Quantum in BC
BC is a world leader in quantum computing.
BC is the birthplace of commercial quantum computing, and the province continues to lead globally, from research to commercialization to adoption.
D-Wave Quantum, the world’s first quantum computing company, was founded in 1999 and began offering commercial services in 2011, putting BC more than 15 years ahead of global competitors. 1QBit, the world’s first quantum software company, was founded in 2012, and its spinout Good Chemistry was acquired by Sandbox AQ in 2024. Photonic, founded in 2016, is developing a next-generation, fault-tolerant quantum computer and raised US $100 million in 2023 from investors including Microsoft and BCI.
Photonic and 1QBit are two of only 18 companies worldwide invited to the US DARPA Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. BTQ is one of Canada’s largest quantum companies by market capitalization, providing post-quantum cryptography solutions for mission-critical systems. UBC’s Quantum Matter Institute, SFU’s Silicon Quantum Technology Lab, and UVic’s Sensing and Quantum Materials Cluster are training the next generation of quantum leaders.
BC remains a global leader in quantum innovation, supported by a highly skilled workforce and an entrepreneurial environment where companies across a range of sectors can test and adopt quantum solutions.
The Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI) builds on the momentum of BC’s early leadership and quantum expertise to help make BC a hub of world-class quantum knowledge and a vibrant and collaborative quantum community. BC is a place to learn, use quantum skills, and grow quantum teams, companies, and investments.
The Quantum Ecosystem in BC
$464M+
Financing
499+
Patents
19
Quantum
Companies
560+
Employees
Industry Adoption
BC organizations are already deploying quantum technologies in real-world settings.
Major companies leading this work in BC include:
Responsible Quantum
BC is helping lead Canada’s efforts in responsible quantum innovation, shaping global standards for ethical and inclusive progress.
The Centre for Responsible Quantum Innovation and Technology (CRQIT), hosted at QAI, advances this work through research, education, policy guidance, and collaboration with partners including UNESCO, serving as a unified national voice. BC is also growing inclusive quantum talent through UBC’s Diversifying Talent in Quantum Computing program, which has introduced more than 1,000 girls and Indigenous youth to quantum concepts and STEM pathways.
BC and the Quantum Future
As quantum technologies move from research labs into real-world deployment, BC’s quantum ecosystem is uniquely positioned with deep a robust academic ecosystem strength, leading commercial firms, and a supportive growth environment.
With innovative quantum companies, BC is well placed to attract global investment and talent, strengthen industry collaborations, and turn quantum potential into real advantage.
