Equal1, the silicon-powered quantum computing firm, has inaugurated its new centre of excellence in Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.

The centre is situated at the heart of Sherbrooke’s Quantum Innovation Zone in Espace Quantique 1, a vibrant hub dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration, where quantum pioneers come together to advance the boundaries of this new industry.

Equal1’s new centre opens access to quantum measurement and fabrication facilities through the Quantum Technology Development Laboratory (DevTeQ).

Rich legacy of experimental physics breakthroughs

Close to the centre, the Institut Quantique at the University of Sherbrooke is one of the leading quantum academic institutions, boasting a rich legacy of experimental physics breakthroughs and a team of more than 200 academics and researchers.

The combination of academic and industry collaboration, coupled with access to a pool of highly qualified graduating students, makes the Sherbrooke centre key to the next phase of Equal1, as the company accelerates towards commercialising its quantum system-on-chip (QSoC) technology. 

“This investment marks a significant milestone for Equal1 and for fostering collaboration between academia and industry.  The presence of Equal1, a company with strong Irish research and innovation roots, will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of quantum technology and propel Sherbrooke to the forefront in this rapidly evolving field," said tánaiste Micheál Martin.

“During our visit to Sherbrooke in 2022, our team was deeply impressed by the calibre of the individuals we met and the vision for the Quantum Innovation Zone,” said, Jason Lynch, CEO of Equal1. 

'Dynamic Sherbrooke ecosystem'

“Having seen these plans materialise, we are delighted to join this dynamic Sherbrooke ecosystem. In fact, our collaboration with the Institut Quantique and other quantum companies has already made a positive impact. I am confident our new centre in Sherbrooke will be a key driver for Equal1’s success in the coming years.”

Equal1, a University College Dublin (UCD) spin-out headquartered at NexusUCD in Dublin, is supported by funding from Atlantic Bridge, Matterwave Ventures, Enterprise Ireland, European Innovation Council and 808 Ventures. The company also has offices in the US and Romania.

“We are thrilled to welcome Equal1's centre of excellence within Distriq, Quantum Innovation Zone. Equal1’s groundbreaking technology, combined with the unparalleled expertise and resources within the Quantum Innovation Zone, heralds a new era of technological convergence and innovation. As we embark on this journey together, we are further setting a global standard for quantum computing excellence and fostering a community that will shape the future of the industry," said Martin Enault, managing director of Distriq, Quantum Innovation Zone.

“We warmly welcome Equal1 to DistriQ, our Quantum Innovation Zone based in the city of Sherbrooke, where it will join a community of quantum start-ups in our Quantum Technology Development Laboratory (DevTeQ). Equal1 will undoubtedly inspire more international companies to choose Quebec for its unique integrated innovation chain, offering companies like Equal1 a one-stop-shop with a seamless spectrum of skills and equipment to develop quantum technologies and integrate them into electronic systems,” said, Yves A Sicard, vice president innovation zone at Invest Quebec International.