelle, General Manager of PINQ². “The inauguration of an IBM Quantum System One quantum computer marks a historic turning point for Quebec and Canada. We are proud to play a key role in this technological revolution.

“In addition to this news, PINQ² is accelerating its services for businesses.  We are working with a network of Canadian academic partners such as IVADO, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Saskatchewan, Quantum Algorithms Institute and Concordia University to collaborate with this industry and train quantum talent.