Vancouver’s Photonic is pioneering quantum technologies

Quantum technologies are expected to reshape every sector of the economy — in ways that could be more historic than the advent of the internet. And while quantum computing could enable innovations beyond what classical computers can achieve, it could also create cybersecurity threats that break all conventional safeguards — a point experts call “Q-Day.” It’s why major companies — like IBM, Google, and Microsoft — are in the race to perfect quantum solutions, which are expected to be a trillion-dollar industry by 2040.

One company that is on the edge of a breakthrough is Photonic, which is headquartered in Coquitlam but also has offices in the U.S. and U.K. The organization previously made headlines following a USD $100 million investment from a pool of backers, including Microsoft. And this week, it hit another milestone through its partnership with Telus to accelerate the development of quantum communications. As part of the collaboration, Photonic will have its own 30-kilometre fibre network in B.C. to test its technologies, aiming to help industries prepare for a quantum-secure future. The deal marks the first time a Canadian startup has been granted this level of access to a telecom operator’s network to explore quantum capabilities.