The future of quantum computing in environmental and health sciences

Practical and scalable quantum computers are still in the early stages of development, and many technical challenges need to be overcome before they can be widely used for various applications. Researchers and companies globally, as well as right here at the University of Waterloo, are diligently pushing the boundaries of quantum computing technology, driving forward innovations in this emerging field.

The Transformative Quantum Technologies (TQT) program hosted its annual Quantum Opportunities and Showcase on December 14, at the Research Advancement Centre 2 (RAC2).

TQT is a collaborative research initiative supported by the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at Waterloo. It aims to accelerate the development and use of impactful quantum devices. The University is not only dedicated to ground-breaking research but has spun out more than 15 quantum startups. This combination of world leading facilities, researchers and innovations is why Waterloo is referred to as Canada’s quantum valley.

The showcase delivered a deep dive into the world of quantum technologies and their potential applications in the fields of environmental and health sciences. The event allowed for researchers, students and industry to come together and discuss ways to advance the field and provide examples of the capabilities of quantum computing. The day included insightful panels, presentations and a tour of the state-of-the-art research labs at the IQC and TQT.