DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone, has announced the creation of the Quantum Studio in partnership with Quantonation Ventures and ACET (Accélérateur de Création d’Entreprises Technologiques). The Quantum Studio is a startup studio designed to support quantum innovators in researching, developing, and refining their projects. The initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem for quantum start-ups, including academic excellence, infrastructure, talent pool, financing, and public support. The Quantum Studio will be part of the Espace Quantique 1, a 50,000 square feet quantum centre opening in Sherbrooke in early fall 2023.
Quantum Studio: A Startup Studio for Quantum Innovators
DistriQ, a Quantum Innovation Zone based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, has announced the creation of the Quantum Studio, a startup studio and support structure designed to help quantum innovators research, develop, and refine their projects. The aim is to create new and unique technology solutions for customers. The Quantum Studio is a partnership between DistriQ, Quantonation Ventures, and ACET (Accélérateur de Création d’Entreprises Technologiques).
Quantum start-ups have specific characteristics that require a whole ecosystem to be created, including academic excellence, infrastructure, a large talent pool, access to private and non-dilutive financing, and public support. The Quantum Studio will bring these elements together to support quantum start-ups, with support from the Université de Sherbrooke Institut Quantique.
Quantonation Ventures’ Investment in Quantum Studio
Quantonation Ventures, a venture capital firm dedicated to quantum technologies, has invested in Quantum Studio as a strategic move to reinforce its presence in the Sherbrooke ecosystem. Since its first investment in Nord Quantique, several portfolio companies have positioned their operations within DistriQ to exploit its world-class quantum infrastructure and talent. The Quantum Studio will create a high-quality deal flow of quantum leaders.
“The Quantum Studio fits a strong need to de-risk and accelerate the creation of companies born from quantum and deep physics technology research, reinforcing the pipeline of investment opportunities for computing, communications and sensing.”
Christophe Jurczak, Managing Partner of Quantonation Ventures
DistriQ’s Quantum Innovation Zone
DistriQ effectively combines research, teaching, entrepreneurship, and industry, fostering a world-class environment conducive to quantum innovation. Some of its key features include Espace Quantique 1, 50,000 square feet (4,600 square metres) building opening in Sherbrooke in early fall 2023, which will be the most extensive and comprehensive commercially focused quantum centre. It will unite the foremost minds in quantum technologies with the most comprehensively equipped shared commercial quantum development labs.
The Université de Sherbrooke has world-renowned expertise in quantum science and quantum technologies and is actively contributing to training a highly qualified workforce in this critical sector.
ACET’s Role in Supporting Quantum Companies
ACET, a business accelerator based in Sherbrooke, aims to support quantum companies across Quebec. The organization is already supporting a dozen companies in this field, and its expertise will allow companies incubated at the Studio to benefit from the services and network of a recognized accelerator. ACET has an extensive network of specialized coaches, including quantum experts, who can support start-ups in different aspects of their business journey.
Richard St-Pierre, Managing Director of DistriQ – Quantum Innovation Zone, said, “Quantum Studio is a powerful and unprecedented next step for accelerating quantum innovation. By providing quantum scientists and entrepreneurs with a leading global platform that meets their ambitions, we empower them to bring their transformative ideas to reality successfully.”
Christophe Jurczak, the Managing Partner of Quantonation Ventures, said, “The Quantum Studio fits a strong need to de-risk and accelerate the creation of companies born from quantum and deep physics technology research, reinforcing the pipeline of investment opportunities for computing, communications and sensing. Our investment in Quantum Studio is a strategic move based on the positive progress we’ve experienced working with DistriQ and its wealth of quantum talent in the innovation zone. We envision several such initiatives that will be connected to leading quantum ecosystems worldwide. We’re committed to supporting innovators with the supreme confidence that the solutions developed will become powerful solutions providing significant commercial advantages.”
Richard St-Pierre, Managing Director of DistriQ – Quantum Innovation Zone, added, “Quantum Studio is a powerful and unprecedented next step for accelerating quantum innovation. By providing quantum scientists and entrepreneurs with a leading global platform that meets their ambitions, we empower them to successfully bring their transformative ideas to reality. We are extremely proud to be part of this leap in the evolution of the quantum field and proud to strengthen ties with Quantonation Ventures the global leader in quantum investment. We expect other Quebec funds and funding partners to join the initiative in the coming months.”
Executive Summary
DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone, has announced the creation of Quantum Studio, a startup studio designed to support quantum innovators in developing unique technology solutions. In partnership with Quantonation Ventures and ACET, the initiative aims to create a supportive ecosystem for quantum start-ups, with backing from Université de Sherbrooke Institut Quantique.
- DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone, announces the creation of Quantum Studio in partnership with Quantonation Ventures and ACET (Accélérateur de Création d’Entreprises Technologiques).
- Quantum Studio is a startup studio and support structure designed to enable quantum innovators to research, develop, and refine their projects for unique technology solutions.
- The Quantum Studio will bring academic excellence, infrastructure, talent, financing, and public support together to help quantum start-ups become global leaders.
- Investment from Quantonation Ventures has reinforced its presence in the Sherbrooke ecosystem since 2018, with several portfolio companies positioning their operations within DistriQ.
- Christophe Jurczak, Managing Partner of Quantonation Ventures, highlights the strategic move to invest in Quantum Studio and envisions similar initiatives in leading quantum ecosystems worldwide.
- DistriQ combines research, teaching, entrepreneurship, and industry, fostering a world-class environment for quantum innovation.
- Espace Quantique 1, opening in Sherbrooke in early fall 2023, will be the most extensive and comprehensive commercially focused quantum centre.
- The Université de Sherbrooke contributes actively to the training of a highly qualified workforce in the quantum sector.
- ACET, a business accelerator based in Sherbrooke, supports quantum companies across Quebec and will provide expertise to companies incubated at the Quantum Studio.
- Richard St-Pierre, Managing Director of DistriQ, emphasizes the importance of Quantum Studio in accelerating quantum innovation and strengthening ties with Quantonation Ventures.