UCalgary builds secure hub for quantum defence innovation

The Government of Canada will invest $20.3 million over two years to establish the Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) led by the University of Calgary. This investment will accelerate the development of Canadian quantum technology for use by the Canadian Armed Forces, positioning UCalgary’s Quantum City as the central hub for this national initiative. Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, states Canada “must be prepared to lead—not follow,” as the hub seeks to translate research into and strengthen the country’s defence industrial base.

$20.3 Million Investment Launches Quantum Tech Transition for Canadian Armed Forces

UCalgary will operate the newly established Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH), a direct outcome of an investment over two years from the Government of Canada intended to rapidly integrate quantum technologies into capabilities usable by the Canadian Armed Forces. This funding establishes a consortium of 13 organizations, including Lockheed Martin Canada, General Dynamics Mission Systems Canada, and several universities, to accelerate the transition of quantum research into deployable defence solutions. The hub’s formation addresses a recognized gap in the Canadian defence innovation ecosystem by providing a secure environment for collaboration between researchers, industry, and the military, facilitating engagement that was previously hindered by logistical and security barriers. The consortium’s structure emphasizes cross-sector partnerships, a strategy Dr. Megan Lee, managing director for Quantum City, describes as “uniquely positioned to build the cross-sector partnerships needed to advance quantum technologies for defence.” This collaborative approach extends beyond Alberta, incorporating the University of Saskatchewan, University of Alberta, and University of Lethbridge, forging what Dr. Vince Bruni-Bossio, president of the University of Saskatchewan, calls a uniquely suited approach to serve national needs. The DISH will concentrate on four key areas: quantum-enabled sensing, communications, computation, and hardware assurance, with the goal of delivering validated prototypes to the Canadian Armed Forces and Communications Security Establishment within two years. Lockheed Martin Canada anticipates a significant role in this transition, with Kristen Leroux, vice-president and regional executive, stating, “We’re incredibly proud to be a supporting partner of Canada’s Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub, helping accelerate the transition of quantum research and development into field-ready capabilities for our Canadian Armed Forces.” The hub’s design prioritizes a direct connection between end-users and innovators, allowing for a better understanding of real-world limitations and needs. Dr. Erika Janitz, assistant professor in the Schulich School of Engineering, explains that being able to take research into an environment with a direct line to the end user and understanding the limitations, needs, and constraints of real-world technologies is exciting.

We thank the Government of Canada for this transformational investment at the University of Calgary and Quantum City. UCalgary has a long history of excellence in strategic studies, military scholarship, and applied research in defence and security-related fields,” says Dr. Dr. Ed McCauley, PhD, UCalgary president and vice-chancellor

Prairie Consortium of 13 Advances Quantum Sensing & Communications Capabilities

Beyond fostering research, the DISH aims to create a secure environment for collaboration between government, industry, and academia, enabling the progression of quantum technologies beyond early development stages. The Prairie region is uniquely positioned to benefit from this investment, with a focus on connecting the strengths of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and this regional collaboration is intended to translate quantum science into tangible impact demonstrating a localized approach to national security.

Quantum will shape the next generation of defence capabilities, and Canada must be prepared to lead-not follow. Through the Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub, we’re bringing together Canadian researchers, innovators, industry, and government to accelerate Made-in-Canada quantum technologies into mission-ready capabilities that strengthen the operational advantage of the Canadian Armed Forces while growing Canada’s sovereign defence industrial base,” says Hon. David J. McGuinty