About QAI

About Us

The Quantum Algorithms Institute addresses the opportunities and challenges presented by commercial scale quantum computing.

The Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI) is a non-profit organization working with government, academia, quantum industry, and customers for quantum solutions. QAI’s mission is to drive economic development in British Columbia by fostering quantum literacy, preparing the workforce for quantum technology adoption, and supporting organizations across industries to become quantum ready.

QAI leverages BC’s strengths in quantum technologies to foster a vibrant ecosystem focused on job creation and economic growth. Founded in 2020, QAI is a catalyst for BC’s continued leadership in quantum innovation.

Our Mission:

To advance and improve economic development in British Columbia

Produce and educate highly qualified professionals in the fields of quantum computing and quantum algorithmic research
Assist current and future industry participants in British Columbia to commercialize the products of their research and development with the goal of building a vibrant industry for the benefit of all British Columbians
Leverage British Columbia’s strengths to establish an applied quantum computing ecosystem that features broad participation, an inclusive approach to core technology, and is focused on building a critical mass of talent that drives skilled job creation and economic development in the province and Canada

Our Origins:

In 2018 and 2019, British Columbia’s Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation undertook a review of economic opportunities and strengths in the B.C. economy, looking for high value opportunities to drive wealth creation and economic growth in B.C. into the middle of the 21st Century and beyond.

This review found that B.C. has a wealth of research and post-secondary teaching expertise in quantum technologies, developed through Canada’s national program of investment in quantum research. With the founding of D-Wave, the world’s first quantum computing company, in 1999, the founding of 1QBit, the world’s first quantum software company, in 2012 and the founding of Photonic Inc, Canada’s fastest growing quantum computing company, in 2016, British Columbia became home to a world class commercial cluster for quantum computing.

Today, it is plain to see the importance of quantum as a nascent economic driver. Many countries have national quantum strategies in place, while commercial investments have boomed and there is international competition for scarce quantum talent.

British Columbia’s foresight supporting the growth of quantum computing, quantum networking, and the application of quantum algorithms to commercial opportunities has positioned British Columbia at the heart of a new industrial sector.

Our Strategy

The Quantum Algorithms Institute supports the economic growth of British Columbia.

Playing with the Real World

Building quantum literacy in companies in B.C.
Helping B.C. companies to prepare for the commercial quantum products and services
Facilitating pilot projects to gain experience using quantum or pre-quantum solutions in the 'real world'

Growing & Feeding Talent

Creating and delivering professional development training programs to build quantum literacy in B.C.
Nurture the growth of a quantum workforce in B.C. with skills, experience and knowledge of quantum computing, networking, encryption and algorithms.

Ecosystem Hum

Build on the early cluster of quantum expertise and leadership in B.C. to maintain B.C.'s status a hub of world-class quantum knowledge
Support the vibrant and collaborative quantum community
Provide a place to learn about and use quantum skills, and a location to build and grow quantum teams, companies, and investments.