Canada’s first full-stack, university-owned quantum computer opening new horizons at the University of Saskatchewan The small disc – similar in circumference to a hockey puck – represents the culmination of decades of research, innovation and collaboration. It also holds tremendous promise for the future. While some outcomes are envisioned as faster vaccine development, better crops for food security, stronger insights for health care and business performance, other achievements are “yet to be imagined,” says Steven Rayan, professor of mathematics and statistics and director of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Centre for Quantum Topology and Its Applications (quanTA). Excitement is writ large across Dr. Rayan’s face as he holds up what he jokingly calls “Canada’s most expensive hockey puck,” one of two quantum processing chips that will power the first university-owned-and-operated, vendor-supported, full-stack, open-architecture quantum computer in Canada. Housed at USask, it will expand quanTA into a major hub for quantum innovation, he says. “I’m holding 14 superconducting quantum bits, or qubits, in my hand. I’m also holding the results of a million dollars of investments, made possible by our immensely generous federal and provincial funders and partners. It has Canada written all over it.” For USask President Vince Bruni-Bossio, the quantum computer affords USask a place among the small group of universities globally that have such technology on site – and a key role in advancing Canada’s quantum strategy. “Quantum computing is reshaping how we approach big and complex problems in a rapidly changing world,” Dr. Bruni-Bossio says. “Being able to apply quantum tools to solve such challenges gives us the ability to lead. Rather than investing in a machine, we’re investing in the capacity to innovate and solve problems – and contribute in more impactful ways in areas that are important to Canada and the world.” A qubit-powered quantum