After nabbing US$100 million in funding and a Microsoft partnership last year, Vancouver-based quantum computing startup Photonic has struck a deal with Telus to use 30 kilometres of the telecom’s fibre-optic network to test its quantum networking technology.
Catch-up: Quantum networking allows for quantum computers to share and transmit info through quantum signals. This is achieved through entanglement, in which pairs of qubits — the basic unit of info in quantum computers — exist in a single shared quantum state.
Why it matters: Quantum networking that consistently works despite the challenge of controlling delicate qubits is necessary for scaling up quantum tech. And Photonic believes it’s cracked the key to doing just that with its unique architecture.
- In May, Photonic was able to generate entangled qubits that weren’t beside each other — a major milestone.
- Its partnership with Telus will allow it to test this tech further in a commercial setting as it works towards its ambition of launching a quantum networking platform by 2028.
Bottom line: Whether it's Photonic that develops reliable quantum networking or one of Canada’s other illustrious quantum startups, it would be a boon to a fledgling industry that promises to super-charge everything from cybersecurity to novel drug production.—QH