A quantum company led by Simon Fraser University's Stephanie Simmons has announced major plans to establish a research and development facility in the U.K.
Photonic, a Canada-based leader in quantum computing, is set to invest more than C$45m (25 million GBP) in the facility, creating more than 30 jobs.
SFU associate professor Stephanie Simmons met with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer at the British High Commission, in Ottawa
"Our expansion into the U.K. is a win-win - strengthening our ability to scale globally while reinforcing Canada's position as a leader in secure, scalable quantum technologies," says Simmons, founder and chief quantum officer at Photonic, in the media release from the company.
"Quantum has enormous potential to drive societal impact and economic growth - and Photonic is committed to unleashing that potential through deep, collaborative partnerships between our two countries."
Photonic is developing commercial-scale quantum computers and quantum networks to solve some of the world's most pressing challenges across materials science, drug discovery, climate change, security and more.
Its U.K. expansion marks a significant milestone in the company's international growth and highlights Canadian leadership in quantum.
"Congratulations to Stephanie Simmons and Photonic for this significant collaboration with the U.K., and for their remarkable work to advance Canadian leadership in quantum technologies," says Dugan O'Neil, vice-president, research and innovation at SFU.
"SFU is proud to support the innovation journey of scientist-entrepreneurs like Simmons, whose groundbreaking research in quantum computing has created jobs, nurtured Canadian talent and is having an impact on the world stage."
Simmons is a world-leading expert in quantum technologies and leads the Silicon Quantum Technology research group at SFU.
"Photonic is a Canadian homegrown success story and a shining example of the world-class innovation emerging from our national quantum ecosystem," says Evan Solomon, Canada's minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
