Quantum Algorithms Institute (QAI), a not-for-profit organization that facilitates collaboration among industry, academia and government in British Columbia, has teamed up with Xanadu, the Toronto-based world leader in photonic quantum computing. The collaboration between the two Canadian organizations is designed to build a highly skilled future workforce that will drive economic growth in British Columbia and across the nation.
One aspect of QAI's mission is to develop a robust talent pipeline in quantum information sciences and this will be accelerated by students leveraging Xanadu's hardware, software and expertise in quantum computing. Students will benefit from PennyLane, Xanadu's open-source software library, to learn how to code quantum computing algorithms. For example, students will be able to efficiently use PennyLane as they undertake research internships in the Mitacs Accelerate Program at any QAI affiliated university, with the support of QAI.
"Our organization was created to strengthen the quantum ecosystem in British Columbia and one critically important aspect has been to identify opportunities for students to learn about quantum computing and choose careers in this rapidly growing technology sector," explained Brad Lackey, chair of the QAI board of Directors. "Xanadu's hardware and software technologies will enable QAI to further our goals not only in British Columbia but throughout our country as we evolve into a global leader in quantum computing."
Nathan Killoran, Xanadu's Head of Software and Algorithms and Lead Developer of PennyLane, explained, "PennyLane connects the most popular quantum computing platforms with the best machine learning tools using a device-agnostic and open-source approach."
As part of the training material and course developed by Xanadu and QAI, students will be able to work on real-world problems alongside QAI's industry and government partners in British Columbia, giving students unique experiences and an authentic perspective about quantum computing.
Killoran adds, "QAI and Xanadu share a common vision: Canada being the top quantum computing powerhouse. This vision starts today, by making sure that Canada's world-class students are exposed to the latest ideas and developments in quantum computing and can gain relevant hands-on experience with the latest technology and software".