Vancouver-based Photonic Inc. has been selected for Phase 1 of the Canadian Quantum Champions Program (CQCP), a new federal initiative aimed at accelerating the development of fault-tolerant quantum computing in Canada.

The program, led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) with technical due diligence conducted by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), could provide up to $23 million in funding to Photonic as part of its first phase. Phase 1 of the CQCP is launching now, with future phases still under development.

The CQCP is designed to strengthen Canada’s position in quantum technologies by anchoring high-value jobs, talent, and intellectual property domestically, while supporting the commercialization of quantum systems capable of operating at scale. The initiative also reflects growing federal interest in quantum computing as a strategic technology tied to economic competitiveness and national security.

Photonic is one of the Canadian companies invited to participate in the program’s first phase.

“We’re pleased that Canada recognizes the strategic importance of quantum, and to be one of the companies invited to participate in Phase 1 of the CQCP,” said Dr. Paul Terry, CEO of Photonic, in a statement. “Quantum computing isn’t just an incremental step; it’s a technology that will redefine how we solve the world’s hardest problems.”

Terry pointed to potential applications ranging from advanced materials modeling and drug discovery to secure global communications, adding that Photonic’s distributed approach is designed to enable scalable, real-world quantum systems. He described Phase 1 as “just the start” of a program that could help Canada play a leading role in the global quantum race.

The federal government has framed the CQCP as a cornerstone investment in Canada’s quantum ecosystem.

“Canada’s investment in the Canadian Quantum Champions Program is a bold step to anchor our world-class talent and companies here at home,” said Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. Solomon said the program aims to support long-term economic resilience while ensuring the benefits of quantum innovation are broadly shared.

In response to the news, Lisa Lambert, CEO, Quantum Industry Canada, said, “Quantum technologies — computing, sensing, and communications — are now understood as strategic infrastructure that will underpin economic competitiveness and national security for decades to come…This is not merely about inventing the future, but building it here, in Canada.”

Photonic is developing commercial-scale quantum computers and quantum networks using what it calls an Entanglement First™ architecture, based on optically linked silicon spin qubits. The company says this approach enables high connectivity, efficient error correction, and integration with existing data centre and telecom infrastructure.

Headquartered in Vancouver, Photonic also has operations in the United States and the United Kingdom and employs more than 150 people globally. The company is working with a range of investors, partners, and customers as it advances toward scalable quantum systems.