Press Release

This collaboration represents a mutual commitment to train and empower the next generation of quantum computing researchers.

SHERBROOKE, Québec – September 18, 2024 – Pasqal, a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing, and Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) have signed an agreement to collaborate on advancing quantum computing education and research. This partnership aims to develop educational materials, train a quantum-ready workforce and enable groundbreaking research using Pasqal’s quantum technologies.

One of the main objectives of this collaboration is to enhance educational initiatives by co-developing and introducing practical, hands-on materials that will prepare students for careers in the burgeoning field of quantum computing. This effort aims to equip students with the necessary skills to utilize and further develop quantum technologies. Additionally, the partnership will facilitate joint research projects, providing UdeS researchers and students the opportunity to develop their own software applications using Pasqal’s advanced hardware and software.

Furthermore, Pasqal will offer internship opportunities to UdeS students, giving them invaluable practical experience within a leading quantum computing company. This initiative will help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry applications, promoting a new generation of quantum computing professionals. Both Pasqal and UdeS will issue joint public statements to enhance the visibility of their collaborative efforts, reinforcing their commitment to advancing quantum computing education and research.

Vincent Aimez, Vice-President Partnerships and Knowledge Transfer at UdeS, highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, “For more than 40 years, Université de Sherbrooke has been investing in quantum sciences and technologies to become a key player in the field, whether in research, innovation or training the next generation. The creation of the Quantum Institute, the designation of the quantum innovation zone in Sherbrooke, and the new Quantum Information Science Undergraduate Program are all examples that demonstrate the ongoing success of our efforts. Our collaboration with Pasqal also represents a significant step forward in our efforts to develop a quantum-ready workforce and foster innovation in quantum technologies. We look forward to an impactful collaboration.”

Ever since its launch in 2019, Pasqal has been heavily invested in cultivating education and research in quantum computing. In Canada, the company is actively fostering research groups that focus on industrial applications of quantum and has also committed to support the creation of a Research Chair in Quantum Computing at the UdeS’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Pasqal’s contribution, matched by federal and provincial grants, will reach more than $1 million. This initiative aims to develop neutral-atom quantum software solutions and drive advancements in the field, in collaboration with industrial end users.

The professor role is open, and candidatures can be submitted until October 15^th (link here).

Pasqal’s involvement with Sherbrooke highlights its dedication to not only technological innovation, but to nurturing talent and academic partnerships essential for the future of quantum computing.

Raphaël de Thoury, CEO of Pasqal Canada, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying “We are thrilled to partner with UdeS, a leading academic institution, to advance quantum computing education and research. This collaboration will not only benefit the students, but also contribute to the growth of the quantum computing industry.”

About Pasqal

Pasqal is a leading Quantum Computing company that builds quantum processors from ordered neutral atoms in 2D and 3D arrays to bring a practical quantum advantage to its customers and address real-world problems. Pasqal was founded in 2019, out of the Institut d’Optique, by Georges-Olivier Reymond, Christophe Jurczak, Professor Dr. Alain Aspect, Nobel Prize Laureate Physics, 2022, Dr. Antoine Browaeys, and Dr. Thierry Lahaye. Pasqal has secured more than €140 million in financing to date.  To learn more about us, visit www.pasqal.com.

About Université de Sherbrooke

The Université de Sherbrooke is in the heart of one of Quebec’s three major research hubs. Known for its sense of innovation, the Université de Sherbrooke is a key partner of senior and regional governments in the promotion of economic, cultural, and social development. It has garnered a reputation due to, among other things, the strong growth in its research activities in recent years, its successes in technology transfers, as well as its initiatives in entrepreneurship and open innovation in collaboration with industry and social milieus.