The United Nations has just proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Here, Paul Smith from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics asks what it will take to bring the long-promised quantum technology revolution to fruition.
Quantum science will change the world. This is no exaggeration – it is happening. But where it will happen remains an open question. One thing, however, is clear: It will be where leaders make it a priority. Good things happen to those who commit. Canada, among other countries, has taken the first steps in this direction, but seeing it to fruition will be a big challenge.
The International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
It is safe to say that the whole world knows the quantum revolution is coming. The United Nations (UN) just declared 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. It will be a celebration of the progress scientists and innovators have made in the last century, from Schrödinger’s cat to the invention of the laser, the LED, the solar cell, the MRI, and more. But it will also be a call to action: to bring about new communications techniques, cybersecurity protocols, powerful computers, and advances in material science. All of it is at humanity’s fingertips, and the UN has aptly observed that we will need it to reach a sustainable future.
However, this is easier said than done. This will take investment. It will take passion. It will take a thriving knowledge economy, and a society that values fundamental research. It will take a commitment to laying the groundwork today, for tomorrow’s benefit. Canada could do all these things. We know it can, because it’s already started.
Canada’s role in the quantum revolution
At Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, we have an insider’s view of this process in action. Perimeter researchers are, amongst other things, actively exploring ways to improve quantum error correction (how to keep quantum computers from making mistakes). This is one of the key barriers to a full-blown quantum computing free-for-all. At the same time, we are pioneering new quantum materials, where unusual phase transitions occur – like water to ice – but with magnetism and quantum states. Quantum physicists are devising materials that act like a single atom on a macroscopic scale. They are creating matter with emergent properties, where the whole material demonstrates behaviours that the constituent particles within do not show on their own. In these magnificent materials, the sum is literally greater than its parts.
The world of quantum physics sounds a lot like science fiction. It produces concepts with names like ‘quantum spin liquids’ and ‘time crystals.’ It promises to do calculations 100 million times faster than a supercomputer. It doesn’t sound real, but it is and it’s incredible.
Some of those breakthroughs in theoretical science become experimentally testable, at places like the University of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing, just down the road from Perimeter.
Those successful experiments can become commercially viable and enter our lives through innovative quantum computing companies like Toronto’s Xanadu, Vancouver’s Photonic, or Nord Quantique in Sherbrooke, to name just a few. It’s a pipeline: from theory, to experiment, to reality. We must invest in all three to make progress. There is no getting around any of these steps.
International investment in quantum computing
Other countries also recognise the importance of this investment process.
China has, to date, put $15.3bn in public investments into quantum research. The EU has put in more than $7bn. The United States has put in nearly $2bn.
Canada hasn’t been left behind. In fact, it punched above its weight by investing more than $1bn over the last decade, and launching a National Quantum Strategy in 2023. That was a promising sign.
What’s next for quantum science and technology?
If you’re not yet convinced that quantum research should be a priority, remember that humanity has seen the fundamental research pipeline change the world before. One example is the research at the famous Bell Labs in New Jersey in 1947 which led to the development of the transistor. That breakthrough paved the way for the microchip now inside every computer, smartphone, and electronic device you’ve ever encountered. It has connected the world like never before and underpins the enormous growth of today’s biggest tech successes like Nvidia, whose chips are powering the Artificial Intelligence (AI) boom.
There’s no reason to believe that today’s quantum research pipeline won’t do something similar. New insights into quantum entanglement in the second half of last century kicked open the doors for practical quantum applications (and, incidentally, earned quantum researchers the 2022 Nobel Prize).
The next phase is underway. We’re seeing the groundwork being laid.
By choosing 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the UN has made a visionary choice. It means that we all get to stand at the frontier of science, and watch it unfold in real time.
Securing Canada’s quantum future
But we only get our slice of the pie if we put in the work. Canada took an early lead in quantum research – we shouldn’t let that get away from us. If you’re as keen as we are to earn Canada’s place in the quantum future – and you probably should be if you value a thriving tech industry and a skilled workforce here at home – then let’s get to it.
The quantum future is bright. Our place in it will be exactly what we make it.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 19th edition of our quarterly publication.
