On March 9, 2026, the federal government announced a major investment of over $161 million for quantum technology research as part of the country’s new Defence Industrial Strategy. The Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo will be a primary hub for this funding, which will support high-tech research over the next five years to help protect the country through better security and defence tools.
The National Research Council Canada is administering the funding to grow the country’s military and security technology. This specific type of science involves using advanced physics to create more powerful computers, quantum-safe communication systems, and advanced sensors.
The investment aims to keep Canada at the forefront of the global tech industry while focusing on national security needs. By using local research to solve safety challenges, the government is working to ensure that sensitive information remains protected from modern threats.
This funding is part of a broader $900 million push by the Government of Canada to improve the country’s ability to build its own defence equipment. The Institute for Quantum Computing has been a global leader in this field since it was founded in 2002 and will now expand its research capabilities with this new support.
