French quantum computing leader, PASQAL, has launched a $90 million initiative to develop neutral atom quantum computers in Sherbrooke, Quebec. The five-year project, supported by a $15 million loan from the Quebec government, aims to establish Sherbrooke as a global quantum hub. The initiative will create 53 jobs and includes manufacturing, commercialisation, and research and development activities. CEO Georges-Olivier Reymond, CTO Loïc Henriet, co-founders Christophe Jurczak and Nobel laureate Alain Aspect were present at the inauguration. The project also involves collaboration with academic and industrial partners within the DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone.
Quantum Computing Initiative in Sherbrooke, Quebec
The project aims to conduct manufacturing and commercialisation activities for quantum computers, as well as research and development in collaboration with academic and industrial partners in quantum computing within DistriQ, a quantum innovation zone. The goal of this innovation zone is to establish Sherbrooke as an internationally renowned quantum hub. The Government of Quebec is providing a $15 million loan in connection with this investment project for the establishment of PASQAL SAS’ subsidiary in the quantum innovation zone, DistriQ, based in Sherbrooke.
Inauguration of Espace Quantique 1: A New Era for Quantum Computing
On November 24, during an official ceremony, the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, officially announced the opening of Espace Quantique 1. The CEO of PASQAL, Georges-Olivier Reymond, Chief Technical Officer Loïc Henriet, co-founders Christophe Jurczak and Nobel Prize laureate Alain Aspect, were also present. PASQAL will play a key role in this initiative, not only as a major partner of DistriQ within Espace Quantique 1, but also in the production, development of technological laboratories, training, and funding for new ventures in the quantum field.
An Ambitious Initiative for the Future of Quantum in North America
PASQAL’s presence in Sherbrooke represents a major step in the evolution of quantum computing. The collaboration between the private and public sectors aims to create an environment leading to major technological advancements, especially in terms of sustainable development. The goal is to actively participate in creating a dynamic ecosystem that will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the quantum industry, while attracting talent and companies from all over the world.
Investments in Infrastructure and Innovation: The Factory and Espace Quantique 1
In 2024, PASQAL will open a facility at the heart of DistriQ, within Espace Quantique 1, aimed at manufacturing neutral atom quantum computers and the next generation of machines. Quantum Space 1 will also provide a collaborative space of nearly 5,000 square meters dedicated to quantum innovation. Equipped with advanced quantum computers, it will be utilised, among other purposes, by PASQAL as an R&D center, for prototype testing, and for business activities in Canada.
Training and Talent Attraction: PASQAL’s Commitment to Education
DistriQ also focuses on training talent. In this context, PASQAL announced a contribution of $500,000 to creating a research chair within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, which will also benefit from federal and/or local grants. Quantonation, and the Quebec fund Quantacet will collaborate to fund QV Studio, that will support the transition to commercial quantum applications, creating a unique ecosystem within DistriQ for sector startups. This fund aims to invest in around fifteen Quebec-based or foreign companies, especially at the pre-seed or seed stage, that are active within the DistriQ innovation zone. It will foster the development of a strong and internationally competitive Quebec ecosystem in this future-oriented sector.
“Thanks to this unprecedented collaboration between the private and public sectors, we are creating an environment leading to major technological advancements, especially in terms of sustainable development,” emphasizes Georges-Olivier Reymond, CEO of PASQAL. “We aim to actively participate in the creation of a dynamic ecosystem that will serve as a catalyst for innovation in the quantum industry, while attracting talent and companies from all over the world.”
Christophe Jurczak, CEO of Quantonation and co-founder of PASQAL, states: “Espace Quantique 1 will become a leading center of innovation, facilitating the transition of quantum startups from concept to commercialization and forming a dynamic community around quantum technologies.”
Summary
PASQAL, a French quantum computing company, has launched a $90 million initiative to develop neutral atom quantum computers and establish Sherbrooke, Quebec as a global quantum hub. The five-year project, which includes manufacturing, commercialisation, and research activities, is expected to create 53 permanent jobs and foster a dynamic ecosystem for quantum innovation.
- French quantum computing company, PASQAL, has launched a $90 million quantum technology initiative in Sherbrooke, Quebec.
- The five-year project aims to manufacture and commercialise quantum computers, and conduct research and development in collaboration with academic and industrial partners within DistriQ, a quantum innovation zone.
- The Government of Quebec is providing a $15 million loan for the project, which is expected to create 53 permanent jobs over five years.
- The initiative was officially announced by the Premier of Quebec, François Legault, and other ministers, alongside PASQAL’s CEO, Georges-Olivier Reymond, and co-founders Christophe Jurczak and Nobel Prize laureate Alain Aspect.
- In 2024, PASQAL will open a facility within Espace Quantique 1, a collaborative space dedicated to quantum innovation, for manufacturing neutral atom quantum computers.
- PASQAL has also committed $500,000 to the creation of a research chair within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke.
- Quantonation and the Quebec fund Quantacet will collaborate to fund QV Studio, supporting the transition to commercial quantum applications and fostering the development of a strong Quebec ecosystem in this future-oriented sector.