USask Acquires Quantum Computer in Huge Step for Research and Innovation

The new computer will assist researchers in wide-ranging areas, from healthcare to agriculture and beyond.

This article was originally written for the University of Saskatchewan. Photo credit Matt Smith, University of Saskatchewan.

The University of Saskatchewan (USask) will soon be home to the first university owned-and-operated, vendor-supported, full-stack, open-architecture quantum computer in Canada, positioning the university as a unique hub for quantum innovation. The new technology will enhance quantum computing application development and cutting-edge research collaborations in disciplines including human health research, energy, and agriculture.

New research opportunities

New avenues for research include discovering new drugs and vaccines in partnership with research teams at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), defence innovations such as accelerated decision-making and quantum-secure data encryption and hardware and process optimization in energy and agriculture industries.

In this quick YouTube video, researcher Dr. Steven Rayan lays out the power of quantum innovations:

Funding and project leadership

USask, with support from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and Innovation Saskatchewan, will be installing the new quantum computer on-campus for research and education. The PrairiesCan funding of $1.93 million is through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, and Innovation Saskatchewan provided an additional $400,000 through its Innovation & Science Fund. Dr. Steven Rayan (PhD), the director of USask's Centre for Quantum Topology and Its Applications (quanTA) and a professor of mathematics and statistics at USask's College of Arts and Science, is the principal investigator on the project.

Rayan, a leading quantum researcher at USask and internationally-renowned for his work in the field, expressed his gratitude to the Government of Canada and Government of Saskatchewan, as well as numerous quantum industry partners and USask affiliates including VIDO and the College of Engineering, for their support in bringing this unique venture to life.

Watch Rayan give a short TEDx Talk about quantum computing on YouTube:

Industry partners and system details

The computer was developed with industry partners Rigetti Computing, Qblox, QuantrolOx and Zero Point Cryogenics, with additional support from Testforce Systems. The full-stack quantum computer — meaning all necessary pieces for running and controlling the computer are included — was built with crucial hardware and software contributions from these partners to make it a reality. Two of the partner companies have Canadian roots and are connected to the Prairies: Rigetti Computing was founded by Moose Jaw's Dr. Chad Rigetti (PhD), and Zero Point Cryogenics is based in Edmonton.

The quantum computer will feature 14 total superconducting quantum bits or "qubits" across two computer chips. Direct access to those qubits will allow staff and faculty to explore the great computational power of a quantum computer and create many new research opportunities that would not be possible without a computer like this on USask's campus.

Strengthening the Quantum Corridor

The announcement of a quantum computer at USask strengthens the quantum research foothold in the Canadian Prairies. It builds on a Letter of Intent between USask and the University of Calgary (UCalgary) to develop a shared global quantum ecosystem by connecting quanTA with UCalgary's Quantum City hub. Together, these efforts contribute to the emerging Quantum Corridor linking researchers and partners advancing quantum innovation in Saskatchewan.