NEWS

2023
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2020 and earlier

August 2023

UBC Assistant Professor Joe Salfi receives John R. Evans Leaders Fund award

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Joseph Salfi who has been awarded over $500,000 in infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) for his research project on ‘Quantum Computation and Networks with Spins’. 

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August 2023

Canada Research Chair awarded to UBC Assistant Professor Olivia Di Matteo

Olivia Di Matteo, Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been awarded a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Quantum Software and Algorithms. The Tier 2 five-year term CRC position is for exceptional emerging researchers, acknowledged by their peers as having the potential to lead their field. A tremendous achievement, congratulations Assistant Professor Di Matteo!

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July 2023

NSERC CREATE Graduate Emily Wright pursues PhD in Germany

Emily Wright is about to graduate with her MSc in Physics from the University of Victoria under the supervision of Rogerio de Sousa. Emily is also a graduate of the NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing program where she was an NSERC CREATE scholar, which included taking courses in quantum hardware and software, professional development workshops, and completing an industrial internship in quantum computing.

Emily is moving to Munich, Germany in the fall where she will be earning her PhD at the Technical University of Munich as a member of the International Max Plank Research School of Quantum Science and Technology.

We are wishing Emily and all of our recent graduates the very best in their next steps in their education and career!

May 2023

quantum bc roadmapping workshop 2023

Students gathered on May 11 and 12 for this annual event that is part of the NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing Program. Hosted and sponsored by the Quantum Algorithms Institute, the two-day event brought together graduate and undergraduate students from SFU, UBC and UVic to discuss the differences between quantum hardware and software. Faculty experts were on hand to assist student groups as they prepared slides answering questions from each side. The workshop ended with a career panel, with contributors from IBM, Xanadu, D-Wave, CMC and UVic.

 

April 2023

Quantum BC researchers attract over $5m in National Quantum Strategy funding

Congratulations to all five Quantum BC researchers – Joseph Salfi, Olivia di Matteo, Steve Wilton, Hoi-Kwan (Kero) Lau and Nadish de Silva – who were collectively awarded over $5m in NSERC Alliance National Quantum Strategy grants.

A special mention to Joseph Salfi who received $4,925,000 in funding to lead a pan-Canadian Consortium on Quantum Simulation with Spin Qubits (CQS2Q) with the Universite de Sherbrooke, the University of Waterloo, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, McGill University and other key industry and research partners.

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April 2023

Quantum bc research day 2023

The first annual Quantum BC Research Day took place on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the University of Victoria. Nearly 70 people gathered for this networking event, giving the community the first chance to meet in person and learn about the latest research in quantum science and technologies. Combining research and industry talks, poster presentations and ample time for networking, the students, faculty and industry attending were given the opportunity to learn more about the Quantum BC ecosystem and find ways to connect and collaborate going forward. The event was sponsored by the Quantum Algorithms Institute.

This event will happen each year on the last Friday in April.

March 2023

new evidence quantum machine learning outperforms classical computing

Quantum machine learning models can achieve ‘quantum advantage’ by solving a complex class of mathematical problems that is impossible to crack with a classical computer, according to a new study by UBC researchers from Blusson QMI. The study was published in Nature Communications.

Quantum advantage refers to the instances where quantum computers outperform their classical counterparts when scaling to enormous datasets containing countless variables.

Blusson QMI Investigator Prof. Roman Krems said the results rigorously prove that quantum machine learning does indeed offer the quantum advantage.

Image: Ph.D. student and first author of the paper Jonas Jäger.

“The key goal now is to find a real-world machine learning application that would benefit from this quantum advantage in practice,” said Prof. Krems.

Ph.D. student and first author of the paper Jonas Jäger said the models have universal expressiveness in that they solve not just one problem, but capture the complexity of an entire class of problems that are too complicated to solve with classical machine learning.

“While quantum machine learning is often considered to be one of the most promising use cases of quantum computing, there are only a few rigorous results about its real computational advantages,” Jäger said. “Our results offer theoretical guarantees that such advantages indeed exist.”

The study proves a quantum advantage exists for two of the most popular quantum machine learning classification models: Variational Quantum Classifiers (also known as quantum neural networks) and Quantum Kernel Support Vector Machines.

“With this knowledge, we can now confidently explore important real-world applications and develop effective approaches for building informative data encoding quantum circuits that could unlock the full potential of quantum machine learning,” said Jäger.

The research points out that the advantages reported in the study are somewhat subject to the quality of the datasets presented to the system. As quantum computing is still very much in the experimental stage, a challenge faced by researchers is encoding the classical data for processing by a quantum device.

“The mathematical problem that we’ve solved using these models is quite abstract and doesn’t have many practical applications. But, because it presents such special properties under the complexity theory, it can be used by others as a benchmark to test how different quantum machine learning models perform,” Jäger said.

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January 2023

UBC Professor awarded a 2023 Humboldt Professorship

Congratulations to Professor Robert Raussendorf who is the recipient of a 2023 Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, Germany’s most prestigious research award. He is invited to join Leibniz University Hannover in the Institute of Theoretical Physics to help Germany’s effort in building the first commercially relevant quantum computer based on trapped ion.

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September 2022

UBC quantum research infrastructure boosted by $800k funding through the John R Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

Congratulations to UBC Assistant Professor, Andrew Potter, on being awarded a Canadian Foundation for Innovation JELF grant for his project: ‘Computational Infrastructure for Accelerating Quantum Technology’.

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August 2022

BC Teachers Get Professional Development Course in Quantum Computing

High school science teachers in British Columbia (BC) have a new tool to help them teach quantum computing concepts to their students this fall.

The new course, hosted on EDx, was developed by UBC’s Geering Up Engineering Outreach program and Quantum BC’s Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing initiative. It builds on existing science curricula and offers the tools and exercises for teachers to apply quantum computing lessons that align with BC’s prescribed learning outcomes.

The self-directed course launches on August 12, and will take six to 10 hours to complete.

“The course puts a quantum lens on BC’s science curriculum,” said Ella Meyer, Quantum Computing Outreach Coordinator at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute. “We were committed to minimizing any additional work: this program simply adds a quantum context to BC’s physics and chemistry curriculum.”

Diagram of a double slit experiment showing light diffraction

Pictured: a diagram illustrating a double-slit experiment. Image source: Shutterstock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exercises that teachers will learn will be easy to adapt to their classrooms, at low or no cost.

“We thought a lot about how to make this work for a variety of schools, including those in rural areas that might not have access to expensive equipment and software,” said Meyer. “The exercises include things like double-slit experiments that help students understand the physics of light: these types of experiments can be done using simple tools that can be ordered inexpensively online, or even found at local dollar stores.”

The goal of the training program is to make quantum science accessible and fun. The course was co-developed by NSERC CREATE Program in Quantum Computing student Ana Ciocoiu, whose expertise informed the content of the course. Reid Patterson, Senior Outreach Facilitator with UBC Geering Up, contributed his expertise in teacher education in adapting the content to the EDx platform.

Programs such as this EDx course aim to close the “understanding gap” between academic and industry professionals and the broader public, who may not have access to the tools to learn about quantum science and technology.

For more information, or to register for the course, visit www.edx.org/course/quantum-computing-for-your-classroom-10-12.

REGISTER

July 2022

Second pan-canadian virtual workshop on building your own superconducting device

Building on the success of the first workshop in 2021, a second workshop on how to design, fabricate and test superconducting devices was jointly delivered by the two NSERC CREATE programs – Quantum BC and QSciTech, the universities of Calgary and Victoria, and the three quantum institutes – Institut Quantique, Institute for Quantum Computing and the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute- along with CMC Microsystems.

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July 2022

new phase of matter research

Researchers at The University of British Columbia (UBC), Quantinuum, and the Flatiron Institute have demonstrated a new phase of matter that could be protective against a range of errors in quantum computation.

Their research, published today in Nature, reveals a new topological phase uncovered using Quantinuum’s trapped ion quantum simulator. This phase arises outside of equilibrium, the default for most systems – and in fact, cannot exist in equilibrium – offering a way to prevent qubits (the quantum equivalent of bits) from entangling.

“One problem in quantum computing is that if you have qubits that are coupled to each other, but you didn’t mean them to be, they can accidentally entangle themselves,” said Andrew Potter, an assistant professor in UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy who joined the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) last year. “That entanglement can cause errors, or crosstalk, between the qubits. These errors represent a significant barrier to achieving a functional quantum computing platform.”

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July 2022

student spotlight: Xiruo yan of blusson quantum matter institute and an nserc create in quantum computing scholar

“I still remember when I was starting out with my PhD and Jeff (Young) asked me ‘what do you want to do?’” said Xiruo Yan. “So I said, ‘I’ve always wanted to go into quantum computing.’”

Yan first realized his interest in quantum mechanics at the University of Waterloo, where he completed his undergraduate studies in 2014. At the time, the Institute for Quantum Computing had recently opened and had a new building, and the whole atmosphere around quantum computing felt exciting and new. By his third year in Waterloo, Yan wanted to build a quantum computer.

When he came to UBC in 2014 (it was winter in Waterloo, and when he left the airport in Vancouver he immediately saw cherry blossoms), he began working on his Master’s with Jeff Young. At UBC, Young introduced Yan to new experimental skills including how to fabricate single-photon detectors in the cleanroom in the Advanced Nanofabrication Facility at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI). Since then, he has been working—often in the cleanroom—to bring theoretical ideas in quantum computing to life.

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July 2022

student spotlight: Adan azem of blusson quantum matter institute and an nserc create in quantum computing scholar

Adan Azem is a PhD student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia and a well-rounded rising star in the Canadian quantum computing scene. For the past seven months she has been working with the low-temperature team at Xanadu, a Canadian quantum computing company. Azem’s expertise bridges physics and electrical engineering, and her curiosity has taken her from nanofabrication to the design and characterization of superconducting devices for single-photon detection.

Azem’s QuEST-funded research at UBC has primarily focused on the design, development, and characterization of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors for the near-infrared (IR) and mid-IR range. Co-supervised by Lukas Chrostowski and Jeff Young, Azem is developing a waveguide integrated detector that could potentially be integrated into a range of quantum information processing applications. She will eventually deploy her single-photon detectors to support an architecture proposed by Robert Raussendorf, postdoctoral fellow Andreas Pfenning, and fellow PhD student Xiruo Yan.

“Our detectors are usually operated in the near-IR regime but for this project, we have been working on pushing their spectral range to the mid-IR regime,” said Azem. “Currently, many of us are working on the architecture which we hope will lead to realizing spin qubits in a silicon photonics platform.”

Azem was always fascinated by exploiting material properties to develop new useful devices, and so she enrolled in the Quantum BC-led NSERC CREATE program in Quantum Computing to learn more about quantum computing hardware. The CREATE program requires participants to complete an eight-month industry-based internship.

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June 2022

BC TEAM TAKES HOME TOP PRIZE AT BIG HACKATHON

The Big Quantum Hackathon was held last week in Montreal, Quebec. From June 20-23, 2022, the event brought together students in quantum computing from across Canada. Organized by Québec Quantique, and sponsored in part by the Quantum Algorithms Institute, the hackathon had the aim of gathering the whole value chain of Quantum Computing and to demonstrate its ability to address real-life challenges from the business world. 

A BC Team of five graduate students attended, all of whom are NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing Program Scholars from UBC and UVic, who represented the province. The team:

Abhishek Abhishek – UBC

Mohammad Kashfi – UVic

Dawn Mao – UBC

Elham Torabian – UBC

Gideon Uchehara – UBC

The event began with a Technical Phase where participants were split into teams, with each team given a different problem set provided by a different company, and unique quantum computing tools to solve the problem. The BC team had to solve a well known problem in graph theory called connected dominant set (CDS) using a python package called Pulser. Pulser is a framework for composing, simulating and executing pulse sequences for neutral-atom quantum devices by a company called “PASQAL”. They were given just over one day to solve the problem and present their solution. The winning four teams of the Technical Phase moved on to the Business Phase, where they had to pitch their solution with a business plan, showing how they would sell their solution and make a company out of it.

The BC Team presented “Finding Water on Mars”, which looked at drones moving together trying to find water on Mars, and how the drones would communicate together in the most efficient way. The team won first place in both the Technical and Business Phases of the Hackathon. A huge congratulations for their hard work and team effort!

“I learned so much at the event, from new quantum devices, to working as a team, to the business side of things. It was very informative and interesting” said Elham Torabian about the experience.

“I was inspired by those at the event who are new to quantum computing” said Gideon Uchehara. “The recent high school graduates were so passionate and excited about the field. What they achieved in those few days was incredible. It is a reminder that in a very short time we can do amazing things.”

The team wants to thank Udson Mendes from CMC Microsystems for being their mentor throughout the process. McGill MBA candidate Ahmed Ashraf also helped the team transition the technical solution to a business plan, and Renaud Lavoie from Centech Montreal worked with them during the Business Phase, providing his expertise. They also want to thank Quantum Algorithms Institute for sponsoring them.

May 2022

kids learn quantum computing at summer camp

This summer, kids will learn quantum computing principles and solve problems using a real quantum computer at summer camps in Metro Vancouver and Kelowna. The camps, which are run by UBC’s Geering Up Engineering Outreach program, offer an introduction to concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and will teach the basics of computing and quantum computing to kids from grades 6 to 12. Geering Up is also offering online quantum computing camps for kids in grades 5 through 12.

Kids learn quantum computing at a UBC Geering Up summer camp.

Image source: UBC Geering Up.

Learn more about Geering Up camps:

The camps are an opportunity to introduce kids to the possibilities in quantum science and technology fields.

“Quantum computing is a relatively new field in tech, and because of that, we’re at an exciting moment where we get to decide what the field will look like,” said Ella Meyer, Quantum Computing Outreach Program Coordinator at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute and Geering Up. “If we can connect with kids at a young age we can create a really inclusive, vibrant field over the next few generations.”

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May 2022

UVIC team’s quantum computing project wins at global event orchestrated by xanadu

Three UVic students and NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing Program Scholars with a shared passion for quantum computing recently joined forces to win three categories in an international competition.

Tristan Zaborniak, Juan Giraldo and Saasha Joshi – all Masters students in computer science – were among hundreds of experts and enthusiasts from around the world who participated in QHack 2022.

The online competition included a series of increasingly difficult coding challenges that took place over 11 days, followed by a five-day open hackathon. Toronto-based Xanadu Quantum Technologies, which runs the annual competition, said 3,280 people and 800 teams signed up, representing more than 100 countries.

“We were looking to sharpen our quantum problem-solving abilities, showcase some original work, and possibly win prizes,” says Zaborniak. “Our group entered as team Qnyble and of the 13 hackathon challenges, we were awarded first place in three.”

Each of the challenges was sponsored by a leading company in the quantum field and came with its own prizes – including internships, mentorships, free access to top quantum computing platforms, laptops and headsets.

Hackathon projects were judged according to three criteria: scientific and technical ability; presentation quality; and depth of use of the quantum computing software and hardware stack.

 

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March 2022

Success for UBC’s Quantum Computing Research Cluster as funding renewed for 2022/23

UBC’s Quantum Computing Research cluster receives further funding through UBC’s Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters (GCRC) competition.

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January 2022

nserc create in quantum computing student builds blacks in quantum

Gideon Uchehara might have taken a different path to quantum science, had he known more about it. As a student in Nigeria, there may have been opportunities to explore quantum science and technology, but he wasn’t aware of them. Now, he is building Blacks in Quantum, a network to connect other Black leaders in quantum science in order to make the opportunities he wished he had more available to Black scholars.

“Quantum science, and quantum computing needs Black people,” said Uchehara, a PhD student in the NSERC CREATE Program in Quantum Computing. “We will not be able to solve the world’s problems while seeing those problems from a limited perspective. Quantum computing needs Black perspectives.”

Uchehara is studying quantum machine learning at the University of British Columbia; he completed his Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering at McGill University. After McGill, he worked at Ballard on fuel cell systems.

“I realized that even though it was interesting work, it wasn’t for me,” said Uchehara. As luck would have it, he saw a post about the CREATE program from Lukas Chrostowski on LinkedIn: “It hit me: this is exactly what I had been looking for,” he said.

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December 2021

Robert raussendorf wins cap-crm prize in theoretical and mathematical physics

Robert Raussendorf has been awarded the 2021 CAP-CRM Prize in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics by the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) and the Centre de recherches mathematiques (CRM). This award recognizes Raussendorf’s “eminent contributions to the theory of quantum computing, including groundbreaking work on measurement-based or ‘one-way’ quantum computing, fault-tolerant quantum computing, and computationally universal quantum phases of matter.”

Raussendorf is a Professor in UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, and leads the Grand Challenge Pushing the boundaries of Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) computing by Focusing on Quantum Materials (QCGC) at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI). He is also a Supervisor of students in the NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing program.

Robert Raussendorf“I feel very honoured and delighted to receive the 2021 CAP-CRM prize in theoretical and mathematical physics,” said Raussendorf, pictured. “I also view it as a recognition of the fact that quantum computation needs fundamental research.”

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December 2021

Quantum machine learning workshop with gate-based quantum computing using IBM quantum, coming january 2022

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. See below for all the details.

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October 2021

teaching quantum computing to kids

A new video game designed to teach quantum computing to kids aged 11 and older launched this fall. The game, Quantum Navigator, is designed to provide a foundation, offering an introduction to key terms and concepts, such as superposition, so that kids can develop a basic understanding of the guiding principles of this emerging technology.

“The game introduces topics in quantum science that users have to learn in order to solve problems and advance through the levels,” said Ella Meyer, who recently took on the role of Project Manager, Quantum Computing Outreach and Education at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) and UBC Geering Up. “We believe video games are an underrated tool for learning, and an accessible way to teach quantum computing to kids.”

One of the goals of Quantum Navigator, and the larger effort behind introducing quantum computing themes to children and young adults, is to “hide” the education.

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October 2021

Student Graduates with PhD in Quantum Computing

Khaled Kelany from the University of Victoria has just completed his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a focus in Quantum Annealing. 

Khaled came to UVic from Egypt in 2017 as a PhD student. He began working with Professor Nikitas Dimopoulos, and later jointly with Professor Baniasadi. For his PhD work, he focused on the computational problems required for processing Synthetic Aperture Radar images. He soon realized that quantum annealing, and in particular the D-Wave machines, could offer an attractive computational solution for such problems.

The main focus was to use quantum annealing to solve the phase unwrapping problem. However, current technology could not support the size of the problems he was working with. These problems had about one million variables, and the D-Wave machines had only two thousand qubits. Khaled’s solution was to partition the problem and solve it piecemeal on the D-Wave machines. He devised a method to remap the problem, making it solvable on both classical and quantum computers.

Through Mitacs, Mr. Kelany spent one year doing an internship at 1QBit where he further researched his problem. He recently defended his thesis and graduated.  Khaled received best paper award in last year’s IEEE Quantum Week, and is the first person at UVic to graduate in the field of quantum engineering.

When asked about why he feels quantum computing is important, Khaled said: “I believe quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize our approach to solve problems. Cybersecurity, drug development, financial modelling, artificial Intelligence, and many other fields can significantly benefit from quantum computing.”

Khaled chose to do research in quantum computing because quantum computation possesses unique properties, such as entanglement and superposition, that enable faster computations for certain algorithms. The challenge of designing efficient algorithms for quantum computers motivates many researchers to work in this area.

Khaled’s future plans include extending his research to include various applications that rely on phase unwrapping. He also hopes to benefit from the rapid increase in the number of qubits in the recent quantum annealers. He will be starting a new position with Huawei Canada in Vancouver.

September 2021

Roadmapping workshop connects BC quantum computing ecosystem

Quantum BC recently held a collaborative Roadmapping event, bringing together 75 students, faculty and industry leaders in quantum computing from across BC and beyond, to strengthen ecosystem connectivity and to share ideas on BC’s future quantum technology developments over the next ten years.

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August 2021

New UBC Quantum Club helping to make quantum computing education and training more accessible to young students

The UBC Quantum Club is welcoming students and professionals of all backgrounds who are interested to start learning about quantum computing to join the growing community. The club will host a range of activities this fall including workshops, seminars, industry nights and hackathons to provide members with high-quality learning and networking sessions to help deepen their interest in the quantum computing industry. Learn more and register to join below.

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July 2021

Tripartite Quantum Computing Seminar Series Launches With Scott Aaronson

The new Tripartite Quantum Computing Seminar Series, a partnership between the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, and the University of British Columbia, hosted its first seminar with special guest Scott Aaronson from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Aaronson spoke on the topic of Shadow Tomography of Quantum States: Progress and Prospects. To catch up on the seminar, click on the link below.

WATCH HERE

July 2021

Two NSERC CREATE programs join forces with CMC Microsystems to offer a first-of-its-kind workshop on novel superconducting circuits

British Columbia’s NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Program and Quebec’s QSciTech Program partnered with CMC Microsystems to offer a first-of-its-kind workshop on the design, fabrication and testing of superconducting circuits similar to those used in quantum computing hardware.

The workshop, held from July 19–30, connected investigators and graduate students across Canada as they learned to use models to predict behaviour of superconducting devices and circuits, design those devices and circuits, translate them to a foundry-compatible process, and devise and execute low-temperature experiments for superconducting circuits and devices.

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July 2021

Olivia Di Matteo to join UBC as an Assistant Professor in Quantum Algorithms 

We are thrilled to announce that UBC will be welcoming Olivia Di Matteo as an Assistant Professor in Quantum Algorithms to the Electrical and Computing Engineering department in early 2022. Olivia will be joining UBC from Xanadu where she currently works as a Quantum Computing Educator and Researcher. She previously worked as a Quantum Information Science Associate at TRIUMF in Vancouver. Her research interests include quantum compilation, quantum tomography, quantum machine learning, and quantum software and algorithms.

June 2021

Quantum computing masterclass

Background

The Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing (DTQC) program is a K-12 capacity building initiative that works to break down barriers of entry into the quantum industry through workshops, high school courses, clubs, and summer camps. The program, led by Lukas Chrostowski, was developed because he saw the great potential in K-12 youth to learn about and develop interest in quantum computing. 

As part of the effort to bring more high school students into quantum computing, the program recently launched a Quantum Computing Masterclass. The 12-week long online course – split into two ‘levels’ – was open to students in grades 9-12+, with approximately 110 students registered, of which 55% identified as female or non-binary. The students emerged from the program with a stronger understanding of quantum computing principles, hands-on experience in coding quantum computers, connections to industry and academic mentors, and an awareness of further resources and university programs that would lead to a career in quantum computing.

Course Content

Throughout Level I and Level II of the masterclass, students learned about the fundamentals of quantum computing. By building a base understanding of how classical computers work (computing logic, gates, etc.), the instructors were able to introduce quantum analogs (quantum gates, circuits, and algorithms) more effectively. Students learned about key quantum mechanics principles such as superposition and entanglement, and worked through presentations, wrote code notebooks, and implemented algorithms on quantum simulators. Other topics covered included quantum mechanics, coding in python, quantum algorithms, quantum annealing, quantum computing hardware and quantum computing applications.

This Masterclass was the cumulative work of the DTQC team over the course of the last year. A high teacher-to-student ratio, paired with weekly “Office Hours” and guest symposiums ensured participants were provided with a level of guidance and mentorship needed to succeed in the course. The course was entirely run by graduate and undergraduate students, making it a very sustainable model for offering the course annually. The student staff developed their teaching skills while providing mentorship to students only several years younger than themselves. There were also guest speakers who came to discuss Quantum Computing research from industry and academic lenses. The course was carefully designed to incorporate active learning elements into an engaging curriculum, following best practices in curriculum development and educational pedagogy.

By the end of the masterclass, students were expected to present a final project in small groups. The  project requirements were split into three buckets: a piece on theory where the presenters demonstrated their understanding of the theory and mathematics behind their chosen quantum algorithm; a coding script where the students used IBM Qiskit and Python to implement and demonstrate their quantum algorithm; and a piece on quantum hardware, where students engaged in debate over the advantages and disadvantages of various popular quantum hardware techniques, identifying which one they felt was most promising.

Throughout the course, students demonstrated their understanding of the practical aspects of algorithms (eg Shor’s, Grover’s), and were able to select and define a problem that can be solved with a quantum computer (for the final project); they developed and evaluated a solution under the guidance of the instructors, and worked on their communication skills via coding and powerpoint presentations. “Quantum Fourier Transform”, “Quantum Key Distribution”, and “Energy of triplet and singlet states in Hydrogen” are examples of their final group projects. They demonstrated their ability to write code on a quantum computer, identify their preferred hardware, and go beyond the resources given to them.

This Masterclass was possible thanks to the hard work of: graduate curriculum planners Vedangi Pathak, Hanieh Aghaee Rad, and Niloofar Zarif; undergraduate student instructor staff Gabriel Botrill; graduate curriculum volunteer Joshua Fabian; under the management of Haris Amiri and curriculum development lead of Parham Pashaei. There were also a number of undergraduate student staff and volunteers who supported the cohorts of students throughout both levels of the course. 

Student Response

The goal of courses like this, and the Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing Program as a whole, is to raise awareness, break down barriers of entry, and equip youth with the skills and ability to pursue STEM. The post-course feedback indicates that the program is on the right track in tackling these grand challenges. All students who participated in the anonymous survey reported that they were more confident in their understanding of quantum computing after having taken the masterclass. All students who provided feedback reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that they “have a better understanding of quantum circuits, gates, algorithms, and how they can be applied”, and a vast majority reported feeling more confident in pursuing a professional career in engineering, physics, computer science and mathematics. While there may have been initial concerns around bringing complex quantum concepts to the high school level, the DTQC team was pleasantly surprised and impressed at how the students were able to grasp concepts and ask insightful questions throughout the course. One grade 11 female participant had this to say about the masterclass: 

“I would like to thank the instructors for taking the time to host this masterclass. I really enjoyed learning about quantum computing, and I thought the masterclass was well organized and well taught. This masterclass helped me realize that I want to pursue a STEM field in university. Thank you for helping me find my passion.”

Future plans for the course

The next step for the course is to make it more accessible and inclusive in future iterations. An approach the program is looking into is accreditation. By accrediting a course on quantum computing, high school students from across British Columbia – and hopefully Canada – will be able to learn about this field in a manner that is integrated into their high school education. Extracurriculars are not always available to all demographics, but by offering a credit towards graduation, the course can be inclusive to more youth, regardless of location or income. This type of training will contribute to the long term growth of quantum technology in Canada by introducing youth to quantum computing principles at an early stage. 

Collaboration

To continue to build on the momentum created by this masterclass, and to respond to the 2021 federal budget investment of $360 million over the next seven years for a National Quantum Strategy, we invite any companies or organizations who would like to collaborate or learn more to please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Parents, Students and Educators

Parents, students and educators who would like to learn more about the program, collaborate, or sign up for future events are encouraged to contact [email protected]. Geering Up is offering a wide array of online and in-person camps for K-12 youth, including online quantum computing summer camps for youth in grades 5-12! To sign up for Geering Up camps, please visit 

https://geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/camps/general-information/online-camps/ .

 

May 2021

quantum computing ecosystem summer events 

An online event on May 7 brought together faculty, industry and students in quantum computing. The event, titled “QC-BC Quantum Ecosystem Summer Events” was a collaboration between Quantum BC’s CREATE program, and a CREATE program in Quebec called QSciTech. These two programs already worked together this past January when they offered the Gate-Based Quantum Computing Using IBM Q Workshop with CMC.

The purpose of the event was to promote quantum computing activities coming up this summer and for the next 12 months. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 2021:

  • May 11-June 25: UVIC CSC 586A Quantum Algorithms & Software Engineering
  • May 11-Aug 10: SFU CMPT 409 Intro to Quantum Computing (S. Pearce) – FULL
  • June 6 (one day): Canadian Association of Physicists – Teacher’s Workshop in QC
  • July 5 – July 9: QSCITECH SUMMER SCHOOL
  • July 19-30: SUPERCONDUCTING WORKSHOP
  • August 2-13: CORNERSTONE ONLINE SUMMER SCHOOL
  • September 2: QUANTUM COMPUTING ROADMAPPING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
  • Summer 2021: DIVERSIFYING TALENT IN QUANTUM COMPUTING
  • September 2021: UBC EECE 571S – Introduction to QC (Joe Salfi)
  • September 2021:    UdeS GEI 825 – QC with Qiskit on IBMQ (Yves Bérubé-Lauzière)
  • September 2021:    UdeS PHQ 637/737 – Quantum Information&QC (Alexandre Blais)

To keep up to date on upcoming activities, please sign up for the Quantum BC mailing list.

A full recording of the event can be viewed below.

WATCH HERE

April 2021

 New Quantum Computing Internship Program launches 

Vancouver, BC – The NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) Quantum Computing Program and Mitacs are pleased to announce a partnership to assist in training the next generation of graduate students who will power Canada’s growing quantum computing sector. The international race to build quantum computers has attracted $20 billion in R&D investment worldwide and the National Research Council of Canada predicts that by 2030, the Canadian quantum computing sector could generate revenues of $4.1 billion to $8.2 billion per year, and support 8,000 to 16,000 jobs. The 2021 federal budget announced an investment of $360 million over the next seven years for a National Quantum Strategy. The partnership announced today supports this growth by providing over 100 students with industrial internships at quantum computing companies over the next seven years. 

The need for more trained people in quantum computing is undeniable. Quantum software and hardware experts with post-graduate degrees are in high demand for R&D staff by our Canadian industry partners, as well as international companies with R&D centers in Canada and firms located abroad. 

Sustaining a strong quantum computing ecosystem in British Columbia and Canada is why the University of British Columbia (UBC), The University of Victoria (UVic) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) have initiated an industrial stream NSERC CREATE program designed to provide specialized training in quantum computing. 

The partnership with Mitacs announced today will streamline the Mitacs internship application process for graduate students at the three partner universities. This will provide students with highly relevant, hands-on work experience with some of the world’s leading quantum computing companies and ensure that businesses have access to the talent they need to make it in a competitive global marketplace and that graduates have the skills they need to succeed in the job market.  

“Quantum technology is at the cutting edge of innovation. Mitacs has proudly supported the development of this sector in Canada for years. We look forward to continuing that important work, including through the new Quantum Computing Internship Program we’re announcing today. By providing practical experience to students that reflects the needs of the industry, we will be able to ensure that Canada has the talent and the expertise it needs to remain competitive in this growing sector.” -John Hepburn, CEO and Scientific Director of Mitacs

About the NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Program: 

  • • The NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Program launched in June 2020 and accepted its first cohort of students in September 2020. It offers training to graduate students in quantum computing hardware and software. 
  • • The CREATE Quantum Computing Program unites faculty from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of Victoria (UVic) and is housed under the Quantum BC umbrella including both academia and industry in the quantum computing field in BC. 

About Mitacs: 

  • • Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions. 
  • • Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. 

April 2021

UBC assistant professor secures funding to partner with D-WAVE SYSTEMS

UBC Assistant Professor Joe Salfi and D-Wave Systems have secured a joint NSERC Alliance grant for the project, “Quantum Devices to Improve the Scalability of Commercial Annealing Quantum Computers.

April 2021

nserc create quantum computing scholar awarded killam graduate teaching assistant award

Quantum computing education has become Parham Pashaei’s niche, and his work toward developing as a teacher and his commitment to improving the learning experience and outcomes for students in Applied Science courses has earned him a Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant award. The award is given each year to just a few graduate students who have made outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at UBC, particularly those who are to solve teaching challenges or initiate new principles to improve the learning environment for UBC students.

READ MORE

April 2021

Women in science: equity, diversity and inclusion panel

Panelists:

Dr. Aline Ramirez (Ambizione Fellow, Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland)

Dr. Olivia New (Chief Academic Leader, STEM ACES)

Dr. Sarah Burke (Principal Investigator, Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, UBC)

Dr. Mona Berciu ( Principal Investigator, Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, UBC)

Organizer/Moderator: Natalia Bussard, Manager of Programs and Careers, SBQMI  

To say that we have made great progress in welcoming and including women in sciences would be true, but to say that we have a long way to go would be equally true. At a recent event prepared and moderated by Natalia Bussard, Manager, Programs and Careers at SBQMI entitled “Women in Science – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Panel”, three physicists and one chemist were featured. The questions tackled inequity for women in science, and lack of opportunities and gender imbalance in their chosen fields. The consensus was that despite all the progress that has been made, there is a long way to go.

Barriers that women in science face can add up over time and create limitations for women, both physically and mentally. Because the challenges are systemic and hard to see for everyone- they can be subtle micro-aggressions or putdowns – they may be hard to identify and eliminate. When these challenges happen early on in a woman’s career, they can be even more detrimental. We see this in the phenomenon of women leaving the sciences in large numbers before reaching the top of their field. What is important to look at is not so much the fact that women are leaving academic sciences, but to look at why.

One question asked during the panel was what men can do to support women’s voices and increase their presence and longevity in their field. As panelists expressed, one thing that men can do is to emphasize the points made by women in meetings and discussions, as often a woman’s ideas or input are brushed aside in favour of a male voice. In any situation, we all can take responsibility when we see an opportunity to educate. Moreover, the concept of implicit bias can be discussed in all courses and environments, as it is always there and can be made more transparent through education. And while conversations around gender inequality in science are now being welcomed, taking things from discussion to action is still mostly absent.

While increased representation for women in all science fields is key, the importance of having mentors and allies was also highlighted. Women need other women, as role models, and also men, to help create environments where women are safe, welcomed, and where their ideas and approaches are incorporated into a new way of doing things. The panelists encouraged women to align themselves with people in the field whom they want to learn from, and that they must be proactive in making these connections.

In order to encourage more women involved in science, training needs to start early. The Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing Program is one such program that encourages kids, starting as young as kindergarten, to get involved with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), with a focus on educating girls and other underrepresented groups. With curriculum targeting K-12 students, and specialized programs for girls, this is one way to start creating actual changes in the science fields in terms of representation, ultimately changing the culture to be more inclusive. At the university level, the NSERC funded Quantum Computing CREATE Program has Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) as a key element to its program. The application process asks students if they identify in an underrepresented group, and all students are asked to participate in outreach in order to help level the playing field in science. In addition to mandatory EDI training for all students in the program, there is a mentorship program for all the female graduate students to be matched up with women in industry and academia to provide support and guidance.

Sometimes those who need to hear this message are not the ones who are coming to these types of events. Hopefully over time more of these events will happen, bringing in a wider audience. Over time, the ideas will start to permeate the mainstream and a true cultural shift can take place, one where all scientists can feel welcomed and valued and respected.

April 2021

Canadian quantum computing gets boost through unique training opportunity

Graduate students from across Canada enjoyed a unique opportunity to use the IBM Q Hub, one of the world’s most powerful quantum computing platforms. Held online over three weeks, this training workshop came to light through NSERC CREATE programs QC CREATE and QSciTech, who joined forces to deliver a one-of-a-kind workshop for students to learn how to use the IBM Q Hub for concrete, real-world applications.

Recall that in the summer of 2020,  Institut quantique (IQ) at Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) joined the IBM Quantum Network as an IBM Q Hub, the first in Canada. CMC Microsystems partnered with IQ to join the Hub, providing access to the platform for leading researchers through Canada’s National Design Network® (CNDN). IBM Q Hub members gain exclusive cloud-based access to IBM’s most advanced quantum computing systems and software, including a 53-qubit system, currently the largest universal one available in the industry. 

Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems beyond the capabilities of conventional supercomputers, and could revolutionize the advancement of several fields, including biochemistry, finance, logistics, and artificial intelligence. In addition to developing prototype code, workshop participants dove into real-world chemistry modelization by simulating the quantum states and Hamiltonian of the hydrogen (H2) molecule. This exercise gave the participants the building blocks necessary to eventually tackle complex quantum chemistry problems with envisioned applications in the fields of renewable energies, material design, pharmacology, and much more.    

Organizations from across Canada deliver training on the IBM Q Hub, one of the world’s most powerful quantum platforms

One member of the organizing committee reflected that “this workshop was not only a success for the students, it demonstrated the commitment and strength of the relationship between British Columbia and Quebec to jointly push Canadian quantum computing expertise. In time, our bonds, drawn together by our common interest in quantum, will bring the two coasts even closer together, furthering our education and R&D initiatives.”

The quantum computing industry is poised for explosive growth with practically endless industrial applications. It takes a very special skillset to develop and program the algorithms to use quantum platforms to their full potential, and developing highly qualified personnel can give Canada a competitive advantage in the quantum ecosystem. “This is another great example of CMC giving researchers the tools and expertise to bring their research vision to light and helping train and develop Canadian talent to excel at the highest level” said Gordon Harling, President and CEO of CMC Microsystems.

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March 2021

University of Victoria’s HighTechQ initiative offers high school students workshops on quantum computing

HighTechQ is part of HighTechU, an innovative learning community & skills incubator for high-school-aged youth to make connections, build professional skills, and explore diverse education and career pathways related to technology. HighTechQ conduct workshops for high-school students to learn quantum computing in a fun and engaging way.

LEARN MORE

January 2021

Quantum Bits podcast available now

Quantum Bits podcast provides bi-weekly episodes on various topics of quantum computing for public enthusiasts. In each episode, our guests from the quantum computing industry and academia keep us educated and updated by sharing their perspectives, ideas, and experiences.

LISTEN HERE

November 2020

INDUSTRY AND ACADEMIA CONNECT FOR QUANTUM COMPUTING

University of Victoria’s Hausi Müller has worked tirelessly to create and orchestrate the most extensive, high-profile international conference believed ever to have been held on quantum computing. The first IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering took place in October with 850 industry leaders, researchers, educators and enthusiasts from around the globe. The conference helped bring together top leaders from both industry and academia.

READ MORE

October 2020

quantum industry canada launched

A consortium of 24 Canadian quantum technology companies, including BC-based 1QBit and D-Wave, collaborate and coordinate to communicate Canada’s quantum readiness to ensure Canada remains a global leader in this new emerging field.

READ MORE

October 2020

Sfu Physics professor recognized as top 40 under 40 in canada

Stephanie Simmons’ quest to build the world’s first large-scale universal quantum computer is gaining attention. Simmons already has two Physics World ‘Top Ten Breakthroughs of the Year’ and numerous patents under her belt. Now she is included in Caldwell Partners’ Top 40 Under 40 list of outstanding Canadian leaders and innovators who have made significant impacts in their fields before the age of 40. “The rules of quantum mechanics are so different and so exciting,” says Simmons. “The exponential computational capacity of quantum computers opens up a whole new world.”

READ MORE

October 2020

IEEE QUANTUM WEEK BEST PAPER AWARD

A Best Paper Award in the Quantum Education Track was awarded to the Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing team at the University of British Columbia. The award was presented to Parham Pashaei, Haris Amiri, Raphael Haenel, Pedro Lopez and Lukas Chrostowski. The paper, titled Educational Resources for Promoting Talent in Quantum Computing was presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering (QCE20) held October 12-16, 2020. The paper compiles a number of publicly available resources, tested in real classes, for integrating Quantum Computing to the education of the K-12 age groups.

 

READ MORE

August 2020

quantum computing and machine learning for science and technology summer school – postponed to summer 2021

The  TRIUMF Summer Institute (TSI 2020) on Quantum Computing and Machine Learning for Science and Technology was to be held at TRIUMF in Vancouver, BC, Canada from August 3rd to August 14th 2020. The school is organized by TRIUMF, Germany’s Helmholtz Association, Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Victoria.The school is aimed at equipping graduate students in quantitative disciplines with applicable skills in machine learning and introducing them to the possibilities in quantum computing and quantum machine learning. The school is postponed to Summer 2021 due to the Covid-19.

READ MORE

August 2020

QUANTUM COMPUTING TRAINING SERIES CONNECTED INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES WITH CANADIAN EXPERTISE

Last week, Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI) joined partners at TRIUMF, the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, the Helmholtz Institute Mainz (Germany) in celebrating the successful conclusion the Cornerstone Models for Quantum Computing series. The series, which comprised eight lectures and tutorials over four weeks, attracted international participation and engaged audiences from across North America, Europe and Asia.

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June 2020

Thank you to all the participants, judges and sponsors at our first virtual poster session and student competition on Quantum Computing

On 25 June 2020, speakers from industry and academia across the world presented on various quantum computing topics. Thank you to everyone who participated and, congratulations to the three student poster winners – Xiruo Yan (1st), Bryan Dury (2nd) and Adan Azem (3rd).

Finally, thank you to the judges, Gordon Harling (CMC Microsystems), Shunji Matsuura (1QBit) and Olivia Di Matteo (TRIUMF), and to the prize sponsors CMC Microsystems and the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI).

WATCH HERE

June 2020

Quantum BC, TRIUMF and Helmholtz Institut jointly present an online lecture and tutorial series during July to August 2020

The ‘Cornerstone Models of Quantum Computing’ series covers introductory lectures and hands-on tutorials in four key models of Quantum Computing including gate-model quantum computing, quantum annealing, measurement-based quantum computing and continuous-variable quantum computing.

REGISTER HERE

May 2020

A NEW QUANTUM SENSOR BASED ON ULTRACOLD ATOMS

Developed by a UBC-BCIT collaboration (Kirk Madison, Roman Krems and Jim Booth), the self-defining particle pressure sensor provides the first primary and quantum definition of the Pascal. This represents a fundamental advance for vacuum and pressure metrology.

READ MORE

March 2020

New NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Training Program to be Offered by UBC, UVic, and SFU with Leading Industry Experts Rigetti Computing, IBM, D-Wave, 1QBit and More

Students will be trained in building and programming quantum computers to create quantum algorithms, systems and applications supported by industry professionals from Rigetti Computing, Microsoft, IBM, 1QBit, Xanadu, D-Wave, Google and the German Aerospace Center.

READ MORE

March 2020

UBC and the University of Washington Establish Collaborative Research Partnership on Quantum Computing

Faculty at UBC and the University of Washington combine efforts to deliver workshops on quantum computing and foster greater research collaboration through the UW-UBC Collaborative Research Mobility grant.

March 2020

University of Victoria Looking to Appoint a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Quantum Computing and Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor. Areas of interest include, quantum algorithms, quantum complexity, quantum information theory, quantum programming languages, quantum software engineering, applications of quantum computing to optimization and machine learning, and hybrid quantum/classical computing.

READ MORE

March 2020

New Course on Quantum Computation with Photons Offered by Robert Raussendorf and Jeff Young at UBC

The new course was introduced in Spring 2020.

January 2020

Success at Digital Supercluster Capacity Building Program With Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing Project

Led by UBC (Lukas Chrostowski), D-Wave and UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach, this project will work to ensure that young people, including girls and indigenous people. are aware of career opportunities in the quantum computing field.

READ MORE

December 2019

SFU Looking to Appoint a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Quantum Computing

The School of Computing Science invites applications for an Assistant/Associate professor post. Areas of interest include quantum algorithms, quantum-safe cryptography, systems software for quantum computers, quantum AI, and theoretical foundations of quantum computing.

December 2019

Joe Salfi offers new graduate course on Introduction to Quantum Computing at UBC

In January 2020, this introductory course will teach students in physics, electrical engineering and computer science about the fundamental aspects of quantum computers.

READ MORE

December 2019

Funding Renewed for the Quantum Computing Research Cluster for 2020/2021

UBC’s Quantum Computing Research Cluster receives further funding through the UBC Research Excellence Clusters initiative in 2020/2021.

READ MORE

December 2019

UBC Hosts Germany-Canada Workshop on Quantum Computing Applications in Advanced Manufacturing

German Aerospace Center (DLR) attends UBC workshop on quantum computing applications in advanced manufacturing.

November 2019

World-Renowned Quantum Computing Experts (Penrose, Rosenbaum, Raussendorf) Speaks at UBC Conference, Quantum Information: Quo Vadis?

Led by UBC’s Philip Stamp, this conference brings experimental, theoretical and industrial communities across the Pacific North American coast to reflect on current and future progress in this field attracting prestigious quantum experts including Roger Penrose, Robert Raussendorf and Thomas Rosenbaum.

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October 2019

BC Provincial Government Invests $17M to Establish New Quantum Algorithms Institute

The new institute, hosted at SFU Surrey campus, will partner with universities across the region (UBC, SFU, UVic) to help position BC as a world leader in building quantum computing software and algorithms.

READ MORE

September 2019

UBC Professor Lukas Chrostowski Newly Elected to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

Lukas Chrostowski, an electrical and computer engineering professor, has been named as a new member of the Royal Society of Canada for “his leadership in research and education in the design of silicon photonic devices and systems for applications in optical communications and biosensors”.

READ MORE

August 2019

Joe Salfi Awarded $125K in Research Funding Through the John R Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

UBC Assistant Professor, Joe Salfi, is the recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation JELF grant for his project: ‘Ultra-low Temperature Facility for Quantum Simulators and Quantum Computers in Silicon’.

READ MORE

July 2019

SFU’s Stephanie Simmons Appointed New CIFAR Fellow in Quantum Information Science

CIFAR fellows are exceptional researchers who are internationally respected for advances in their field.

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May 2019

Strong attendance at TRIUMF’s Introduction to Quantum Computing & Quantum Annealing Workshop

TRIUMF’s Quantum Information Science Associate, Olivia di Matteo, delivers introductory lecture series on gate model quantum computing, quantum annealing and applications.

READ MORE

March 2019

UBC Professors Collaborate with University of Waterloo and University of Sherbrooke on Two Joint CFREF Quantum Research Projects

The two research projects are:

  1. Industrially relevant spin-3/2 hybrid quantum devices (Joe Salfi (UBC), Eva Dupont-Ferrier (IQ), Michel Pioro-Ladrière (IQ))
  2. Quantum computational resources in the presence of symmetry (David Poulin (IQ), Robert Raussendorf (UBC), Joseph Emerson (TQT)).
READ MORE

February 2019

Gate-Based Quantum Computer Applications Workshop Draws Strong Attendance With Leading Industry Instructors From 1QBit and Rigetti Computing at UBC

This workshop provides participants with the opportunity to learn how to use NISQ computers such as the Rigetti machine and to advance knowledge in software and algorithms for use in both NISQ and universal quantum computers.

READ MORE

January 2019

UBC Welcomes Experimental Quantum Physicist, Joe Salfi, as an Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Joe Salfi joins UBC from the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) in Sydney, Australia. His research focuses on the investigation, realization and assembly of the building blocks for quantum information systems.

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December 2018

Prashant Nair Joins UBC as an Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering Specializing in Computer Systems and Quantum Computing

Prashant Nair joins from IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center in New York. His research interests include the reliability, security, and performance-power efficient memory systems and optimization of systems and architectures to enable efficient and practical quantum computers.

READ MORE

December 2018

First Industry Consortium (SiEPICfab: the Canadian Silicon Photonics Foundry) established between UBC, Laval University, McGill University and Industry Partners

Instigated by Lukas Chrostowski, the consortium is an extension of the NSERC CREATE SiEPIC research training program. SiEPICfab’s goal is to fabricate and demonstrate novel photonic devices and functions for emerging applications including quantum computing.

READ MORE

November 2018

Success at SBQMI’s Grand Challenges Call With “Pushing the Boundaries of Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum Computing by Focusing on Quantum Materials Problems'” Project

Led by Robert Raussendorf and colleagues from SBQMI, UBC and the University of Tel Aviv, the project aims to address the question: what can be done with the small-scale quantum computers available now or in the near future?

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October 2017

SFU-UBC Awarded $19M from the CFI Innovation Fund for “The Silicon Quantum Leap: Tools for Building a Universal Quantum Computer” Project

This project led by SFU Progessor Mike Thewalt and a team including Stephanie Simmons and UBC collaborators Jeff Young and Lukas Chrostowski aims to build a scalable universal quantum computer based on silicon qubits.

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September 2017

Sarah Burke Receives $800K Through the John R Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

UBC Assistant Professor, Sarah Burke, is the recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation JELF grant for her project “Tool for Multimodal Measurements of Quantum Materials: Scanning Probe Microscopy and Angle Resolved Photoemission”.

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September 2016

UBC Professor, Roman Krems, Elected New Member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars and Scientists

Roman Krems has been named as a new member of the Royal Society of Canada through his research on developing numerical tools for calculating the collision properties of molecules in electromagnetic fields.

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February 2016

Renewed Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Nanoscience for Sarah Burke at UBC

Sarah Burke retains Canada Research Chair for another 5 years for research excellence in nanoscience.

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October 2015

SFU Welcomes Stephanie Simmons as an Assistant Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Quantum Nanoelectronics

Stephanie joins SFU from the Center for Quantum Computation and Communication Technologies (CQC2T) in Sydney, Australia. Her research focuses on buildings silicon-based quantum technologies and she previously collaborated with SFU’s Mike Thewalt on the longest coherence time for a qubit at room temperature.

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November 2013

SFU Break World Record for the Longest-Lived Qubit at Room Temperature at 39 Minutes

Mike Thewalt and SFU colleagues shatter previous record of seconds with the breakthrough named as one of the top 10 in 2013 by Physics World.

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October 2013

UBC welcomes Assistant Professor Sudip Shekhar to Electrical and Computer Engineering

Sudip previously worked as a Senior Research Scientist at Intel Corporation. His research interests include integrated circuits and systems for high-speed wireline signalling links, silicon photonics links, radio-frequency transceivers and low power sensing and computer interfaces.

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June 2012

UBC Professor Lukas Chrostowski Secures NSERC CREATE funding for Silicon Electronic-Photonic Integrated Circuits (Si-EPIC) Training Program

The Si-EPIC program, led by Program Director Lukas Chrostowski and researchers from 5 Canadian Universities, will train students nationwide in the information and communication technology systems that involves miniaturization of optical components onto silicon chips.

READ MORE

December 2010

UBC’s Sarah Burke Appointed Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Nanoscience

Sarah Burke recognized for research excellence in nanoscience.

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February 2010

UBC’s Joshua Folk Awarded 2010 Sloan Research Fellowship in Physics

The two-year fellowships are awarded in recognition of outstanding early-career faculty.

READ MORE

April 2023

Quantum bc research day 2023

The first annual Quantum BC Research Day took place on Friday, April 28, 2023 at the University of Victoria. Nearly 70 people gathered for this networking event, giving the community the first chance to meet in person and learn about the latest research in quantum science and technologies. Combining research and industry talks, poster presentations and ample time for networking, the students, faculty and industry attending were given the opportunity to learn more about the Quantum BC ecosystem and find ways to connect and collaborate going forward. The event was sponsored by the Quantum Algorithms Institute.

This event will happen each year on the last Friday in April.

 

March 2023

new evidence quantum machine learning outperforms classical computing

Quantum machine learning models can achieve ‘quantum advantage’ by solving a complex class of mathematical problems that is impossible to crack with a classical computer, according to a new study by UBC researchers from Blusson QMI. The study was published in Nature Communications.

Quantum advantage refers to the instances where quantum computers outperform their classical counterparts when scaling to enormous datasets containing countless variables.

Blusson QMI Investigator Prof. Roman Krems said the results rigorously prove that quantum machine learning does indeed offer the quantum advantage.

Image: Ph.D. student and first author of the paper Jonas Jäger.

“The key goal now is to find a real-world machine learning application that would benefit from this quantum advantage in practice,” said Prof. Krems.

Ph.D. student and first author of the paper Jonas Jäger said the models have universal expressiveness in that they solve not just one problem, but capture the complexity of an entire class of problems that are too complicated to solve with classical machine learning.

“While quantum machine learning is often considered to be one of the most promising use cases of quantum computing, there are only a few rigorous results about its real computational advantages,” Jäger said. “Our results offer theoretical guarantees that such advantages indeed exist.”

The study proves a quantum advantage exists for two of the most popular quantum machine learning classification models: Variational Quantum Classifiers (also known as quantum neural networks) and Quantum Kernel Support Vector Machines.

“With this knowledge, we can now confidently explore important real-world applications and develop effective approaches for building informative data encoding quantum circuits that could unlock the full potential of quantum machine learning,” said Jäger.

The research points out that the advantages reported in the study are somewhat subject to the quality of the datasets presented to the system. As quantum computing is still very much in the experimental stage, a challenge faced by researchers is encoding the classical data for processing by a quantum device.

“The mathematical problem that we’ve solved using these models is quite abstract and doesn’t have many practical applications. But, because it presents such special properties under the complexity theory, it can be used by others as a benchmark to test how different quantum machine learning models perform,” Jäger said.

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January 2023

UBC Professor awarded a 2023 Humboldt Professorship

Congratulations to Professor Robert Raussendorf who is the recipient of a 2023 Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, Germany’s most prestigious research award. He is invited to join Leibniz University Hannover in the Institute of Theoretical Physics to help Germany’s effort in building the first commercially relevant quantum computer based on trapped ion.

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September 2022

UBC quantum research infrastructure boosted by $800k funding through the John R Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

Congratulations to UBC Assistant Professor, Andrew Potter, on being awarded a Canadian Foundation for Innovation JELF grant for his project: ‘Computational Infrastructure for Accelerating Quantum Technology’.

READ MORE

August 2022

BC Teachers Get Professional Development Course in Quantum Computing

High school science teachers in British Columbia (BC) have a new tool to help them teach quantum computing concepts to their students this fall.

The new course, hosted on EDx, was developed by UBC’s Geering Up Engineering Outreach program and Quantum BC’s Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing initiative. It builds on existing science curricula and offers the tools and exercises for teachers to apply quantum computing lessons that align with BC’s prescribed learning outcomes.

The self-directed course launches on August 12, and will take six to 10 hours to complete.

“The course puts a quantum lens on BC’s science curriculum,” said Ella Meyer, Quantum Computing Outreach Coordinator at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute. “We were committed to minimizing any additional work: this program simply adds a quantum context to BC’s physics and chemistry curriculum.”

Diagram of a double slit experiment showing light diffraction

Pictured: a diagram illustrating a double-slit experiment. Image source: Shutterstock.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exercises that teachers will learn will be easy to adapt to their classrooms, at low or no cost.

“We thought a lot about how to make this work for a variety of schools, including those in rural areas that might not have access to expensive equipment and software,” said Meyer. “The exercises include things like double-slit experiments that help students understand the physics of light: these types of experiments can be done using simple tools that can be ordered inexpensively online, or even found at local dollar stores.”

The goal of the training program is to make quantum science accessible and fun. The course was co-developed by NSERC CREATE Program in Quantum Computing student Ana Ciocoiu, whose expertise informed the content of the course. Reid Patterson, Senior Outreach Facilitator with UBC Geering Up, contributed his expertise in teacher education in adapting the content to the EDx platform.

Programs such as this EDx course aim to close the “understanding gap” between academic and industry professionals and the broader public, who may not have access to the tools to learn about quantum science and technology.

For more information, or to register for the course, visit www.edx.org/course/quantum-computing-for-your-classroom-10-12.

REGISTER

July 2022

Second pan-canadian virtual workshop on building your own superconducting device

Building on the success of the first workshop in 2021, a second workshop on how to design, fabricate and test superconducting devices was jointly delivered by the two NSERC CREATE programs – Quantum BC and QSciTech, the universities of Calgary and Victoria, and the three quantum institutes – Institut Quantique, Institute for Quantum Computing and the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute- along with CMC Microsystems.

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July 2022

new phase of matter research

Researchers at The University of British Columbia (UBC), Quantinuum, and the Flatiron Institute have demonstrated a new phase of matter that could be protective against a range of errors in quantum computation.

Their research, published today in Nature, reveals a new topological phase uncovered using Quantinuum’s trapped ion quantum simulator. This phase arises outside of equilibrium, the default for most systems – and in fact, cannot exist in equilibrium – offering a way to prevent qubits (the quantum equivalent of bits) from entangling.

“One problem in quantum computing is that if you have qubits that are coupled to each other, but you didn’t mean them to be, they can accidentally entangle themselves,” said Andrew Potter, an assistant professor in UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy who joined the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) last year. “That entanglement can cause errors, or crosstalk, between the qubits. These errors represent a significant barrier to achieving a functional quantum computing platform.”

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July 2022

student spotlight: Xiruo yan of blusson quantum matter institute and an nserc create in quantum computing scholar

“I still remember when I was starting out with my PhD and Jeff (Young) asked me ‘what do you want to do?’” said Xiruo Yan. “So I said, ‘I’ve always wanted to go into quantum computing.’”

Yan first realized his interest in quantum mechanics at the University of Waterloo, where he completed his undergraduate studies in 2014. At the time, the Institute for Quantum Computing had recently opened and had a new building, and the whole atmosphere around quantum computing felt exciting and new. By his third year in Waterloo, Yan wanted to build a quantum computer.

When he came to UBC in 2014 (it was winter in Waterloo, and when he left the airport in Vancouver he immediately saw cherry blossoms), he began working on his Master’s with Jeff Young. At UBC, Young introduced Yan to new experimental skills including how to fabricate single-photon detectors in the cleanroom in the Advanced Nanofabrication Facility at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI). Since then, he has been working—often in the cleanroom—to bring theoretical ideas in quantum computing to life.

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July 2022

student spotlight: Adan azem of blusson quantum matter institute and an nserc create in quantum computing scholar

Adan Azem is a PhD student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia and a well-rounded rising star in the Canadian quantum computing scene. For the past seven months she has been working with the low-temperature team at Xanadu, a Canadian quantum computing company. Azem’s expertise bridges physics and electrical engineering, and her curiosity has taken her from nanofabrication to the design and characterization of superconducting devices for single-photon detection.

Azem’s QuEST-funded research at UBC has primarily focused on the design, development, and characterization of superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors for the near-infrared (IR) and mid-IR range. Co-supervised by Lukas Chrostowski and Jeff Young, Azem is developing a waveguide integrated detector that could potentially be integrated into a range of quantum information processing applications. She will eventually deploy her single-photon detectors to support an architecture proposed by Robert Raussendorf, postdoctoral fellow Andreas Pfenning, and fellow PhD student Xiruo Yan.

“Our detectors are usually operated in the near-IR regime but for this project, we have been working on pushing their spectral range to the mid-IR regime,” said Azem. “Currently, many of us are working on the architecture which we hope will lead to realizing spin qubits in a silicon photonics platform.”

Azem was always fascinated by exploiting material properties to develop new useful devices, and so she enrolled in the Quantum BC-led NSERC CREATE program in Quantum Computing to learn more about quantum computing hardware. The CREATE program requires participants to complete an eight-month industry-based internship.

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June 2022

BC TEAM TAKES HOME TOP PRIZE AT BIG HACKATHON

The Big Quantum Hackathon was held last week in Montreal, Quebec. From June 20-23, 2022, the event brought together students in quantum computing from across Canada. Organized by Québec Quantique, and sponsored in part by the Quantum Algorithms Institute, the hackathon had the aim of gathering the whole value chain of Quantum Computing and to demonstrate its ability to address real-life challenges from the business world. 

A BC Team of five graduate students attended, all of whom are NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing Program Scholars from UBC and UVic, who represented the province. The team:

Abhishek Abhishek – UBC

Mohammad Kashfi – UVic

Dawn Mao – UBC

Elham Torabian – UBC

Gideon Uchehara – UBC

The event began with a Technical Phase where participants were split into teams, with each team given a different problem set provided by a different company, and unique quantum computing tools to solve the problem. The BC team had to solve a well known problem in graph theory called connected dominant set (CDS) using a python package called Pulser. Pulser is a framework for composing, simulating and executing pulse sequences for neutral-atom quantum devices by a company called “PASQAL”. They were given just over one day to solve the problem and present their solution. The winning four teams of the Technical Phase moved on to the Business Phase, where they had to pitch their solution with a business plan, showing how they would sell their solution and make a company out of it.

The BC Team presented “Finding Water on Mars”, which looked at drones moving together trying to find water on Mars, and how the drones would communicate together in the most efficient way. The team won first place in both the Technical and Business Phases of the Hackathon. A huge congratulations for their hard work and team effort!

“I learned so much at the event, from new quantum devices, to working as a team, to the business side of things. It was very informative and interesting” said Elham Torabian about the experience.

“I was inspired by those at the event who are new to quantum computing” said Gideon Uchehara. “The recent high school graduates were so passionate and excited about the field. What they achieved in those few days was incredible. It is a reminder that in a very short time we can do amazing things.”

The team wants to thank Udson Mendes from CMC Microsystems for being their mentor throughout the process. McGill MBA candidate Ahmed Ashraf also helped the team transition the technical solution to a business plan, and Renaud Lavoie from Centech Montreal worked with them during the Business Phase, providing his expertise. They also want to thank Quantum Algorithms Institute for sponsoring them.

May 2022

kids learn quantum computing at summer camp

This summer, kids will learn quantum computing principles and solve problems using a real quantum computer at summer camps in Metro Vancouver and Kelowna. The camps, which are run by UBC’s Geering Up Engineering Outreach program, offer an introduction to concepts in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and will teach the basics of computing and quantum computing to kids from grades 6 to 12. Geering Up is also offering online quantum computing camps for kids in grades 5 through 12.

Kids learn quantum computing at a UBC Geering Up summer camp.

Image source: UBC Geering Up.

Learn more about Geering Up camps:

The camps are an opportunity to introduce kids to the possibilities in quantum science and technology fields.

“Quantum computing is a relatively new field in tech, and because of that, we’re at an exciting moment where we get to decide what the field will look like,” said Ella Meyer, Quantum Computing Outreach Program Coordinator at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute and Geering Up. “If we can connect with kids at a young age we can create a really inclusive, vibrant field over the next few generations.”

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May 2022

UVIC team’s quantum computing project wins at global event orchestrated by xanadu

Three UVic students and NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing Program Scholars with a shared passion for quantum computing recently joined forces to win three categories in an international competition.

Tristan Zaborniak, Juan Giraldo and Saasha Joshi – all Masters students in computer science – were among hundreds of experts and enthusiasts from around the world who participated in QHack 2022.

The online competition included a series of increasingly difficult coding challenges that took place over 11 days, followed by a five-day open hackathon. Toronto-based Xanadu Quantum Technologies, which runs the annual competition, said 3,280 people and 800 teams signed up, representing more than 100 countries.

“We were looking to sharpen our quantum problem-solving abilities, showcase some original work, and possibly win prizes,” says Zaborniak. “Our group entered as team Qnyble and of the 13 hackathon challenges, we were awarded first place in three.”

Each of the challenges was sponsored by a leading company in the quantum field and came with its own prizes – including internships, mentorships, free access to top quantum computing platforms, laptops and headsets.

Hackathon projects were judged according to three criteria: scientific and technical ability; presentation quality; and depth of use of the quantum computing software and hardware stack.

 

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March 2022

Success for UBC’s Quantum Computing Research Cluster as funding renewed for 2022/23

UBC’s Quantum Computing Research cluster receives further funding through UBC’s Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters (GCRC) competition.

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January 2022

nserc create in quantum computing student builds blacks in quantum

Gideon Uchehara might have taken a different path to quantum science, had he known more about it. As a student in Nigeria, there may have been opportunities to explore quantum science and technology, but he wasn’t aware of them. Now, he is building Blacks in Quantum, a network to connect other Black leaders in quantum science in order to make the opportunities he wished he had more available to Black scholars.

“Quantum science, and quantum computing needs Black people,” said Uchehara, a PhD student in the NSERC CREATE Program in Quantum Computing. “We will not be able to solve the world’s problems while seeing those problems from a limited perspective. Quantum computing needs Black perspectives.”

Uchehara is studying quantum machine learning at the University of British Columbia; he completed his Master’s in Electrical and Computer Engineering at McGill University. After McGill, he worked at Ballard on fuel cell systems.

“I realized that even though it was interesting work, it wasn’t for me,” said Uchehara. As luck would have it, he saw a post about the CREATE program from Lukas Chrostowski on LinkedIn: “It hit me: this is exactly what I had been looking for,” he said.

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December 2021

Robert raussendorf wins cap-crm prize in theoretical and mathematical physics

Robert Raussendorf has been awarded the 2021 CAP-CRM Prize in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics by the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) and the Centre de recherches mathematiques (CRM). This award recognizes Raussendorf’s “eminent contributions to the theory of quantum computing, including groundbreaking work on measurement-based or ‘one-way’ quantum computing, fault-tolerant quantum computing, and computationally universal quantum phases of matter.”

Raussendorf is a Professor in UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, and leads the Grand Challenge Pushing the boundaries of Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum (NISQ) computing by Focusing on Quantum Materials (QCGC) at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI). He is also a Supervisor of students in the NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing program.

Robert Raussendorf“I feel very honoured and delighted to receive the 2021 CAP-CRM prize in theoretical and mathematical physics,” said Raussendorf, pictured. “I also view it as a recognition of the fact that quantum computation needs fundamental research.”

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December 2021

Quantum machine learning workshop with gate-based quantum computing using IBM quantum, coming january 2022

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. See below for all the details.

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October 2021

teaching quantum computing to kids

A new video game designed to teach quantum computing to kids aged 11 and older launched this fall. The game, Quantum Navigator, is designed to provide a foundation, offering an introduction to key terms and concepts, such as superposition, so that kids can develop a basic understanding of the guiding principles of this emerging technology.

“The game introduces topics in quantum science that users have to learn in order to solve problems and advance through the levels,” said Ella Meyer, who recently took on the role of Project Manager, Quantum Computing Outreach and Education at the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (Blusson QMI) and UBC Geering Up. “We believe video games are an underrated tool for learning, and an accessible way to teach quantum computing to kids.”

One of the goals of Quantum Navigator, and the larger effort behind introducing quantum computing themes to children and young adults, is to “hide” the education.

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October 2021

Student Graduates with PhD in Quantum Computing

Khaled Kelany from the University of Victoria has just completed his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a focus in Quantum Annealing. 

Khaled came to UVic from Egypt in 2017 as a PhD student. He began working with Professor Nikitas Dimopoulos, and later jointly with Professor Baniasadi. For his PhD work, he focused on the computational problems required for processing Synthetic Aperture Radar images. He soon realized that quantum annealing, and in particular the D-Wave machines, could offer an attractive computational solution for such problems.

The main focus was to use quantum annealing to solve the phase unwrapping problem. However, current technology could not support the size of the problems he was working with. These problems had about one million variables, and the D-Wave machines had only two thousand qubits. Khaled’s solution was to partition the problem and solve it piecemeal on the D-Wave machines. He devised a method to remap the problem, making it solvable on both classical and quantum computers.

Through Mitacs, Mr. Kelany spent one year doing an internship at 1QBit where he further researched his problem. He recently defended his thesis and graduated.  Khaled received best paper award in last year’s IEEE Quantum Week, and is the first person at UVic to graduate in the field of quantum engineering.

When asked about why he feels quantum computing is important, Khaled said: “I believe quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize our approach to solve problems. Cybersecurity, drug development, financial modelling, artificial Intelligence, and many other fields can significantly benefit from quantum computing.”

Khaled chose to do research in quantum computing because quantum computation possesses unique properties, such as entanglement and superposition, that enable faster computations for certain algorithms. The challenge of designing efficient algorithms for quantum computers motivates many researchers to work in this area.

Khaled’s future plans include extending his research to include various applications that rely on phase unwrapping. He also hopes to benefit from the rapid increase in the number of qubits in the recent quantum annealers. He will be starting a new position with Huawei Canada in Vancouver.

September 2021

Roadmapping workshop connects BC quantum computing ecosystem

Quantum BC recently held a collaborative Roadmapping event, bringing together 75 students, faculty and industry leaders in quantum computing from across BC and beyond, to strengthen ecosystem connectivity and to share ideas on BC’s future quantum technology developments over the next ten years.

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August 2021

New UBC Quantum Club helping to make quantum computing education and training more accessible to young students

The UBC Quantum Club is welcoming students and professionals of all backgrounds who are interested to start learning about quantum computing to join the growing community. The club will host a range of activities this fall including workshops, seminars, industry nights and hackathons to provide members with high-quality learning and networking sessions to help deepen their interest in the quantum computing industry. Learn more and register to join below.

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July 2021

Tripartite Quantum Computing Seminar Series Launches With Scott Aaronson

The new Tripartite Quantum Computing Seminar Series, a partnership between the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University, and the University of British Columbia, hosted its first seminar with special guest Scott Aaronson from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Aaronson spoke on the topic of Shadow Tomography of Quantum States: Progress and Prospects. To catch up on the seminar, click on the link below.

WATCH HERE

July 2021

Two NSERC CREATE programs join forces with CMC Microsystems to offer a first-of-its-kind workshop on novel superconducting circuits

British Columbia’s NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Program and Quebec’s QSciTech Program partnered with CMC Microsystems to offer a first-of-its-kind workshop on the design, fabrication and testing of superconducting circuits similar to those used in quantum computing hardware.

The workshop, held from July 19–30, connected investigators and graduate students across Canada as they learned to use models to predict behaviour of superconducting devices and circuits, design those devices and circuits, translate them to a foundry-compatible process, and devise and execute low-temperature experiments for superconducting circuits and devices.

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July 2021

Olivia Di Matteo to join UBC as an Assistant Professor in Quantum Algorithms 

We are thrilled to announce that UBC will be welcoming Olivia Di Matteo as an Assistant Professor in Quantum Algorithms to the Electrical and Computing Engineering department in early 2022. Olivia will be joining UBC from Xanadu where she currently works as a Quantum Computing Educator and Researcher. She previously worked as a Quantum Information Science Associate at TRIUMF in Vancouver. Her research interests include quantum compilation, quantum tomography, quantum machine learning, and quantum software and algorithms.

June 2021

Quantum computing masterclass

Background

The Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing (DTQC) program is a K-12 capacity building initiative that works to break down barriers of entry into the quantum industry through workshops, high school courses, clubs, and summer camps. The program, led by Lukas Chrostowski, was developed because he saw the great potential in K-12 youth to learn about and develop interest in quantum computing. 

As part of the effort to bring more high school students into quantum computing, the program recently launched a Quantum Computing Masterclass. The 12-week long online course – split into two ‘levels’ – was open to students in grades 9-12+, with approximately 110 students registered, of which 55% identified as female or non-binary. The students emerged from the program with a stronger understanding of quantum computing principles, hands-on experience in coding quantum computers, connections to industry and academic mentors, and an awareness of further resources and university programs that would lead to a career in quantum computing.

Course Content

Throughout Level I and Level II of the masterclass, students learned about the fundamentals of quantum computing. By building a base understanding of how classical computers work (computing logic, gates, etc.), the instructors were able to introduce quantum analogs (quantum gates, circuits, and algorithms) more effectively. Students learned about key quantum mechanics principles such as superposition and entanglement, and worked through presentations, wrote code notebooks, and implemented algorithms on quantum simulators. Other topics covered included quantum mechanics, coding in python, quantum algorithms, quantum annealing, quantum computing hardware and quantum computing applications.

This Masterclass was the cumulative work of the DTQC team over the course of the last year. A high teacher-to-student ratio, paired with weekly “Office Hours” and guest symposiums ensured participants were provided with a level of guidance and mentorship needed to succeed in the course. The course was entirely run by graduate and undergraduate students, making it a very sustainable model for offering the course annually. The student staff developed their teaching skills while providing mentorship to students only several years younger than themselves. There were also guest speakers who came to discuss Quantum Computing research from industry and academic lenses. The course was carefully designed to incorporate active learning elements into an engaging curriculum, following best practices in curriculum development and educational pedagogy.

By the end of the masterclass, students were expected to present a final project in small groups. The  project requirements were split into three buckets: a piece on theory where the presenters demonstrated their understanding of the theory and mathematics behind their chosen quantum algorithm; a coding script where the students used IBM Qiskit and Python to implement and demonstrate their quantum algorithm; and a piece on quantum hardware, where students engaged in debate over the advantages and disadvantages of various popular quantum hardware techniques, identifying which one they felt was most promising.

Throughout the course, students demonstrated their understanding of the practical aspects of algorithms (eg Shor’s, Grover’s), and were able to select and define a problem that can be solved with a quantum computer (for the final project); they developed and evaluated a solution under the guidance of the instructors, and worked on their communication skills via coding and powerpoint presentations. “Quantum Fourier Transform”, “Quantum Key Distribution”, and “Energy of triplet and singlet states in Hydrogen” are examples of their final group projects. They demonstrated their ability to write code on a quantum computer, identify their preferred hardware, and go beyond the resources given to them.

This Masterclass was possible thanks to the hard work of: graduate curriculum planners Vedangi Pathak, Hanieh Aghaee Rad, and Niloofar Zarif; undergraduate student instructor staff Gabriel Botrill; graduate curriculum volunteer Joshua Fabian; under the management of Haris Amiri and curriculum development lead of Parham Pashaei. There were also a number of undergraduate student staff and volunteers who supported the cohorts of students throughout both levels of the course. 

Student Response

The goal of courses like this, and the Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing Program as a whole, is to raise awareness, break down barriers of entry, and equip youth with the skills and ability to pursue STEM. The post-course feedback indicates that the program is on the right track in tackling these grand challenges. All students who participated in the anonymous survey reported that they were more confident in their understanding of quantum computing after having taken the masterclass. All students who provided feedback reported that they agreed or strongly agreed that they “have a better understanding of quantum circuits, gates, algorithms, and how they can be applied”, and a vast majority reported feeling more confident in pursuing a professional career in engineering, physics, computer science and mathematics. While there may have been initial concerns around bringing complex quantum concepts to the high school level, the DTQC team was pleasantly surprised and impressed at how the students were able to grasp concepts and ask insightful questions throughout the course. One grade 11 female participant had this to say about the masterclass: 

“I would like to thank the instructors for taking the time to host this masterclass. I really enjoyed learning about quantum computing, and I thought the masterclass was well organized and well taught. This masterclass helped me realize that I want to pursue a STEM field in university. Thank you for helping me find my passion.”

Future plans for the course

The next step for the course is to make it more accessible and inclusive in future iterations. An approach the program is looking into is accreditation. By accrediting a course on quantum computing, high school students from across British Columbia – and hopefully Canada – will be able to learn about this field in a manner that is integrated into their high school education. Extracurriculars are not always available to all demographics, but by offering a credit towards graduation, the course can be inclusive to more youth, regardless of location or income. This type of training will contribute to the long term growth of quantum technology in Canada by introducing youth to quantum computing principles at an early stage. 

Collaboration

To continue to build on the momentum created by this masterclass, and to respond to the 2021 federal budget investment of $360 million over the next seven years for a National Quantum Strategy, we invite any companies or organizations who would like to collaborate or learn more to please contact [email protected] or [email protected].

Parents, Students and Educators

Parents, students and educators who would like to learn more about the program, collaborate, or sign up for future events are encouraged to contact [email protected]. Geering Up is offering a wide array of online and in-person camps for K-12 youth, including online quantum computing summer camps for youth in grades 5-12! To sign up for Geering Up camps, please visit 

https://geeringup.apsc.ubc.ca/camps/general-information/online-camps/ .

 

May 2021

quantum computing ecosystem summer events 

An online event on May 7 brought together faculty, industry and students in quantum computing. The event, titled “QC-BC Quantum Ecosystem Summer Events” was a collaboration between Quantum BC’s CREATE program, and a CREATE program in Quebec called QSciTech. These two programs already worked together this past January when they offered the Gate-Based Quantum Computing Using IBM Q Workshop with CMC.

The purpose of the event was to promote quantum computing activities coming up this summer and for the next 12 months. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 2021:

  • May 11-June 25: UVIC CSC 586A Quantum Algorithms & Software Engineering
  • May 11-Aug 10: SFU CMPT 409 Intro to Quantum Computing (S. Pearce) – FULL
  • June 6 (one day): Canadian Association of Physicists – Teacher’s Workshop in QC
  • July 5 – July 9: QSCITECH SUMMER SCHOOL
  • July 19-30: SUPERCONDUCTING WORKSHOP
  • August 2-13: CORNERSTONE ONLINE SUMMER SCHOOL
  • September 2: QUANTUM COMPUTING ROADMAPPING VIRTUAL WORKSHOP
  • Summer 2021: DIVERSIFYING TALENT IN QUANTUM COMPUTING
  • September 2021: UBC EECE 571S – Introduction to QC (Joe Salfi)
  • September 2021:    UdeS GEI 825 – QC with Qiskit on IBMQ (Yves Bérubé-Lauzière)
  • September 2021:    UdeS PHQ 637/737 – Quantum Information&QC (Alexandre Blais)

To keep up to date on upcoming activities, please sign up for the Quantum BC mailing list.

A full recording of the event can be viewed below.

WATCH HERE

April 2021

 New Quantum Computing Internship Program launches 

Vancouver, BC – The NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) Quantum Computing Program and Mitacs are pleased to announce a partnership to assist in training the next generation of graduate students who will power Canada’s growing quantum computing sector. The international race to build quantum computers has attracted $20 billion in R&D investment worldwide and the National Research Council of Canada predicts that by 2030, the Canadian quantum computing sector could generate revenues of $4.1 billion to $8.2 billion per year, and support 8,000 to 16,000 jobs. The 2021 federal budget announced an investment of $360 million over the next seven years for a National Quantum Strategy. The partnership announced today supports this growth by providing over 100 students with industrial internships at quantum computing companies over the next seven years. 

The need for more trained people in quantum computing is undeniable. Quantum software and hardware experts with post-graduate degrees are in high demand for R&D staff by our Canadian industry partners, as well as international companies with R&D centers in Canada and firms located abroad. 

Sustaining a strong quantum computing ecosystem in British Columbia and Canada is why the University of British Columbia (UBC), The University of Victoria (UVic) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) have initiated an industrial stream NSERC CREATE program designed to provide specialized training in quantum computing. 

The partnership with Mitacs announced today will streamline the Mitacs internship application process for graduate students at the three partner universities. This will provide students with highly relevant, hands-on work experience with some of the world’s leading quantum computing companies and ensure that businesses have access to the talent they need to make it in a competitive global marketplace and that graduates have the skills they need to succeed in the job market.  

“Quantum technology is at the cutting edge of innovation. Mitacs has proudly supported the development of this sector in Canada for years. We look forward to continuing that important work, including through the new Quantum Computing Internship Program we’re announcing today. By providing practical experience to students that reflects the needs of the industry, we will be able to ensure that Canada has the talent and the expertise it needs to remain competitive in this growing sector.” -John Hepburn, CEO and Scientific Director of Mitacs

About the NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Program: 

  • • The NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Program launched in June 2020 and accepted its first cohort of students in September 2020. It offers training to graduate students in quantum computing hardware and software. 
  • • The CREATE Quantum Computing Program unites faculty from the University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of Victoria (UVic) and is housed under the Quantum BC umbrella including both academia and industry in the quantum computing field in BC. 

About Mitacs: 

  • • Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from academic institutions. 
  • • Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada along with the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon. 

April 2021

UBC assistant professor secures funding to partner with D-WAVE SYSTEMS

UBC Assistant Professor Joe Salfi and D-Wave Systems have secured a joint NSERC Alliance grant for the project, “Quantum Devices to Improve the Scalability of Commercial Annealing Quantum Computers.

April 2021

nserc create quantum computing scholar awarded killam graduate teaching assistant award

Quantum computing education has become Parham Pashaei’s niche, and his work toward developing as a teacher and his commitment to improving the learning experience and outcomes for students in Applied Science courses has earned him a Killam Graduate Teaching Assistant award. The award is given each year to just a few graduate students who have made outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at UBC, particularly those who are to solve teaching challenges or initiate new principles to improve the learning environment for UBC students.

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April 2021

Women in science: equity, diversity and inclusion panel

Panelists:

Dr. Aline Ramirez (Ambizione Fellow, Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland)

Dr. Olivia New (Chief Academic Leader, STEM ACES)

Dr. Sarah Burke (Principal Investigator, Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, UBC)

Dr. Mona Berciu ( Principal Investigator, Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute, UBC)

Organizer/Moderator: Natalia Bussard, Manager of Programs and Careers, SBQMI  

To say that we have made great progress in welcoming and including women in sciences would be true, but to say that we have a long way to go would be equally true. At a recent event prepared and moderated by Natalia Bussard, Manager, Programs and Careers at SBQMI entitled “Women in Science – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Panel”, three physicists and one chemist were featured. The questions tackled inequity for women in science, and lack of opportunities and gender imbalance in their chosen fields. The consensus was that despite all the progress that has been made, there is a long way to go.

Barriers that women in science face can add up over time and create limitations for women, both physically and mentally. Because the challenges are systemic and hard to see for everyone- they can be subtle micro-aggressions or putdowns – they may be hard to identify and eliminate. When these challenges happen early on in a woman’s career, they can be even more detrimental. We see this in the phenomenon of women leaving the sciences in large numbers before reaching the top of their field. What is important to look at is not so much the fact that women are leaving academic sciences, but to look at why.

One question asked during the panel was what men can do to support women’s voices and increase their presence and longevity in their field. As panelists expressed, one thing that men can do is to emphasize the points made by women in meetings and discussions, as often a woman’s ideas or input are brushed aside in favour of a male voice. In any situation, we all can take responsibility when we see an opportunity to educate. Moreover, the concept of implicit bias can be discussed in all courses and environments, as it is always there and can be made more transparent through education. And while conversations around gender inequality in science are now being welcomed, taking things from discussion to action is still mostly absent.

While increased representation for women in all science fields is key, the importance of having mentors and allies was also highlighted. Women need other women, as role models, and also men, to help create environments where women are safe, welcomed, and where their ideas and approaches are incorporated into a new way of doing things. The panelists encouraged women to align themselves with people in the field whom they want to learn from, and that they must be proactive in making these connections.

In order to encourage more women involved in science, training needs to start early. The Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing Program is one such program that encourages kids, starting as young as kindergarten, to get involved with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), with a focus on educating girls and other underrepresented groups. With curriculum targeting K-12 students, and specialized programs for girls, this is one way to start creating actual changes in the science fields in terms of representation, ultimately changing the culture to be more inclusive. At the university level, the NSERC funded Quantum Computing CREATE Program has Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) as a key element to its program. The application process asks students if they identify in an underrepresented group, and all students are asked to participate in outreach in order to help level the playing field in science. In addition to mandatory EDI training for all students in the program, there is a mentorship program for all the female graduate students to be matched up with women in industry and academia to provide support and guidance.

Sometimes those who need to hear this message are not the ones who are coming to these types of events. Hopefully over time more of these events will happen, bringing in a wider audience. Over time, the ideas will start to permeate the mainstream and a true cultural shift can take place, one where all scientists can feel welcomed and valued and respected.

April 2021

Canadian quantum computing gets boost through unique training opportunity

Graduate students from across Canada enjoyed a unique opportunity to use the IBM Q Hub, one of the world’s most powerful quantum computing platforms. Held online over three weeks, this training workshop came to light through NSERC CREATE programs QC CREATE and QSciTech, who joined forces to deliver a one-of-a-kind workshop for students to learn how to use the IBM Q Hub for concrete, real-world applications.

Recall that in the summer of 2020,  Institut quantique (IQ) at Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) joined the IBM Quantum Network as an IBM Q Hub, the first in Canada. CMC Microsystems partnered with IQ to join the Hub, providing access to the platform for leading researchers through Canada’s National Design Network® (CNDN). IBM Q Hub members gain exclusive cloud-based access to IBM’s most advanced quantum computing systems and software, including a 53-qubit system, currently the largest universal one available in the industry. 

Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems beyond the capabilities of conventional supercomputers, and could revolutionize the advancement of several fields, including biochemistry, finance, logistics, and artificial intelligence. In addition to developing prototype code, workshop participants dove into real-world chemistry modelization by simulating the quantum states and Hamiltonian of the hydrogen (H2) molecule. This exercise gave the participants the building blocks necessary to eventually tackle complex quantum chemistry problems with envisioned applications in the fields of renewable energies, material design, pharmacology, and much more.    

Organizations from across Canada deliver training on the IBM Q Hub, one of the world’s most powerful quantum platforms

One member of the organizing committee reflected that “this workshop was not only a success for the students, it demonstrated the commitment and strength of the relationship between British Columbia and Quebec to jointly push Canadian quantum computing expertise. In time, our bonds, drawn together by our common interest in quantum, will bring the two coasts even closer together, furthering our education and R&D initiatives.”

The quantum computing industry is poised for explosive growth with practically endless industrial applications. It takes a very special skillset to develop and program the algorithms to use quantum platforms to their full potential, and developing highly qualified personnel can give Canada a competitive advantage in the quantum ecosystem. “This is another great example of CMC giving researchers the tools and expertise to bring their research vision to light and helping train and develop Canadian talent to excel at the highest level” said Gordon Harling, President and CEO of CMC Microsystems.

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March 2021

University of Victoria’s HighTechQ initiative offers high school students workshops on quantum computing

HighTechQ is part of HighTechU, an innovative learning community & skills incubator for high-school-aged youth to make connections, build professional skills, and explore diverse education and career pathways related to technology. HighTechQ conduct workshops for high-school students to learn quantum computing in a fun and engaging way.

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January 2021

Quantum Bits podcast available now

Quantum Bits podcast provides bi-weekly episodes on various topics of quantum computing for public enthusiasts. In each episode, our guests from the quantum computing industry and academia keep us educated and updated by sharing their perspectives, ideas, and experiences.

LISTEN HERE

November 2020

INDUSTRY AND ACADEMIA CONNECT FOR QUANTUM COMPUTING

University of Victoria’s Hausi Müller has worked tirelessly to create and orchestrate the most extensive, high-profile international conference believed ever to have been held on quantum computing. The first IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering took place in October with 850 industry leaders, researchers, educators and enthusiasts from around the globe. The conference helped bring together top leaders from both industry and academia.

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October 2020

quantum industry canada launched

A consortium of 24 Canadian quantum technology companies, including BC-based 1QBit and D-Wave, collaborate and coordinate to communicate Canada’s quantum readiness to ensure Canada remains a global leader in this new emerging field.

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October 2020

Sfu Physics professor recognized as top 40 under 40 in canada

Stephanie Simmons’ quest to build the world’s first large-scale universal quantum computer is gaining attention. Simmons already has two Physics World ‘Top Ten Breakthroughs of the Year’ and numerous patents under her belt. Now she is included in Caldwell Partners’ Top 40 Under 40 list of outstanding Canadian leaders and innovators who have made significant impacts in their fields before the age of 40. “The rules of quantum mechanics are so different and so exciting,” says Simmons. “The exponential computational capacity of quantum computers opens up a whole new world.”

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October 2020

IEEE QUANTUM WEEK BEST PAPER AWARD

A Best Paper Award in the Quantum Education Track was awarded to the Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing team at the University of British Columbia. The award was presented to Parham Pashaei, Haris Amiri, Raphael Haenel, Pedro Lopez and Lukas Chrostowski. The paper, titled Educational Resources for Promoting Talent in Quantum Computing was presented at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering (QCE20) held October 12-16, 2020. The paper compiles a number of publicly available resources, tested in real classes, for integrating Quantum Computing to the education of the K-12 age groups.

 

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August 2020

quantum computing and machine learning for science and technology summer school – postponed to summer 2021

The  TRIUMF Summer Institute (TSI 2020) on Quantum Computing and Machine Learning for Science and Technology was to be held at TRIUMF in Vancouver, BC, Canada from August 3rd to August 14th 2020. The school is organized by TRIUMF, Germany’s Helmholtz Association, Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Victoria.The school is aimed at equipping graduate students in quantitative disciplines with applicable skills in machine learning and introducing them to the possibilities in quantum computing and quantum machine learning. The school is postponed to Summer 2021 due to the Covid-19.

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August 2020

QUANTUM COMPUTING TRAINING SERIES CONNECTED INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES WITH CANADIAN EXPERTISE

Last week, Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI) joined partners at TRIUMF, the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, the Helmholtz Institute Mainz (Germany) in celebrating the successful conclusion the Cornerstone Models for Quantum Computing series. The series, which comprised eight lectures and tutorials over four weeks, attracted international participation and engaged audiences from across North America, Europe and Asia.

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June 2020

Thank you to all the participants, judges and sponsors at our first virtual poster session and student competition on Quantum Computing

On 25 June 2020, speakers from industry and academia across the world presented on various quantum computing topics. Thank you to everyone who participated and, congratulations to the three student poster winners – Xiruo Yan (1st), Bryan Dury (2nd) and Adan Azem (3rd).

Finally, thank you to the judges, Gordon Harling (CMC Microsystems), Shunji Matsuura (1QBit) and Olivia Di Matteo (TRIUMF), and to the prize sponsors CMC Microsystems and the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute (SBQMI).

WATCH HERE

June 2020

Quantum BC, TRIUMF and Helmholtz Institut jointly present an online lecture and tutorial series during July to August 2020

The ‘Cornerstone Models of Quantum Computing’ series covers introductory lectures and hands-on tutorials in four key models of Quantum Computing including gate-model quantum computing, quantum annealing, measurement-based quantum computing and continuous-variable quantum computing.

REGISTER HERE

May 2020

A NEW QUANTUM SENSOR BASED ON ULTRACOLD ATOMS

Developed by a UBC-BCIT collaboration (Kirk Madison, Roman Krems and Jim Booth), the self-defining particle pressure sensor provides the first primary and quantum definition of the Pascal. This represents a fundamental advance for vacuum and pressure metrology.

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March 2020

New NSERC CREATE Quantum Computing Training Program to be Offered by UBC, UVic, and SFU with Leading Industry Experts Rigetti Computing, IBM, D-Wave, 1QBit and More

Students will be trained in building and programming quantum computers to create quantum algorithms, systems and applications supported by industry professionals from Rigetti Computing, Microsoft, IBM, 1QBit, Xanadu, D-Wave, Google and the German Aerospace Center.

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March 2020

UBC and the University of Washington Establish Collaborative Research Partnership on Quantum Computing

Faculty at UBC and the University of Washington combine efforts to deliver workshops on quantum computing and foster greater research collaboration through the UW-UBC Collaborative Research Mobility grant.

March 2020

University of Victoria Looking to Appoint a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Quantum Computing and Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor. Areas of interest include, quantum algorithms, quantum complexity, quantum information theory, quantum programming languages, quantum software engineering, applications of quantum computing to optimization and machine learning, and hybrid quantum/classical computing.

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March 2020

New Course on Quantum Computation with Photons Offered by Robert Raussendorf and Jeff Young at UBC

The new course was introduced in Spring 2020.

January 2020

Success at Digital Supercluster Capacity Building Program With Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing Project

Led by UBC (Lukas Chrostowski), D-Wave and UBC Geering Up Engineering Outreach, this project will work to ensure that young people, including girls and indigenous people. are aware of career opportunities in the quantum computing field.

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December 2019

SFU Looking to Appoint a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Quantum Computing

The School of Computing Science invites applications for an Assistant/Associate professor post. Areas of interest include quantum algorithms, quantum-safe cryptography, systems software for quantum computers, quantum AI, and theoretical foundations of quantum computing.

December 2019

Joe Salfi offers new graduate course on Introduction to Quantum Computing at UBC

In January 2020, this introductory course will teach students in physics, electrical engineering and computer science about the fundamental aspects of quantum computers.

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December 2019

Funding Renewed for the Quantum Computing Research Cluster for 2020/2021

UBC’s Quantum Computing Research Cluster receives further funding through the UBC Research Excellence Clusters initiative in 2020/2021.

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December 2019

UBC Hosts Germany-Canada Workshop on Quantum Computing Applications in Advanced Manufacturing

German Aerospace Center (DLR) attends UBC workshop on quantum computing applications in advanced manufacturing.

November 2019

World-Renowned Quantum Computing Experts (Penrose, Rosenbaum, Raussendorf) Speaks at UBC Conference, Quantum Information: Quo Vadis?

Led by UBC’s Philip Stamp, this conference brings experimental, theoretical and industrial communities across the Pacific North American coast to reflect on current and future progress in this field attracting prestigious quantum experts including Roger Penrose, Robert Raussendorf and Thomas Rosenbaum.

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October 2019

BC Provincial Government Invests $17M to Establish New Quantum Algorithms Institute

The new institute, hosted at SFU Surrey campus, will partner with universities across the region (UBC, SFU, UVic) to help position BC as a world leader in building quantum computing software and algorithms.

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September 2019

UBC Professor Lukas Chrostowski Newly Elected to Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

Lukas Chrostowski, an electrical and computer engineering professor, has been named as a new member of the Royal Society of Canada for “his leadership in research and education in the design of silicon photonic devices and systems for applications in optical communications and biosensors”.

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August 2019

Joe Salfi Awarded $125K in Research Funding Through the John R Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

UBC Assistant Professor, Joe Salfi, is the recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation JELF grant for his project: ‘Ultra-low Temperature Facility for Quantum Simulators and Quantum Computers in Silicon’.

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July 2019

SFU’s Stephanie Simmons Appointed New CIFAR Fellow in Quantum Information Science

CIFAR fellows are exceptional researchers who are internationally respected for advances in their field.

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May 2019

Strong attendance at TRIUMF’s Introduction to Quantum Computing & Quantum Annealing Workshop

TRIUMF’s Quantum Information Science Associate, Olivia di Matteo, delivers introductory lecture series on gate model quantum computing, quantum annealing and applications.

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March 2019

UBC Professors Collaborate with University of Waterloo and University of Sherbrooke on Two Joint CFREF Quantum Research Projects

The two research projects are:

  1. Industrially relevant spin-3/2 hybrid quantum devices (Joe Salfi (UBC), Eva Dupont-Ferrier (IQ), Michel Pioro-Ladrière (IQ))
  2. Quantum computational resources in the presence of symmetry (David Poulin (IQ), Robert Raussendorf (UBC), Joseph Emerson (TQT)).
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February 2019

Gate-Based Quantum Computer Applications Workshop Draws Strong Attendance With Leading Industry Instructors From 1QBit and Rigetti Computing at UBC

This workshop provides participants with the opportunity to learn how to use NISQ computers such as the Rigetti machine and to advance knowledge in software and algorithms for use in both NISQ and universal quantum computers.

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January 2019

UBC Welcomes Experimental Quantum Physicist, Joe Salfi, as an Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Joe Salfi joins UBC from the Centre for Quantum Computation and Communication Technology (CQC2T) in Sydney, Australia. His research focuses on the investigation, realization and assembly of the building blocks for quantum information systems.

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December 2018

Prashant Nair Joins UBC as an Assistant Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering Specializing in Computer Systems and Quantum Computing

Prashant Nair joins from IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center in New York. His research interests include the reliability, security, and performance-power efficient memory systems and optimization of systems and architectures to enable efficient and practical quantum computers.

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December 2018

First Industry Consortium (SiEPICfab: the Canadian Silicon Photonics Foundry) established between UBC, Laval University, McGill University and Industry Partners

Instigated by Lukas Chrostowski, the consortium is an extension of the NSERC CREATE SiEPIC research training program. SiEPICfab’s goal is to fabricate and demonstrate novel photonic devices and functions for emerging applications including quantum computing.

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November 2018

Success at SBQMI’s Grand Challenges Call With “Pushing the Boundaries of Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum Computing by Focusing on Quantum Materials Problems'” Project

Led by Robert Raussendorf and colleagues from SBQMI, UBC and the University of Tel Aviv, the project aims to address the question: what can be done with the small-scale quantum computers available now or in the near future?

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October 2017

SFU-UBC Awarded $19M from the CFI Innovation Fund for “The Silicon Quantum Leap: Tools for Building a Universal Quantum Computer” Project

This project led by SFU Progessor Mike Thewalt and a team including Stephanie Simmons and UBC collaborators Jeff Young and Lukas Chrostowski aims to build a scalable universal quantum computer based on silicon qubits.

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September 2017

Sarah Burke Receives $800K Through the John R Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

UBC Assistant Professor, Sarah Burke, is the recipient of the Canadian Foundation for Innovation JELF grant for her project “Tool for Multimodal Measurements of Quantum Materials: Scanning Probe Microscopy and Angle Resolved Photoemission”.

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September 2016

UBC Professor, Roman Krems, Elected New Member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars and Scientists

Roman Krems has been named as a new member of the Royal Society of Canada through his research on developing numerical tools for calculating the collision properties of molecules in electromagnetic fields.

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February 2016

Renewed Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Nanoscience for Sarah Burke at UBC

Sarah Burke retains Canada Research Chair for another 5 years for research excellence in nanoscience.

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October 2015

SFU Welcomes Stephanie Simmons as an Assistant Professor and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Quantum Nanoelectronics

Stephanie joins SFU from the Center for Quantum Computation and Communication Technologies (CQC2T) in Sydney, Australia. Her research focuses on buildings silicon-based quantum technologies and she previously collaborated with SFU’s Mike Thewalt on the longest coherence time for a qubit at room temperature.

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November 2013

SFU Break World Record for the Longest-Lived Qubit at Room Temperature at 39 Minutes

Mike Thewalt and SFU colleagues shatter previous record of seconds with the breakthrough named as one of the top 10 in 2013 by Physics World.

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October 2013

UBC welcomes Assistant Professor Sudip Shekhar to Electrical and Computer Engineering

Sudip previously worked as a Senior Research Scientist at Intel Corporation. His research interests include integrated circuits and systems for high-speed wireline signalling links, silicon photonics links, radio-frequency transceivers and low power sensing and computer interfaces.

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June 2012

UBC Professor Lukas Chrostowski Secures NSERC CREATE funding for Silicon Electronic-Photonic Integrated Circuits (Si-EPIC) Training Program

The Si-EPIC program, led by Program Director Lukas Chrostowski and researchers from 5 Canadian Universities, will train students nationwide in the information and communication technology systems that involves miniaturization of optical components onto silicon chips.

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December 2010

UBC’s Sarah Burke Appointed Canada Research Chair Tier 2 in Nanoscience

Sarah Burke recognized for research excellence in nanoscience.

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February 2010

UBC’s Joshua Folk Awarded 2010 Sloan Research Fellowship in Physics

The two-year fellowships are awarded in recognition of outstanding early-career faculty.

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