QSciTech-QuantumBC Virtual Workshop - Superconducting Circuits and Qubits
2021-07-19 08:00 - 2021-07-30 17:30 (America/Vancouver)
Two NSERC CREATE programs – Quantum BC and QSciTech – have joined forces to bring to you the first workshop worldwide on the design, fabrication, and testing of superconducting circuits used in quantum computer hardware.
With support from CMC Microsystems, the IBM Quantum Hub at Institut quantique and the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, Quantum BC and QSciTech invite you to join a virtual workshop taking place from July 19 to 30, 2021. The workshop will teach participants how to design, fabricate, and test their own superconducting circuits. The workshop will cover the fundamentals of superconductors and Josephson junctions, and how to design circuits such as resonators, SQUIDs, analog to digital converters and qubits. Students will brainstorm with researchers at leading Canadian universities and industry to pitch their device ideas and use IBM Qiskit Metal software and CMC-provided design tools to submit devices for fabrication by a foundry facilitated by CMC. Most participants will test their chips in a 4K probe station at one of the universities, or with a dilution refrigerator already available for those students pursuing a Ph.D. in experimental quantum information science.

Scott Aaronson to kick off new quantum computing virtual seminar series
2021-07-28 10:00 - 11:00
A new seminar series is starting in partnership between the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, and the University of British Columbia.

The seminar series, titled Tripartite Quantum Computing Seminar Series (TQCSS), intends to attract a wide audience of people in British Columbia and beyond. The TQCSS Committee is comprised of faculty from the 3 universities: Philip Stamp (UBC), Hausi Muller (UVic), Joseph Salfi (UBC) and Kero Lau (SFU).

Seminars will take place some Wednesdays over Zoom with a 45 minute seminar followed by 10-15 mins for Q&A.

The series will kick off this July 28 with special guest Scott Aaronson from the University of Texas at Austin.

Watch the Seminar Here

Cornerstone Models of Quantum Computing School / TRIUMF Summer Institute 2021
2021-08-02 00:00 - 2021-08-13 00:00
TRIUMF together with its partners – Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia, Quantum Algorithms Institute, Simon Fraser University, University of Victoria, Université de Sherbrooke, DESY from the Helmholtz Association and our industry partners Xanadu and D-Wave – are pleased to announce the Cornerstone Models of Quantum Computing Summer School / TRIUMF Summer Institute 2021, which will be taking place remotely from August 2 – 13, 2021.
The school will provide an in-depth introduction to the seminal models of quantum computing:

Gate Model
Annealing
Measurement-Based
Continuous Variable

Students will have a chance to work through challenges utilizing quantum computing processors and explore concepts within these main topics. In addition, students will gain awareness of the major technologies used in quantum computing, such as superconducting, photonic, and trapped-ion qubits. Major quantum computing applications such as quantum chemistry, nuclear physics, and quantum-assisted machine learning will be briefly summarized.
The school will take place from August 2nd to 13th, with several lecture hours, tutorials and office hours each day. Students will be presented with challenge problems, and are expected to spend about 2-3 hours on them each day. Graduate and undergraduate students will be eligible for full and free enrollment. Non-students are encouraged to audit the lectures. The school is designed for students in quantitative disciplines. Physics background is not required – however participants should be familiar with complex linear algebra and python programming.
Please bring this opportunity to the attention of graduate students, as well as senior undergraduates and post-doctoral researchers interested in this area.
For further information and to register for this FREE event, please visit: http://tsi.triumf.ca/2021/

Roadmapping Pathways for Quantum Computing
2021-09-02 08:00 - 15:30
Format: Virtual
The “Roadmapping Pathways for Quantum Computing” virtual event brings together academia and industry for a dynamic, multi-level discussion that aims to create a common vision for quantum computing in British Columbia and beyond in the context of the global quantum landscape.
The event will consist of two 3-hour sessions, one focused on quantum hardware, and the other on quantum software and algorithms. Each session will start with a brief introduction to a subset of specific topics, followed by small breakout groups in which each team – guided by a Topic Champion – will do a deep dive into one topic. The results will be presented to the whole group for discussion. Compiling all the results from the breakout groups will yield a real-time Roadmapping Document that will serve as a basis to synchronize efforts across the quantum computing sector in BC, advocate for funding in strategic areas, and provide a benchmark for ongoing developments and technology adoption.
Please save the date, and subscribe to our mailing list to receive details on registration.

Hannes Bernien - Tripartite QC Seminar Series Speaker
2021-09-22 10:00 - 11:00
For our second instalment of the Tripartite Seminar Series, we welcome Hannes Bernien from the University of Chicago.

The Tripartite Quantum Computing Seminar Series (TQCSS), intends to attract a wide audience of people in British Columbia and beyond. The TQCSS Committee is comprised of faculty from 3 BC universities.

Seminars will take place some Wednesdays over Zoom with a 45 minute seminar followed by 10-15 mins for Q&A.

Watch the Seminar Here

Quantum BC Open House
2021-12-08 13:00 - 14:30

Quantum Machine Learning Workshop
2022-01-24 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-01-27 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-01-31 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-02-03 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-02-07 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-02-10 08:00 - 14:30
QSciTech-QuantumBC Virtual Workshop 2022: Quantum Machine Learning with Gate-Based Quantum Computing Using IBM Quantum
January 24, 27, 31, and February 3, 7, 10, 2022, Online
In 2020, the Institut Quantique (IQ) at Université de Sherbrooke joined the IBM Quantum network through the IBM Quantum Hub at IQ. The IBM Quantum Hub at IQ provides academic and industrial members with exclusive cloud access to IBM’s quantum computers and software, including a 127-qubits universal system, currently the largest one available in the industry. As the first member of the IBM Quantum Hub at IQ, CMC Microsystems offers quantum computing as a service for all Canadian academics through Canada’s National Design Network (CNDN).
To take advantage of this unique opportunity for the Canadian quantum computing community, the NSERC CREATE training programs, QSciTech and Quantum BC, have joined forces to bring to you every year a one-of-a-kind workshop to gain practical skills on using IBM’s quantum computers for real-world applications. It will allow you to develop your expertise tangibly while running calculations on real quantum computers.
More Information Here

Lunch & Learn with Dr Jakob Kottmann
2022-02-01 11:00 - 12:20
The Quantum Algorithms Institute is proud to host its very first Lunch & Learn event on Tuesday, February 1 from 11:00 am to 12:20 pm PST. Please join us to hear Dr. Jakob Kottmann from the University of Toronto speak about his work on Tequila, a platform for rapid prototyping of quantum algorithms (https://arxiv.org/pdf/2011.03057.pdf).
This Lunch & Learn event is part of QAI’s goal to publicize quantum innovations by Canadian research groups and share tools available to promote cutting edge research in quantum algorithms in British Columbia.
Please join us Tuesday at the Zoom link below:
Zoom: https://uvic.zoom.us/j/83186782013?pwd=[REDACTED]

Alan Aspuru-Guzik - Tripartite Seminar Series Speaker
2022-03-30 11:00 - 12:00
For our third instalment of the Tripartite Seminar Series, we welcome Alan Aspuru-Guzik from the University of Toronto. He will speak on the topic Quantum Algorithms for Near-Term Quantum Computers.

ABSTRACT:
Quantum algorithms for near-term quantum computers
We are in the NISQ era of quantum computing. NISQ stands for “Near-term intermediate-scale quantum computer”. These machines are not error corrected and have of the order of tens of quantum bits. In this talk, I will discuss a family of quantum algorithms that are promising applications for these devices that my group and others have developed. I will discuss potential applications for the simulation of chemistry and materials and quantum machine learning.

The Tripartite Quantum Computing Seminar Series (TQCSS), intends to attract a wide audience of people in British Columbia and beyond. The TQCSS Committee is comprised of faculty from 3 BC universities.

Seminars will take place some Wednesdays over Zoom with a 45 minute seminar followed by 10-15 mins for Q&A.

Watch the Seminar Here

QC-BC Quantum Computing Open House
2022-05-03 11:00 - 12:30
See what upcoming events, courses and seminars are happening across Canada, and hear from two NSERC CREATE programs in quantum computing, one in BC and one in Quebec.
Topic: Quantum Computing Open House
Time: May 3, 2022 11:00 AM Vancouver
View the Recording Here
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Lunch & Learn with Olivia di Matteo and Prashanti Priya Angara
2022-05-25 12:00 - 13:30
The Quantum Algorithms Institute will be hosting a virtual Lunch & Learn event on Wednesday, May 25 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm PST. Expand your knowledge of quantum programming with Dr. Olivia Di Matteo and Prashanti Priya Angara as they discuss their work on the Xanadu Quantum Codebook through a live demo. Gain an understanding of how the online resource familiarizes learners with quantum computing theories and the quantum programming framework PennyLane.
Register for free on Eventbrite: https://lnkd.in/ggsXSJxW

Superconducting Quantum Device Workshop
2022-06-20 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-06-23 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-06-27 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-06-30 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-07-04 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-07-06 08:00 - 14:30, 2022-07-08 08:00 - 14:30
Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems beyond the capabilities of conventional supercomputers. It could revolutionize the advancement of several fields, including biochemistry, finance, logistics, and artificial intelligence. However, building quantum hardware is a great challenge, involving both concepts and technology that have little in common with those in conventional silicon chips. It involves cryogenic environments and in the currently most advanced approach, it relies on superconducting circuits that display macroscopic quantum effects. These concepts and techniques are not part of the usual science and engineering curriculum.
To fill this gap, the Universities of Calgary and Victoria, the two NSERC CREATE programs – Quantum BC and QSciTech – the three quantum institutes – Institut quantique, Institute for Quantum Computing and the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute – and CMC Microsystems have joined forces to bring to you the workshop on the design, fabrication, and testing of superconducting devices used in quantum computer hardware. We invite you to join the virtual workshop taking place from June 20 to July 8.

Roadmapping Workshop 2022
2022-09-01 10:00 - 2022-09-02 15:00
A CREATE Program event for the quantum computing community in BC to connect, network, and discuss the outlook for quantum technologies.

Following on from the virtual Roadmapping Workshop held in September 2021, this event brings together academic faculty and staff, industry experts, and students for a dynamic, multi-level discussion and exchange of information.
This event will be one of the first in-person events hosted by the BC CREATE Program in Quantum Computing, a graduate student training initiative jointly run by SFU, UBC and UVic and supported by numerous local, national and international industry partners. The event will be hosted at the Quantum Algorithms Institute campus in Surrey. There will also be an option to participate remotely.
Roadmapping 2022 will feature a day of talks from local BC universities and companies, followed by a morning of student-driven presentations that outline the current state and future opportunities for quantum computing technologies in BC. This activities promises to be a fun and interactive event, and a chance to learn about activities across all quantum sectors in the province.

Quantum Entrepreneurship #2 with Mitacs
2022-09-15 09:00 - 10:00

Unboxing Quantum: Spooky Action
2022-10-19 18:30 - 19:30
In this Halloween-inspired presentation, Ella Meyer, BSc, talks about Quantum Spooky Action in a fun and engaging way.

Quantum BC Fall 2022 Open House
2022-12-01 12:00 - 13:00
Learn more about getting involved with quantum computing at the undergraduate and graduate level, and find out about our exciting outreach programs and courses! Email bahiyyih.peters@ubc.ca for the event link.
Watch the recording on the Quantum BC Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/hK5PGxcewg0
View the open house slides here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lqygA0ne6naGdPLkgGGOG_tO5qQFw4dJhbm6vYkWqXI/edit?usp=sharing

QBC Open House Dec 1

Virtual Quantum Chemistry Workshop with Gate-Based Quantum Computing Using IBM Quantum
2023-01-23 08:00 - 2023-02-09 14:30
We invite you to join a 6-day virtual workshop from the end of January to the beginning of February 2023. This year, the workshop will focus on quantum chemistry on IBM’s gate-based quantum computers, incorporating problem-based learning, teamwork, and best practices in quantum software development. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to use the IBM Quantum platform and basic quantum computing tools to solve concrete, small-scale quantum chemistry problems. The workshop will also include poster sessions and an awards ceremony for the best student team presentations.

Quantum Photonics Workshop
2023-02-20 09:00 - 2023-02-24 17:00
The NSERC CREATE Quantum BC program and CMC Microsystems bring to you a workshop on the design, fabrication, and testing of quantum silicon photonic circuits used in quantum computer hardware. We invite you to join the workshop taking place in person at The University of British Columbia from February 20 to 24, 2023.

QBC Seminar Series - Stephanie Simmons
2023-03-14 14:00 - 15:00
The Quantum BC Seminar Series is a monthly talk given by faculty in BC on various topics related to quantum computing. The talks happen on the second Tuesday of each month at 2pm.
Please join us for our first seminar with Dr. Stephanie Simmons on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 2pm. Dr. Simmons will speak about Silicon Colour Centres.
Silicon Colour Centres:
The future global quantum internet will require high-performance matter-photon interfaces. The highly demanding technological requirements indicate that the matter-photon interfaces currently under study all have potentially unworkable drawbacks, and there is a global race underway to identify the best possible new alternative. For overwhelming commercial and quantum reasons, silicon is the best possible host for such an interface. Silicon is not only the most developed integrated photonics and electronics platform by far, isotopically purified silicon-28 has also set records for quantum lifetimes at both cryogenic and room temperatures [1]. Despite this, the vast majority of research into photon-spin interfaces has notably focused on visible-wavelength colour centres in other materials.
In this talk I will introduce a variety of silicon colour centres and discuss their properties in isotopically purified silicon-28. Some of these centres have zero-phonon optical transitions in the telecommunications bands [2], some have long-lived spins in their ground states [3], and some, including the newly rediscovered T centre, have both [4] and can be integrated into silicon photonics chips at scale [5].
[1] K. Saeedi, S. Simmons, J.Z. Salvail, et al. Science 342:830 (2013).
[2] C. Chartrand, L. Bergeron, K.J. Morse, et al. Phys. Rev. B 98:195201 (2018).
[3] K. Morse, R. Abraham, A. DeAbreu, et al. Science Advances 3:e1700930 (2017).
[4] L. Bergeron, C. Chartrand, A.T.K. Kurkjian, et al. PRXQuantum 1:020301 (2020).
[5] D. Higginbottom, A.T.K. Kurkjian, C. Chartrand et al. Nature 607:266 (2022).

Biography:
Dr Stephanie Simmons is an Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair, CIFAR Quantum Information Science Fellow, Co-chair of the National Quantum Strategy Advisory Council, based out of the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University (SFU), and is the Founder and Chief Quantum Officer of Photonic Inc. Her work on silicon quantum technologies was awarded a Physics World Top Ten Breakthrough of the Year of 2013 and again in 2015, and she is one of only 5 individuals to have ever won this award twice. She was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2020, and her work has been covered by the New York Times, CBC, BBC, Scientific American, the New Scientist, and many others.

Tuesday, March 14 at 2pm:
Join in Person (Dr. Simmons will be joining virtually and the talk will be broadcast with refreshments):
SFU Burnaby, WAC Bennett Library Room 7200

Join on Zoom:
https://ubc.zoom.us/j/69443327772?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 694 4332 7772
Passcode: [REDACTED]
