INSTITUTE FOR QUANTUM COMPUTING CORPORATE PLAN 2016-2017 To be submitted to the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Economic Development January 2016 Draft for Board of Governors approval
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Building Canada s Quantum Economy Over the last thirteen years, I have participated in an experiment an experiment to create the next new industry for Canada. When we started out with two faculty members in a remote corner of the University of Waterloo I only imagined a dynamic community of researchers working in a world-class ecosystem. I no longer have to imagine this. Our bold vision is now a reality. IQC is a world leader in quantum information research. Our faculty and students are producing mind-boggling results in an accelerated fashion. And to my own surprise, IQC has spurred six startup companies in these short thirteen years. If you had asked me in 2002 whether we would have startup companies today, I might have chuckled with nervous laughter. I would have never guessed the technologies would emerge this quickly. Yet, I am immensely proud that they have. It means our researchers are making incredible progress. Going forward, IQC must continue to push the boundaries of our knowledge in quantum information. We have learned much, but there is much more to explore. We now understand the quantum world and how to harness the power of its behaviours. The next great challenge will be to translate that knowledge into more relevant and diverse technologies. Our growing industry partnerships will be key in our success in this area. These partners will bring us questions and our job will be to use quantum technologies to solve these problems and turn those technologies into commercial opportunities. Thank you in large part to the Government of Canada, I have no doubt that we will continue to succeed in this bold experiment. Through continued investments and confidence in our research, IQC will be an engine for Canada s future economy. We will grow the Quantum Valley with more companies, more technologies and more investments. In a challenging economic environment, I am humbled and proud immensely proud that our work is a shining beacon of future prosperity. I look forward to the next year ahead and seeing how our continued experiment shapes the future for Canada. Sincerely, Raymond Laflamme Executive Director Institute for Quantum Computing University of Waterloo 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo has grown to one of the topfour quantum institutes in the world, conducting leading research in areas of quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum devices and quantum materials. Over the last year, IQC has made tremendous progress towards its objectives as outlined in the 2015-2016 Corporate Plan meeting or exceeding expectations in many areas. In the coming year, IQC will continue its aggressive research agenda, attract the world s best faculty, students and postdoctoral fellows to Waterloo and position Canada as a leader in the next great quantum technology revolution. Targeted outcomes have been set for each of IQC s strategic objectives all working towards IQC s overall mission to develop and advance quantum information science and technology at the highest international level through the collaboration of computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians and physical scientists. Plans for 2016-2017 A. Increase knowledge in the various fields and sub-fields of quantum information, thereby positioning Canadians at the leading edge of quantum information research and technology. IQC will continue its research program while continuing to grow towards its steady-state goal of 33 IQC faculty (currently at 22 faculty). IQC s state-of-the-art headquarters and research facilities provide the ideal environment for quantum information research. B. Create new opportunities for students to learn and to apply new knowledge to the benefit of Canada, spurring innovation, and investment in R&D activities through highly qualified personnel development. IQC will continue to attract the world s best talent to Waterloo and continue the growth of its graduate programs from 107 students today to its goal of 165 graduate students. Additionally, IQC will host, sponsor and participate in lectures, colloquia, workshops and conferences with leading researchers from around the world to share knowledge and research and spur innovation and development of quantum technologies. C. Brand Canada as the destination of choice for conducting research in quantum technologies and attract the best in the world to Canada, creating partnerships with the international quantum information community and promoting world-class excellence in quantum information science and technology. Canada stands among the world s leading nations investing in and accelerating quantum information research and technology development. IQC is among the top-four global research institutes and continues to attract the best and brightest research talent to Canada. The next year will see existing research collaborations strengthened and new relationships developed to further advance our research agenda and promote Canada s leadership in this important field. 3
D. Enhance and expand the Institute s public education and outreach activities to effectively promote science and quantum information science and demonstrate how the research from quantum information science can be applied for the purpose of sustaining and attracting world-class talent. IQC s award-winning communications, outreach and public education programs will reach new audiences and new locations in 2016-2017. IQC s new teacher program, Teaching Quantum Technologies, will be held for a second time attracting more teachers to incorporate quantum information science and experiments in their classrooms. E. Position Canada to take advantage of economic and social benefits of research through seizing opportunities to commercialize breakthrough research. IQC will continue to develop commercialization activities, partnerships and opportunities for the realization of the economic and social benefits of quantum technologies. The institute will continue to seek out opportunities to partner with industries to advance research and development and share the transformational opportunities of quantum technologies. 4
ABOUT IQC IQC was created in 2002 to seize the potential of quantum information science for Canada. IQC s vision was bold: position Canada as a leader in research and provide the necessary infrastructure for Canada to emerge as a quantum research powerhouse. Today, IQC stands among the top quantum information research institutes in the world. Leaders in all fields of quantum information science come to IQC to conduct research, share knowledge and encourage the next generation of scientists. IQC is leading the next great Canadian technological revolution the quantum revolution. Quantum technologies and applications developed in IQC labs create the foundation for next generation technologies based on quantum information research conducted right here in Canada. None of this would be possible without the visionary leadership and investments of Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis, the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the University of Waterloo. This strategic private-public partnership has accelerated the advancement of quantum information research and discovery, not only in Canada, but around the globe. Vision & Mission IQC s vision is to harness the power of quantum mechanics for transformational technologies that benefit society and become the new engine for economic growth in the 21st century and beyond. IQC s mission is to develop and advance quantum information science and technology at the highest international level through the collaboration of computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians and physical scientists. Strategic Objectives IQC is guided by strategic objectives developed in partnership with the Government of Canada in 2008: 1. To establish Waterloo as a world-class centre for research in quantum technologies and their applications. 2. To become a magnet for highly qualified personnel in the field of quantum information. 3. To be a prime source of insight, analysis and commentary on quantum information. 5
Achievement Highlights 2015-2016 To date, IQC has already successfully achieved many milestones as outlined in the 2015-2016 Corporate Plan to Industry Canada. The following highlights those milestones: Increase knowledge in the various fields and sub-fields of quantum information, thereby positioning Canadians at the leading edge of quantum information research and technology. IQC advanced quantum information science and technology research at the highest international levels. So far this fiscal, IQC researchers have collectively published 79 papers and reached a cumulative total of 18,659 citations (Source: Web of Science, December 2015). IQC faculty have collectively been awarded many grants through the year and were also recognized with accolades including David Cory s appointments as a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the American Physical Society. In 2015-2016, IQC s faculty complement grew to 22 faculty members and four research assistant professors. IQC most recently welcomed: Vern Paulsen joined IQC s faculty in July 2015. Paulsen was a faculty member at the University of Houston for 36 years in a variety of roles including Director of Graduate Studies and the John and Rebecca Moores Professor. He has also acted as a Visiting Fellow and Professor at several universities including The Isaac Newton Institute for the Mathematical Sciences, the Mittag-Leffler Institute, University of Cambridge, the University of Indiana and SUNY at Stony Brook. William Slofstra joined IQC in August 2015 as a Research Assistant Professor (RAP). Slofstra returns to Waterloo where he completed his BMath in the Departments of Pure Mathematics and Combinatorics & Optimization. After completing his undergraduate studies at Waterloo, Slofstra continued to the University of California, Berkeley for his PhD in Mathematics. Before taking on a position as the Kreneger Assistant Professor at the University of California, Davis where he has spent the last three years, he spent six months as a Research Associate at the University of British Columbia. Create new opportunities for students to learn and apply new knowledge to the benefit of Canada, spurring innovation and investment in R&D activities through highly qualified personnel development. As of December 2015, IQC s graduate programs include 107 Masters and PhD students. These students have garnered national and international awards, scholarships and fellowships including NSERC awards, Banting Fellowships, Vanier Fellowships and many others, including Madelaine Liddy, a master s student at IQC, who was awarded one of the first Liberation Scholarships. The Liberation Scholarships were presented at IQC by Their Majesties King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of The Netherlands on May 28, 2015. Liddy will spend a term at Delft University continuing her research in Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) chemical sensors. 6
Brand Canada as the destination of choice for conducting research in quantum technologies and attract the best in the world to Canada, creating partnerships with the international quantum information community and promoting a world-class excellence in quantum information science and technology. IQC researchers will have collectively participated in dozens of conferences by the end of the 2015-2016 year, disseminating knowledge and building collaborations across the globe. Additionally, the visitor program will have welcomed more than 130 visitors from leading institutions to exchange ideas and research in quantum information. Enhance and expand the Institute s public education and outreach activities to effectively promote science and quantum information science and demonstrate how the research from quantum information science can be applied for the purpose of sustaining and attracting world-class talent. Fiscal 2015-2016 saw IQC promote quantum information science across the country to school groups and the general public, participating in outreach activities including tours, workshops, public lectures and educational sessions. IQC s premier summer school programs brought 24 undergraduate students for the Undergraduate School on Experimental Quantum Information Processing (USEQIP) and 45 high school students for the Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS) to Waterloo to experience the world-class environment of IQC. Position Canada to take advantage of economic and social benefits of research through seizing opportunities to commercialize breakthrough research. Positioned at the heart of Canada s Quantum Valley, IQC is uniquely situated to take advantage of the opportunities of quantum technologies. Over the past year, IQC researchers have continued to commercialize ready technologies. Two new spin-off companies have emerged from IQC research over the past year, bringing the number of total spin-off companies to six. 7
IQC Objectives and Outcomes 2016-2017 Objective A: Increase knowledge in the various fields and sub-fields of quantum information, thereby positioning Canadians at the leading edge of quantum information research and technology. IQC s unique research infrastructure and collaborative culture embraces Waterloo s Region s innovative spirit. This dynamic ecosystem is driving innovation forward as an economic engine for Canada. In 2016-17, IQC will continue its aggressive research program with existing faculty members while continuing to grow towards its steady-state goal of 33 IQC faculty. IQC s state-of-the-art headquarters and research facilities provide the ideal environment for research in quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum devices and quantum materials. Expected Outcomes 2016-2017 Continue IQC s aggressive research agenda in quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum sensors and quantum materials. Continue to publish research results in world-leading journals. Recruit up to two new faculty members. Recruit up to one new research assistant professor. Continue to outfit labs in the Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre as new IQC members are recruited. Continue to outfit and maintain the Quantum NanoFab cleanroom facility to enable fabrication of quantum-enabled technologies. Continue the update and maintenance of lab space in Research Advancement Centre (RAC) buildings. Continue effective and relevant relationships with current partners. Seek out new partnerships that will advance IQC s mission and strategic objectives. Objective B: Create new opportunities for students to learn and to apply new knowledge to the benefit of Canada, spurring innovation, and investment in R&D activities through highly qualified personnel development. Waterloo s collaborative graduate program in quantum information, led by IQC in conjunction with the Faculties of Science, Mathematics and Engineering is currently home to 70 PhD students and 37 Masters students. In 2016-17, IQC will continue to attract the world s best talent to Waterloo and grow its graduate programs towards the goal of 165 graduate students. Additionally, IQC will host, sponsor and participate in lectures, colloquia, workshops and conferences with leading researchers from around the world to share knowledge and research and spur innovation and development of quantum technologies. Expected Outcomes 2016-2017 Continue to grow and attract the best talent to IQC s graduate programs Field at least 200 applications to the University of Waterloo/IQC graduate studies program 8
Expand connections made with undergraduate programs at Ontario and Canadian universities Attend at least four graduate fairs to connect with prospective students Take part in at least two international recruitment events Continue to host timely, focused conferences, workshops, seminars and courses Host two major conferences Hold up to 10 workshops and seminars Jointly sponsor up to 10 workshops and conferences with national and international partner organizations Objective C: Brand Canada as the destination of choice for conducting research in quantum technologies and attract the best in the world to Canada, creating partnerships with the international quantum information community and promoting a world-class excellence in quantum information science and technology. Canada is a research powerhouse in quantum information and technologies. With IQC s leadership, Canada is among a few leading nations investing in this leading area of research and aiming to utilize the resulting technologies as drivers in the next great technological revolution. IQC has attracted top talent to Canada, invested in world-class graduate programming, and created a unique ecosystem surrounded by leading-edge infrastructure. Going forward, IQC will continue to position Canada as a leader on the world stage and promote excellence in Canadian research. Expected Outcomes 2016-2017 Be a catalyst for collaborations of quantum information scientists though networks such as the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR) Quantum Information program, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Strategic Networks Promote collaborations through participation in national and international conferences Produce internationally recognized, high-calibre publications co-authored by IQC researchers Organize at least four conferences that involve multidisciplinary participants Continue, enhance and increase visits to IQC by international scientists and academics from around the world Objective D: Enhance and expand the Institute s public education and outreach activities to effectively promote science and quantum information science and demonstrate how the research from quantum information science can be applied for the purpose of sustaining and attracting world-class talent. Throughout 2016-17, IQC will continue to build on its exceptional communications and scientific outreach programming. A major initiative of IQC s outreach team will be the launch of a 4000 square foot quantum exhibition to tour the country in 2017. The required programming to accompany this exhibit will see IQC take its programs from coast to coast to coast from September 2016 to December 2017. 9
Existing programs such as USEQIP, QCSYS and Teaching Quantum Technologies, along with the Quantum Frontiers Distinguished Lecture series, will continue throughout the year. IQC will also participate in the Waterloo Region Doors Open program to bring the Waterloo Region community in to IQC s building and labs. Expected Outcomes 2015-2016 Host USEQIP (undergraduate) and QCSYS (high school) summer schools. Host the second annual Teaching Quantum Technologies workshop. Host two Quantum Frontiers Distinguished Lectures. Host an open house event through Doors Open Waterloo Region in September 2016. Premiere a new quantum information exhibition at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener, Ontario in Fall 2016. Establish relationships with key strategic partners to further share IQC s research discoveries. Continue to share IQC s research through publications, web and social media outlets. Objective E: Position Canada to take advantage of economic and social benefits of research through seizing opportunities to commercialize breakthrough research. Technologies that emerge from quantum information research have the potential to transform technology as we know it and shape Canada s role in the next technological revolution. To foster the commercialization of research, IQC will continue to develop and support commercialization activities and partnership opportunities for faculty, students and postdoctoral fellows. IQC is currently developing a new industry affiliate program that will bring industry partners and researchers together to share and understand the transformative potential of quantum technologies. Building on world-class examples of such programs, IQC aims to launch this program in the fall of 2016. Additionally, IQC will continue to connect with Waterloo s entrepreneurial ecosystem to encourage commercialization opportunities, facilitate startup company launch and growth, and provide additional knowledge to IQC researchers with commercial technology opportunities. Expected Outcomes 2016-2017 Host commercialization workshops for IQC researchers Continue development of industry affiliate program Promote opportunities for IQC researchers to connect with Waterloo s entrepreneurial ecosystem through networking opportunities and formal events in partnership with the broader startup networks in Waterloo Region. 10
2016-2017 Expected Activities Highlights Month 2016/2017 April May June July August September October November December January 2016 Activity Highlights CERC Summit in Ottawa IQC Scientific Advisory Board Meeting (tentative) Quantum Industry Lecture Series USEQIP undergraduate summer school Quantum Cybersecurity Forum Catalyst Program visit Einstein Plus visit ISSYP visit QCSYS high school summer school Quantum Frontiers Distinguished Lecture Doors Open Waterloo Region Open House Quantum Innovators workshop Launch of quantum exhibition at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener Quantum exhibition at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener Second annual Teaching Quantum Technologies workshop Quantum Cybersecurity Forum in Ottawa Quantum exhibition at THEMUSEUM in downtown Kitchener 11
Month 2016/2017 February March Activity Highlights 12
2016-2017 Forecasted Financial Highlights The following table outlines IQC s proposed spending for the period April 1, 2016 - March 31, 2017. Note: Enterprise Spending represents spending from Industry Canada and Province of Ontario government special purpose funding, IQC operating funding, and individual faculty acquired research grants. 13
IQC has secured additional funding for activities as outlined in the Contribution Agreement. The Province of Ontario has provided IQC with $5M per year for five years starting in 2014. The University of Waterloo has no amounts owing to the Federal Government under legislation, under this agreement or any other agreement. 14
Appendices 2014-2017 Industry Canada Funding Objectives IQC has been awarded $15M over three years through the generous support of the Government of Canada. This funding supports the following objectives: Increase knowledge in the various fields and sub-fields of quantum information, thereby positioning Canadians at the leading edge of quantum information research and technology; Create new opportunities for students to learn and to apply new knowledge to the benefit of Canada, spurring innovation, and investment in R&D activities through highly qualified personnel development; Brand Canada as the destination of choice for conducting research in quantum technologies and attract the best in the world to Canada, creating partnerships with the international quantum information community and promoting world-class excellence in quantum information science and technology; Enhance and expand the Institute s public education and outreach activities to effectively promote science and quantum information science and demonstrate how the research from quantum information science can be applied for the purpose of sustaining and attracting world-class talent. 2014-2017 Industry Canada Funding Expected Results Through the activities undertaken with the contribution, IQC is expected to position Canada to take advantage of economic, social and in some cases environmental benefits of research, by seizing opportunities to commercialize breakthrough research through the following results: a) Increase knowledge in quantum information science and technology; b) Support and create opportunities for students to learn and apply new knowledge; c) Brand Canada as a place to conduct research in quantum information technologies; d) Increase awareness and knowledge of quantum information science and technology and IQC in both the scientific community and amongst Canadians more generally; and e) Position Canada to take advantage of economic and social benefits of research through seizing opportunities to commercialize breakthrough research. 15
Risk Assessment & Mitigation Strategies IMPACT LIKELIHOOD LOW MED HIGH HIGH 6 8 9 MED 3 5 7 LOW 1 2 4 Risk Factor Impact Likelihood Risk Score Score Rating Explanation of Score Mitigation Measures IQC may not be able to High Medium 8 The market for worldclass Pursue recruits from a wide attract high quality researchers is breadth of areas of research. researchers increasingly competitive Offer competitive job offers/ with many countries making significant investments. package. Adequately promote the world class researchers and the cutting-edge facilities/ equipment at IQC. Further invest in cutting edge laboratory facilities. Transformational technologies may High Low 6 If IQC research is rendered less relevant, Ensure a wide breadth of research to investigate (this render current research less relevant HQP and data seekers will go elsewhere would differentiate IQC from its competitors) Continue applications for research funds to support IQC may not be able to recruit enough HQPs Operating constraints limit IQC s efforts to brand itself High Low 6 Many international HQPs come from potentially politically unstable countries (top three are Iran, China, India) High Low 6 Operating constraints include limited resources (including staff), degree of flexibility leading edge equipment Promote IQC sufficiently. Ensure excellent research. Diversify markets/ countries from which students are recruited. Recruit the right people/talents/ skills Develop and deliver a branding project plan Foster close working relationships with appropriate units within the university 16