The Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Control (CQIQC) has received a Mitacs award under the Accelerate Umbrella program, valued at $1,350,000. This significant funding will enable CQIQC to support up to 90 paid research internships for graduate students (MSc and PhD-level) and postdoctoral fellows over the next two years.
Mitacs is dedicated to bringing innovation to more people across Canada and around the world, making it easier to invest in new knowledge through access to top researchers, flexible project plans, and co-investments in talent. Through this initiative, CQIQC aims to train highly qualified personnel in quantum computing, addressing a key priority to make the country a global leader in the field. "Our partnership with CQIQC has the potential to impact a broad spectrum of stakeholders, from researchers and students to industry leaders and policymakers. Together, we're not just advancing quantum computing, we're shaping a future where its benefits touch lives and industries across Canada and beyond," said John Hepburn, CEO of Mitacs.
CQIQC’s Mitacs Accelerate Umbrella program-CQIQC in Quantum Computing aligns with the goals of Canada's National Quantum Strategy (NQS), which emphasizes quantum computing as one of its three central missions. The Government of Canada also highlights the importance of talent and workforce development as a critical pillar of its quantum computing endeavour. The research topics covered by this Mitacs-CQIQC partnership are highly relevant to industry partners and include: Architecture of quantum computers; Chip design and testing; Detector design, calibration, and testing; Quantum computing algorithms; Quantum computing software; Applying quantum computing methods in fields such as chemistry, materials science, and finance; as well as developing educational materials and activities for quantum computing users.
Collaboration between industry partners and students is crucial for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical industry skills. Prof. Dvira Segal, CQIQC Director, envisions that the initiative will advance students’ professional development: “This will provide hands-on experience helping students learn about challenges tackled by the quantum computing industry and prepare for employment in the field.”
Serene Shum, a PhD Candidate in Physics, applied for a Mitacs internship at Xanadu, a Canadian quantum computing company, with the goal of gaining experience in a different research environment: “I'm still in the midst of trying to figure out what I want to do after I graduate, so I thought that this would be a good way to get a taste of what it's like working at a quantum computing company.” The primary goal of this internship is to develop quantum algorithms for Hamiltonian simulation, with applications in simulation of spectroscopy; Serene notes that the research at Xanadu closely aligns with her PhD work, making it a natural fit: “the type of research being done at Xanadu is very similar to my PhD research,” Serene mentions. “This internship also gives me the opportunity to work together with some great people working in the field and develop connections for future collaboration.”
Praveen Jayakumar, who is currently pursuing a PhD in Chemistry, also applied for a Mitacs-supported internship at Xanadu. Reflecting on his decision, Praveen mentioned: “my primary reason for applying for a Mitacs-supported internship was the ease of application and the relatively hassle-free procedure for securing project funding. Mitacs also provides access to a wide range of resources for interns, primarily aimed at professional development. The well-planned and structured approach is extremely helpful for a successful short-term internship.”
The internship at Xanadu, whose main goal is to improve decoding methods for GKP codes on Xanadu’s photonic Architecture, “has taught me various professional skills, including working with large and diverse teams and focused research projects.” At Xanadu, a company founded in 2016, Praveen has not only enriched his academic journey, but he has also gained practical knowledge while building connections needed to thrive in the field of quantum technology: “The in-depth exposure to the various aspects and nuances of building a quantum computer and a successful startup has provided me with the knowledge and perspective necessary if and when I choose to pursue that path. Interacting with research professionals daily has greatly enhanced my networking and soft skills. These relationships built now will be valuable later in my career as a scientist in the field of quantum information.”
Companies interested in partnering with CQIQC on research internship projects and students interested in internship opportunities are welcome to visit the program webpage and contact Dr. Anna Dyring with any questions.