IBM and Government of Quebec Launch First Quantum System in Canada

The Government of Quebec and IBM entered a new partnership to further establish Quebec as a leading technology hub in the development of quantum computing, AI, semiconductors, and high-performance computing through the launch of the Quebec-IBM Discovery Accelerator. The new technology hub aims to focus on developing new projects, collaborations, and skills-building initiatives in crucial areas of research such as energy, life sciences, and sustainability.

The Quebec-IBM Discovery Accelerator will work in alignment with the goals of the Government of Quebec's Innovation Zones in Sherbrooke and Microelectronics Innovation Zone in Bromont, promoting the use of advanced technology across the province. Working with partners in the scientific research and private sectors, the Quebec-IBM Discovery Accelerator plans to make advances using computational technologies. The confluence of quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing represents a further step in promoting technology development in the region to expand the horizons of computation and builds on IBM's deep knowledge of semiconductor design and packaging.

In addition to its quantum system in Quebec, IBM aims to advance technology education and skills development, as well as provide the use of software technologies such as the Generative Modeling Toolkit for Science and RoboRXN. These technologies serve as part of IBM's growing Accelerated Discovery portfolio designed to speed up research and expedite development in the life sciences including genomics and drug design. This is the fourth such Accelerator to be announced in the last 12 months, following similar announcements with Cleveland Clinic, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the UK's Science and Technology Facilities Council Hartree Centre.