CRQIT

Centre for Responsible Quantum Innovation and Technology

Inspiring Progress with Purpose 

WHAT

ABOUT CRQIT

Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize industries, transform economies, and reshape society in profound ways. With this transformative power comes ethical and social responsibilities. Advancements in quantum technology must be guided by principles of ethics, inclusion, and sustainability to mitigate potential harms and promote societal well-being. The Centre for Responsible Quantum Innovation and Technology (CRQIT) is dedicated to fostering a culture of responsible innovation across the quantum ecosystem in Canada and the world. CRQIT is the only national organization of its kind in Canada focused specifically on the responsible development of quantum technologies.

WHY

OUR OBJECTIVES

  • Promoting and upholding ethical responsibility, transparency, integrity, and accountability across all aspects of quantum innovation—including the development, communication, and application of quantum technologies—while maintaining public trust.

  • Promoting fairness, representation, and equitable access within the quantum ecosystem, including diversity and inclusion initiatives.

  • Advancing quantum innovation while minimizing environmental impact.

  • Strengthening quantum research and responsible innovation through cross-sector partnerships and knowledge-sharing.

  • Making quantum knowledge accessible to all and fostering informed engagement through tools like company guidelines and workforce training.

WHO

OUR COMMUNITY

A thoughtful and responsible approach to quantum innovation benefits all Canadians. Building a responsible quantum ecosystem requires engagement not only from quantum experts, but also from diverse participants across sectors—social scientists, ethicists, lawyers, policymakers, industry leaders, environmental experts, educators, science communicators, EDI experts, and the general public. CRQIT was co-founded by partners across Canada to establish a unified national voice for responsible quantum innovation:

Canada’s quantum hubs are also actively engaging and collaborating with CRQIT to embed responsibility, equity, and sustainability across research, commercialization, and policy.

Join us in shaping the future of responsible quantum innovation! Get in touch: crqit@qai.ca.

CRQIT LAUNCH at IQT Vancouver (June 6, 2024)

CRQIT LAUNCH at IQT Vancouver (June 6, 2024)

HOW

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Panel: Building a Responsible Quantum Ecosystem in Canada 

📅 April 14, 2025 | 🌍 Toronto, Ontario & Virtual (Hybrid)
To celebrate World Quantum Day, CRQIT, in partnership with the Ethics in Physics Group at Perimeter Institute, hosted a panel featuring representatives from Canada’s major quantum hubs. The discussion focused on the ethical dimensions of quantum technology and its potential global impact.

International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Opening Ceremonies (UNESCO Headquarters)

📅 February 4-5, 2025 | 🌍 UNESCO Headquarters Paris, France
Dr. Shohini Ghose represented CRQIT and spoke at the official launch of the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). She participated in a panel discussing the societal and ethical impact of quantum technologies.

Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) EDI Symposium: Quantum Case Study

📅 November 20, 2024 | 🌍 Ottawa, Canada
CRQIT participated in a panel discussing ethics, sustainability, and EDI in quantum technologies at the Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC).

Quantum Advisory Council Engagement

📅 July 2024 | 🌍 Canada
CRQIT provided recommendations to the Quantum Advisory Council, which offers impartial advice to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and monitors the progress of the National Quantum Strategy.

Women in Quantum Interviews

This ongoing project features interviews highlighting women's contributions to the quantum ecosystem in Canada.

Free Quantum Science Resources

As part of its partnership with CRQIT, Perimeter Institute has curated a rich collection of free educational resources to bring quantum science to life. Designed for students and educators through Perimeter’s acclaimed education outreach program, these materials include interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and engaging videos. Explore the resources here and help inspire the next generation of quantum thinkers.

International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Opening Ceremonies (UNESCO Headquarters)
International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Opening Ceremonies (UNESCO Headquarters)
International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Opening Ceremonies (UNESCO Headquarters)
International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Opening Ceremonies (UNESCO Headquarters)
International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Opening Ceremonies (UNESCO Headquarters)
World Quantum Day Panel: Building a Responsible Quantum Ecosystem in Canada

ALL ACTIVITIES

  • AIMS Quantum Hackothon (Quantathon) | 📅 July 10, 2025 | 🌍 Ghana, Accrad
    Maïté Dupuis represented CRQIT at the AIMS Quantum Hackothon (Quantathon) in Ghana, part of the AIMS QTEdu Global Event. Maïté participated in a panel on “Leveraging Quantum Technologies and AI to Transform Industry: Opportunities, Digital Gap, and Ethics”.

    AI for Good Global Summit | 📅 July 8-11, 2025 | 🌍 Geneva, Switzerland
    Dr. Shohini Ghose spoke in a track titled Quantum for Good: Industry leadership, innovation and real-world impact, shining a spotlight on how quantum technologies can deliver real-world impact, ensuring everyone can participate in and benefit from the second quantum revolution.

    GITEX Europe 2025 | 📅 May 21-23, 2025 | 🌍 Berlin, Germany
    CRQIT’s Dr. Shohini Ghose and engaged in two thought-provoking sessions exploring the critical intersection of quantum technology, ethics, and equitable access, including Fireside Chat: Quantum Access, the Divide, and Innovating Responsibly, and Panel Discussion: Quantum: Hype, Reality, and Who Gets Left Behind.

    Panel: Building a Responsible Quantum Ecosystem in Canada | 📅 April 14, 2025 | 🌍 Toronto, Ontario & Virtual (Hybrid)
    To celebrate World Quantum Day, CRQIT, in partnership with the Ethics in Physics Group at Perimeter Institute, hosted a panel featuring representatives from Canada’s major quantum hubs. The discussion focused on the ethical dimensions of quantum technology and its potential global impact.

    Emerging Technologies Panel: International Science Council | 📅 January 28, 2025 | 🌍 Oman (Virtual)
    CRQIT participated in a panel about emerging technologies at the ISC General Assembly, a global gathering of 250 scientific unions, academies, and research organizations.

    International Year of Quantum (IYQ) Opening Ceremonies (UNESCO Headquarters) | 📅 February 4-5, 2025 | 🌍 UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
    Dr. Shohini Ghose represented CRQIT and spoke at the official launch of the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). She participated in a panel discussing the societal and ethical impact of quantum technologies.

  • Canadian Science Policy Centre (CSPC) EDI Symposium: Quantum Case Study | 📅 November 20, 2024 | 🌍 Ottawa, Canada
    CRQIT participated in a panel discussing ethics, sustainability, and EDI in quantum technologies at the Canadian Science Policy Conference (CSPC).

    Media Article: Quantum Security & Ethics | 📅 November 7, 2024
    CRQIT’s Dr. Shohini Ghose contributed to an article discussing preparedness for Q Day and the ethical implications of quantum computing.

    IBM TechXchange Presentation | 📅 October 21-24, 2024 | 🌍 Las Vegas, USA
    CRQIT presented at IBM's TechXchange conference on responsible quantum innovation and ethical practices, a key industry forum with over 5,000 attendees.

    IEEE 2024 Panel Discussion📅 September 17, 2024 | 🌍 Montréal, Canada
    CRQIT organized a panel exploring strategic initiatives, collaboration opportunities, and technological advancements to establish Canada's leadership in quantum computing and ethics.

    UNESCO Quantum Ethics Presentation | 📅 September 16, 2024 | 🌍 Paris, France (Hybrid)
    CRQIT presented at UNESCO's High-Level Panel on the Ethics of Quantum Computing, addressing ethical considerations in quantum technology.

    Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Panel Discussion | 📅 September 10, 2024 | 🌍 Washington, DC, USA
    CRQIT participated in a panel on global cyber capacity building and the role of quantum technologies at the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE) Annual Meeting.

    Inside Quantum Technology (IQT) Panel & Official CRQIT Launch | 📅 June 6, 2024 | 🌍 Vancouver, Canada
    CRQIT was officially launched during a panel discussion at the Inside Quantum Technology (IQT) event, convening industry leaders to discuss advancements and ethical considerations in quantum technology. Additionally, CRQIT unveiled its official webpage, serving as a hub for information on responsible quantum innovation and technology.

    Signatory of the Women in Quantum Manifesto | 📅 May 24, 2024
    CRQIT’s Dr. Shohini Ghose endorsed the Women for Quantum -- Manifesto of Values, promoting diversity and inclusion in quantum science.

    National Research Council (NRC) Presentation | 📅 February 16, 2024 | 🌍 Virtual
    CRQIT presented insights on the CCA report Quantum Potential, focusing on the responsible adoption of quantum technologies.

  • Quantum World Congress: Quantum & Sustainability Workshop | 📅 September 9, 2023 | 🌍 Washington, DC, USA
    CRQIT participated in a workshop on quantum and sustainability, focusing on integrating sustainable practices in quantum technology development.

    Quantum Advisory Council Engagement | 📅 July 2024 | 🌍 Canada
    CRQIT provided recommendations to the Quantum Advisory Council, which offers impartial advice to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and monitors the progress of the National Quantum Strategy.

  • 📌 Quantum Dialogues Project: CRQIT is collaborating on the Quantum Dialogues Research Project at Université de Sherbrooke, exploring the societal impacts of quantum technologies as a potential mitigation strategy for unintended consequences.

    📌 UNESCO COMEST Consultation: CRQIT is engaging in consultations with UNESCO’s World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST) to develop ethical frameworks for emerging technologies.

    📌 Women in Quantum Interviews: This project features interviews highlighting women's contributions to the quantum ecosystem in Canada.

LOOKING AHEAD

OUR VISION FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS

  1. Canada as a global leader in responsible quantum innovation.

  2. An increasing number of success stories of quantum solutions leading to significant progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  3. A diverse and inclusive growing community of quantum professionals and students.

  4. Establishment of effective and adaptive frameworks and guardrails that balance innovation with risk management, compliance, and societal interests.

  5. Increased public trust and engagement with quantum technologies.

Responsible adoption of quantum technologies is the key to building a health Canadian quantum ecosystem. A thoughtful, strategic approach developed now will yield dividends in the future.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

KEY GLOBAL RESPONSIBLE QUANTUM LEADERS

Key organizations around the world working at the intersection of quantum innovation and responsible development include:

SELECTED RESPONSIBLE QUANTUM PUBLICATIONS

  1. Council of Canadian Academies Report (2023). Quantum Potential: Expert Panel on the Responsible Adoption of Quantum Technologies.

  2. Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Report (2021). A Quantum Revolution: Global Policies for Quantum Technology.

  3. Ten Holter, C., Inglesant, P., Pijselman, M., & Jirotka, M. (2024). Towards responsible quantum computing. EY & RTIUK.

  4. AWO Report (2024) Quantum Computing and the Global South. Research Group on the Law and Governance of Quantum Technologies, University of Amsterdam.

  5. World Economic Forum Reports (2024) Quantum for Society: Meeting the Ambition of the SDGs; (2022) Quantum Computing Governance Principles.

OUR PARTNERS

To get involved, contact us.