World-first report on quantum patents and the market for quantum technologies presents a comprehensive view of the fast-changing quantum sector.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 21, 2026 –- Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI), a non-profit organization with a mandate to support the growth of quantum jobs, companies and customers in British Columbia, today announced a new report analyzing patent filings for quantum technologies and companies in the global quantum supply chain.
The report – Quantum Technologies 2026: IP and Market Intelligence – combines patent and market research from the Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) with market insights from QAI and provides a global picture of patents and the corporate supply chain for quantum technologies.
Quantum is widely recognized as a sovereign technology by countries around the world –including Canada. Commercialization of quantum is advancing at a pace that is unprecedented in advanced technology sectors.
"Quantum markets are so new and complex and that it can be difficult to grasp the implications of the rapid technical and business developments being announced every week", said Louise Turner, CEO of QAI, "In a world first, Quantum Technologies 2026: IP and Market Intelligence provides a comprehensive picture of international patent protections for quantum technologies and maps corporate players across the supply chains for quantum sensors, networking and communications, computing and software. This analysis provides vital context for businesses and policy makers building commercial and sovereign quantum strategies."
Protection of intellectual property is a key factor to secure value from commercialization of advanced technologies. Mike McLean, CEO of IAC explains "Canada is home to some of the world's most advanced quantum research and companies, yet we hold less than 2% of global quantum patents. That disconnect reflects a number of challenges, and IP strategy is one of them. With a global quantum market projected to reach nearly US$100 billion by 2035, the stakes couldn't be higher. Most Canadian SMEs don't have an in-house IP team, and that shouldn't mean they're flying blind. This report, built on analysis of over 83,000 patent families, gives Canadian companies the kind of intelligence they need to compete, protect what they build, and make sure Canada captures value from its own innovation."
Additional financial support for the publication of Quantum Technologies 2026: IP and Market Intelligence was provided by New Ventures BC. “New Ventures BC, through ElevateIP, is pleased to contribute to and support this collaborative work to illustrate the quantum landscape, both in Canada and internationally. We are excited to see this resource be leveraged by startups and SMEs across the country when developing and implementing their IP strategies,” said Angie Schick, Executive Director, New Ventures BC.
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About Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI) Founded in 2020, QAI is a collaboration between the BC government, BC's academic community of universities and quantum experts, and BC's growing sector of quantum computing companies. QAI has a mandate to to support the growth of quantum jobs, companies and customers in British Columbia.
qai.ca
About Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) IAC was born out of the Federal IP Strategy established in 2018 to enhance the ability for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in cleantech to utilize the IP in global markets. IAC was chosen to administer the $30M Patent Collective Pilot Project. The goal was to increase SMEs freedom to operate and implement effective IP strategies. IAC was launched in December 2020 and operates as a membership-based not-for-profit organization.
ipcollective.ca
About New Ventures BC (NVBC) For 26 years, New Ventures BC has stood alongside founders, helping early-stage tech startups in BC access mentorship, funding, and support. As a non-profit organization, NVBC delivers a suite of programs — from the annual competition to AccelerateIP, IP Pathways, and Capital Compass — that guide entrepreneurs through every stage of their journey. NVBC alumni include some of the province’s top tech companies, contributing to an ecosystem that has generated thousands of jobs and drawn more than $3.4 billion in investment.
newventuresbc.com
Media Contact Louise Turner, Quantum Algorithms Institute BC, 604-787-7215, louise.turner@qai.ca