Telus and Xanadu Quantum Technologies Inc., a Toronto-based quantum computing company, announced Monday they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore the development of a quantum data centre integrated with Telus’s secure, Canadian-controlled sovereign infrastructure.
Under the MOU, the two companies will explore how quantum processors can be combined with high-performance computing systems to create sovereign hybrid quantum–classical computing infrastructure in Canada, which they say will be one of the first of its kind in the world.
The collaboration will bring together Xanadu’s expertise in photonic quantum computing and Telus’s sovereign AI expertise, advanced data centre operations and coast-to-coast PureFibre network, providing Canadian enterprises, researchers and government organizations with secure access to next-generation quantum computing capabilities, said a Xanadu press release.
“These capabilities are poised to unlock breakthroughs in fields like AI, drug discovery, materials science, cybersecurity, and national security, all while keeping critical data and intellectual property in Canada, under Canadian control,” Xanadu’s press release said.
“Canada has a unique opportunity to lead the world in quantum computing,” Christian Weedbrook, founder and CEO of Xanadu, said in the release. “TELUS operates some of the most advanced sovereign, digital infrastructure in the country, and together we are excited to explore how quantum computing could integrate with next-generation data centre environments to create something genuinely historic for Canada.”
“At TELUS, we strongly believe that Canada’s technological future must be built on infrastructure we own and control — and quantum computing is the next chapter of that story,” Nazim Benhadid, chief technology officer of Telus, said in a statement. “Our shared vision with Xanadu — one of Canada’s most exciting quantum technology companies — is to support the growth of Canada’s world-class AI quantum ecosystem and advance sovereign, quantum-ready infrastructure. When Canadian organizations can access world-leading quantum capabilities on Canadian-controlled infrastructure, the innovations, economic value and competitive advantages stay here, building Canadian prosperity for generations to come.”
In addition to jointly developing hybrid quantum–classical computing infrastructure, the collaboration will explore opportunities across the full quantum computing value chain, including quantum hardware, software, algorithms, applications, services, and education initiatives designed to strengthen Canada’s growing quantum ecosystem, Xanadu’s press release said. The companies will also explore research initiatives, pilot programs, knowledge exchange activities, and broader ecosystem development efforts to accelerate quantum innovation across Canada.
The announcement of its partnership with Telus follows Xanadu’s recent Project OPTIMISM announcement, in which the company announced the governments of Canada and Ontario are negotiating up to $390 million in combined support for Xanadu to establish advanced semiconductor and photonic manufacturing capabilities for Canada’s quantum technology supply chain.
