Emerging quantum technologies are poised to transform how people around the globe work and live. To capitalize on this rapidly developing sector, the Canadian government launched the National Quantum Strategy in 2023 to help Canadian innovators turn their ideas into new products, services and companies. 

To develop this strategy, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) held a series of roundtables in 2021 to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the quantum sector. As part of this series, SCC and ISED held the Quantum Standards Workshop to discuss how leading the development of international quantum standards can provide Canadian innovators with a competitive advantage and support the country’s long-term competitiveness.

The virtual workshop brought together stakeholders from across the country, such as the Quantum Industry Consortium, innovators and academia, to shed light on the role standardization can play in commercializing this technology and identify standardization gaps. These discussions helped inform the new National Quantum Strategy and ensure standardization was embedded within the strategy.

By participating in the development of the strategy, SCC is bridging the gap between innovation and standardization and helping to solidify Canada’s global leadership in quantum technologies. This will provide competitive advantage in a sector that can fuel Canada’s economy and ensure the interoperability and wider adoption of quantum technologies.