The Origins: A Century of Quantum Discovery

The quantum story began with questions.

By 1925, after decades of puzzling observations and breakthrough experiments, scientists had uncovered something profound: the rules governing the tiniest pieces of our universe are fundamentally different from the rules we see around us.

From Theory to Everyday Technology

That understanding transformed our world in ways we take for granted today.

Every time you check your phone, stream a movie, get an MRI, or let GPS guide you to that new poutine spot – you're benefiting from quantum mechanics.

A New Era of Quantum Control

But that was just the beginning. Now we've entered an even more extraordinary phase.

Today, we're achieving something our predecessors could only dream of: precise control over the quantum world itself.

And true to our heritage for pushing technological boundaries, Canadian researchers and companies are at the forefront of this quantum transformation.

Made-in-Canada Innovation

In labs and startups from Victoria to St John's, we're:

• Developing quantum computers that could help develop better battery materials and life-saving drugs
• Building quantum communication systems to create ultra-secure networks
• Engineering quantum sensors so precise they can guide vehicles in GPS-denied environments and detect the earliest signs of disease

This isn't science fiction – it's happening right here, right now.

A Global Recognition

​The United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), marking a century since the foundations of modern quantum mechanics were first laid.

It's a recognition that we're at the dawn of a new quantum century.
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What began as a scientific revolution is now a technological one, with quantum technologies poised to help solve some of humanity's biggest challenges – from accelerating climate solutions to securing our digital infrastructure to revolutionizing medical diagnostics and navigation.

Canada's Quantum Leadership

Canada isn't just joining this new era of quantum control – we helped pioneer it. From research labs to startups, Canadian innovation has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible with quantum technology.

That pioneering spirit continues: with world-leading research institutions, one of the highest densities of quantum companies per capita globally, and one of the deepest pools of quantum talent, the Canadian quantum sector is set to create over 200,000 jobs and contribute more than 3% to Canada's GDP by 2045 (according to National Research Council of Canada projections).

Beyond the Numbers

But numbers only tell part of the story.

The quantum advancement isn't something that's happening to us – it's something we're creating together. The real opportunity lies in what quantum technologies make possible.

Much like the early days of computers, we can glimpse some immediate applications - better materials, safer networks, ultra-precise measurements. But the most transformative quantum applications likely haven't even been imagined yet.
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After all, think back to the 1990s—the dawn of the digital revolution. When the internet was just beginning to connect computers around the world, few could have predicted how profoundly it would transform society.

Your Role in the Quantum Future

The quantum future isn't happening somewhere else. It's happening here, now, and it will affect everyone.

Whether you're exploring how these emerging technologies could transform your industry, considering a career in quantum, investing in tomorrow's breakthroughs, or helping shape the policies that will guide this strategic sector – we all have a role to play in forging our quantum future.

So here's the question:
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Will you help shape it, or just watch it happen?

Join Us on the Journey

Throughout 2025, QIC's Quantum, Eh? newsletter will be your guide to this quantum transformation.

We'll showcase the latest Canadian quantum developments, introduce you to quantum trailblazers from the QIC community, and highlight opportunities to engage with Canada's vibrant quantum ecosystem.

From quantum computing to sensing to communications – and the crucial technologies that enable them all – we'll help you understand what's possible and how you can be part of Canada's quantum story.

The next chapter of Canada's quantum journey is being written. Let's write it together.

✨ Happy International Year of Quantum! ✨

📅 Quantum-related events in Canada

• ​Quantum Days hosted in Toronto, ON February 19-21, 2025
• ​QUANTUM NOW / ICI QUANTIQUE hosted by Quantum Industry Canada in partnership with Distriq in Montreal, QC June 18-19 (👀 more info coming soon!)