WATERLOO — The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced a strategic investment in the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo. The investment furthers the Government of Canada's long-term commitment to fostering excellence in science and technology (S&T) through its national S&T Strategy.

“This strategic investment will help make Canada a global leader in the field of quantum technology and attract some of the best and brightest researchers and students from Canada and around the world,” said Minister of State Goodyear. “With this investment, the IQC will be better positioned to build on existing successes and contribute to Canada's global advantage by helping to create jobs, improve the quality of life for all Canadians and strengthen the economy for future generations.”

The IQC, already a symbol of Canada's achievement in information and communication technology, will now be in a better position to strengthen Canada's reputation as a pioneer in the field of quantum information. The IQC's plans include developing applications and devices for commercialization that will, for example, replace the present generation of computers with devices that may factor large numbers 10 000 times faster than today's computers.

Through this $50-million investment, the IQC will be able to build, purchase and recruit the resources needed to lead the world towards the next generation of computer technology. As an integrated centre for research, the Institute will support the training of highly qualified personnel and the development of new knowledge. The IQC will foster a multi-disciplinary approach and promote collaboration among scientists as well as industry and government partners, an approach that could yield profound discoveries.

“IQC is proud of the recognition both from the Government of Canada and the international research community in quantum information science,” said Dr. Raymond Laflamme, Director of the Institute. “We are determined to be at the forefront on the leading edge of research in a field of tremendous potential for the future of Canada.”

In May 2007, the Prime Minister released the Government of Canada's national S&T Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, setting out a multi-year framework to improve Canada's long-term competitiveness and quality of life. The Strategy includes a commitment to attract and retain talent, support world-leading research and ensure that research discoveries are transformed into practical applications.

As a part of its ongoing support for this strategy, the government has pledged over $2.2 billion in new S&T funding. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides more than $5.1 billion toward S&T initiatives. This measure will contribute to the creation of a stronger, more innovative economy and a more prosperous Canada.