The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is about to own its own quantum computer after announcing funding from both the provincial and federal governments.
Funding will come in the form of a $1.93 million investment from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) and $400,000 from Innovation Saskatchewan’s Innovation and Science Fund. The funding will help USask install what it’s billing as the first university-owned and operated, full-stack quantum computer in Canada.
“Today, we enter a whole new world of quantum-accelerated research and training at USask.”
Steven Rayan, USask
Quantum computers perform complex calculations using elements called qubits. A qubit is a unit of quantum information that, unlike a traditional computer bit—which can be either a zero or a one—can exist in multiple states at once. Leveraging this ability, quantum computers are able to process massive amounts of data much faster than a traditional supercomputer, allowing them to solve problems in minutes that could take years for a classical system.
Such a possibility has sparked a global race to harness quantum technologies to leverage their capabilities for revolutionizing fields as diverse as drug development, agriculture, defence, and finance. Consulting firm McKinsey has estimated that the quantum industry could reach a $198-billion valuation by 2040, a figure seemingly backed by the massive amounts of money being poured into the space by companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
In 2023, Canada launched its National Quantum Strategy, a $360-million effort to amplify Canada’s leadership in quantum development and research. In late 2025, the federal government further invested in quantum with its Canadian Quantum Champions Program, a fund to find and support anchor companies in the field.
Operated by USask’s Centre for Quantum Topology and Its Applications (quanTA) under the direction of its director and USask professor, Steven Rayan, the quantum computer will be installed on campus in Saskatoon for both research and educational purposes.
USask’s incoming computer system is a full-stack quantum machine, meaning it comes with all of the necessary pieces for running and controlling the computer. The hardware and software making up that stack were developed by a variety of industry partners, including US-based Rigetti Computing, which was founded by Moose Jaw, Sask. native Chad Rigetti. The dilution refrigeration system used to maintain the sub-kelvin temperatures the system requires to function were manufactured and provided by Edmonton’s Zero Point Cryogenics.
Other development partners included the Netherlands’ QBlox, Finland’s QuantrolOx, and Testforce Systems out of Quebec, according to USask.
Vince Bruni-Bossio, president and vice-chancellor of USask, said in a statement on Tuesday that the acquisition of the quantum computer represented a milestone that would raise USask’s profile as a hub for quantum research.
“As we step into the future, USask is continuing to establish itself as a cutting-edge institution and a hub for national and international quantum-focused research that will propel work in agriculture, health sciences, defence technologies, and more across the Prairies,” Bruni-Bossio said.
RELATED: Inside the Edmonton facility building quantum’s hidden infrastructure
To date, quanTA has relied on out-of-province systems to conduct its research, which includes work with Saskatoon’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), which has used quantum modelling to accelerate vaccine testing and development. Rayan said that the addition of an in-house quantum computer to the university’s repertoire will dramatically improve research capacity and timelines by leveraging around-the-clock access to the system’s high-precision capabilities.
“Just like logging many hours on a flight simulator, you can experience some aspects of quantum computing by accessing hardware remotely,” Rayan said in a statement issued by the university. “However, just like there is no substitute for flying the actual plane, there is no substitute for having novel technology like this on premises. Today, we enter a whole new world of quantum accelerated research and training at USask.”
This announcement builds on a prior letter of intent agreement signed between USask and the University of Calgary (U of C) to collaborate on developing a shared global quantum ecosystem by connecting quanTA with U of C’s Quantum City hub, an innovation hub designed to translate quantum research into commercial applications.“
Extending the quantum corridor on the prairies to advance mutual interests in the development and commercialization of quantum technologies and innovation ecosystems just makes sense,” said Dr. William Ghali, vice-president of research at the U of C. “Our combined expertise will accelerate knowledge exchange, support innovation, and enhance Canada’s global competitiveness in quantum and adjacent sectors.”
BetaKit’s Prairies reporting is funded in part by YEGAF, a not-for-profit dedicated to amplifying business stories in Alberta.
Feature image courtesy Innovation Saskatchewan.