Official inauguration of MonarQ, a quantum computer dedicated to research and innovation
Montreal, September 25, 2024 – Calcul Québec is proud to announce today the official inauguration of MonarQ, its 24-qubit superconducting quantum computer designed entirely in Quebec.
The event was attended by over a hundred people in Montreal, including the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISDE), and Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne also spoke on behalf of the Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).
Like the butterfly that inspired its name, MonarQ is a symbol of transformation. According to Suzanne Talon, executive director of Calcul Québec, “MonarQ is much more than a quantum computer. Its arrival in Calcul Québec’s service offering gives the research and innovation community a unique opportunity to develop and test new quantum and hybrid algorithms, while ensuring that all the intellectual property generated remains in Canada. Our teams continue to actively train people interested in this new technology, and are already ready to welcome new projects involving quantum computing.”
MonarQ will also enable Calcul Québec, in collaboration with research teams, to develop essential techniques to ensure seamless interoperability between classical and quantum computers. This new infrastructure, with its impact both nationally and internationally, will foster the development of open-source software, strengthening accessibility and innovation in the field.
“Quantum research and computing are more than just the frontiers of technology but a keystone for innovation. By unlocking new realms of problem-solving and processing power, they promise to drive unprecedented economic growth, reshape industries, and address the most pressing challenges of our society, from climate change to healthcare. The quantum technology of today builds a more resilient, prosperous, and equitable tomorrow.”
— The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
“Quebec and Canada are taking their place in the economy of the future, and our government is here to support them. MonarQ’s arrival will give the academic and scientific communities and businesses access to the quantum technologies needed for research in fields as diverse as energy, transportation, pharmaceuticals and materials. By boosting innovation in this way, we are ensuring Quebec’s SMEs and organizations are well positioned and ensuring our global leadership in this area. Congratulations to Calcul Québec, Anyon Systems and the ÉTS on this outcome!”
—The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Member of Parliament for Hochelaga, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for CED
« Notre gouvernement met en place des infrastructures de pointe qui répondent aux besoins
croissants des chercheurs, comme en témoigne ce projet dans lequel nous investissons
5 millions de dollars. L’inauguration de MonarQ favorise l’essor de DistriQ, la zone d’innovation
quantique, et consolide la position du Québec en tant que leader dans ce domaine d’avenir. »
— Christine Fréchette, ministre de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie et ministre responsable de la
Métropole et de la région de Montréal
About MonarQ
MonarQ is a 24-qubit superconducting quantum computer made available to Canadian research and innovation by Calcul Québec. Located at the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) in Montreal, it was designed in Quebec by Anyon Systems. MonarQ receives financial support from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED).
L’Honorable François-Philippe Champagne lance un calcul quantique, en compagnie de Margrethe Vestager (vice-présidente exécutive de la Commission européenne). Photo : Benoit Vermette
L’inauguration de notre ordinateur quantique MonarQ a réuni plus d’une centaine de personnes. Photo : Virginie Hébert / Calcul Québec
For further information, please contact:
Valérie Harvey
Communications Manager
Calcul Québec
communications@calculquebec.ca