Canada Requires ‘Urgent and Radical Rethinking’ to Upskill Quantum Talent
Surrey, B.C.
June 21, 2024
A new report from the Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI) reveals a critical shortage of quantum computing expertise worldwide, with Canada exemplifying this talent gap. Despite a quantum workforce comprising just 0.01% of the national workforce, Canada holds an impressive 5% of the global quantum talent, significantly exceeding its population share. QAI’s report emphasizes the urgent need for radical changes in education, training, and professional development to meet the rising demand for quantum skills, further intensified by competition from the AI sector. Despite these challenges, Canada stands out as a leader in quantum research and commercialization, driven by pioneering companies such as D-Wave and Xanadu.