The collaboration will explore the development of hybrid quantum–classical infrastructure, positioning Canada at the frontier of next-generation computing
Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc. (“Xanadu”), a global leader in photonic quantum computing, and TELUS, a world-leading communications technology company, announced plans to collaborate on advancing sovereign quantum computing infrastructure in Canada, and to exploring the development of a quantum data centre integrated with TELUS’ secure, Canadian-controlled, sovereign infrastructure.
Under a newly-signed MOU, the two Canadian technology leaders will explore how quantum processors can be combined with high-performance computing systems to create sovereign hybrid quantum–classical computing infrastructure in Canada – one of the first of its kind in the world. By bringing together Xanadu’s expertise in photonic quantum computing with TELUS’ sovereign AI expertise, advanced data centre operations, and coast-to-coast PureFibre network, this initiative will provide Canadian enterprises, researchers, and government organizations with secure access to next-generation quantum computing capabilities. These capabilities are poised to unlock breakthroughs in fields like AI, drug discovery, materials science, cybersecurity, and national security, all while keeping critical data and intellectual property in Canada, under Canadian control.
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“Canada has a unique opportunity to lead the world in quantum computing,” said Christian Weedbrook, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Xanadu. “TELUS operates some of the most advanced sovereign, digital infrastructure in the country, and together we are excited to explore how quantum computing could integrate with next-generation data centre environments to create something genuinely historic for Canada.”
Quantum computing represents one of the most consequential technological shifts of our era. Hybrid quantum–classical computing environments, where quantum processors work alongside classical high-performance computing systems, are widely recognized as a critical pathway toward realizing this real-world advantage at scale.
“At TELUS, we strongly believe that Canada’s technological future must be built on infrastructure we own and control – and quantum computing is the next chapter of that story,” said Nazim Benhadid, Chief Technology Officer, TELUS. “Our shared vision with Xanadu – one of Canada’s most exciting quantum technology companies – is to support the growth of Canada’s world-class AI quantum ecosystem and advance sovereign, quantum-ready infrastructure. When Canadian organizations can access world-leading quantum capabilities on Canadian-controlled infrastructure, the innovations, economic value and competitive advantages stay here, building Canadian prosperity for generations to come.”
The collaboration will also explore opportunities across the full quantum computing value chain, including quantum hardware, software, algorithms, applications, services, and education initiatives designed to strengthen Canada’s rapidly growing quantum ecosystem. Additionally, the companies will explore research initiatives, pilot programs, knowledge exchange activities, and broader ecosystem development efforts to accelerate quantum innovation across Canada.
This announcement follows Xanadu’s milestone Project OPTIMISM announcement, in which the Company announced that the Governments of Canada and Ontario are negotiating up to CAD $390 million in combined support for Xanadu to establish advanced semiconductor and photonic manufacturing capabilities for Canada’s quantum technology supply chain.
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