Tests and measurements for spin-based quantum technologies
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Value
$433 602
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Prompt Contribution
$197 352
The project aims to develop an electronic test and measurement bench to accelerate the feedback loop between design, manufacturing and validation of Quebec quantum technologies.
A strategic R&D vertical integration for all partners: Quebec start-up SB Technologies will benefit from the resources of multinational Keysight Technologies to accelerate the development of its quantum magnetometer, which requires highly specialized electronics for its operation. Keysight, which has the potential to become the leading supplier of control electronics for quantum systems such as quantum computers, will be able to use SBT’s quantum technology to test its solutions. Both companies require unique expertise in quantum computing to develop their products and, in return, the project will provide the research group with the necessary tools to rapidly advance its research program in quantum science and technology.
Organisation (s)
PROMPT, financial support and advisory services
Interview with Michel Pioro-Ladrière, Associate Professor at Université de Sherbrooke, formerly Associate Director and now Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Nord Quantique.
How did the project come about?
“The project emerged from the desire to provide significant support to the SBQuantum company in its technological development journey, while offering students the opportunity to deepen their research projects.
Accelerating our progress meant collaborating with the best players who are not in direct competition with us. That’s why we chose to partner with Keysight Technologies, a major leader in control electronics for quantum technologies.
The aim was to establish a test and measurement bench for SBQuantum, enabling them to prototype their quantum technology more quickly. This collaboration was carried out with the Université de Sherbrooke research group, which provided valuable expertise in quantum spin control.”
What have been the benefits of PROMPT’s support and funding?
“We have obtained complementary funding with the CRNSG under the Alliance Program. Quebec has distinguished itself by combining federal assistance with the CRNSG and provincial assistance from PROMPT, a unique initiative among Canadian provinces.
This funding has enabled a far more ambitious project to come to fruition than would have been possible without PROMPT’s support. This approach offers a particularly interesting funding opportunity, enabling Quebec companies in the quantum field to benefit from the excellence of Quebec research while collaborating with multinational companies. PROMPT acts as a catalyst, facilitating interactions between these different parties.”
How has the project benefited you?
“This project has had major repercussions on several levels. Firstly, in the context of the quantum field, access to talent is a central concern. This project gave us the opportunity to train students to operate in tomorrow’s industry. Numerous internships were carried out at SBQuantum and Keysight Technologies, providing students with practical, formative experience. Thanks to PROMPT funding, two students were recruited from the project’s partner companies. An additional internship at Keysight Technologies helped to further develop the quantum demonstrator.
In addition, the project has fostered the establishment of a strong business partnership between the two project partner companies. There is a shared ambition to develop a joint product, in this case a quantum demonstrator operating under ambient conditions. This approach differs from current demonstrators, which require extreme conditions such as cryogenics. The ultimate aim is to democratize quantum technology not only for companies, but also for the future generation of students in this field. The development of a commercial demonstrator, the fruit of collaboration between SBQuantum and Keysight Technologies, will serve as a demonstration tool.
The project strengthened the ties between Keysight Technologies, the Université de Sherbrooke research group and SBQuantum. PROMPT played a crucial role in facilitating this fruitful alliance between academia and industry.
