Xanadu and Telus have announced a partnership to advance sovereign quantum computing infrastructure in Canada, including the potential development of a quantum data centre using Telus’ infrastructure.
According to a newly signed memorandum of understanding (MOU), the two companies will reportedly seek to create a sovereign, hybrid quantum-classical computing infrastructure within Canada, which the press release notes is the first of its kind in the world.
The press release notes that this partnership will leverage Xanadu’s expertise in photonic quantum computing, Telus’ network, AI experience, and data centre operations to develop the network.
The two companies note that the goal of the network is to provide Canadian enterprises, researchers, and government organizations with access to the “next-generation” quantum computing capabilities, which the companies say could lead to breakthroughs and developments in AI, drug discovery, cyber and national security. It also notes that this will help keep intellectual property and critical data in Canada.
This partnership follows Xanadu’s OPTIMISM project, in which the company announced that the Governments of both Canada and Ontario had negotiated up to a combined $390 million in support to help Xanadu establish advanced semiconductor and photonic manufacturing capabilities for Canada’s quantum technology supply chain.
