Canada’s First University-Owned Quantum Computer Is in Saskatchewan

The University of Saskatchewan, located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, has acquired the first university-owned and operated full-stack quantum computer in Canada. The system is operated by the Centre for Quantum Topology and Its Applications (quanTA), led by principal investigator, Dr. Steven Rayan. Only a small handful of universities worldwide have acquired an on-site quantum computer, placing the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) as a leading institution in quantum computing research. In a recent conversation with Shaun Nanan, co-founder and Academic Director of Nanan Academy, Dr. Rayan shared details about the computer and why it matters for Canada.

The Technology

At the core of the system is a quantum processing unit (QPU) from Rigetti Computing based in Berkeley, California. The QPU contains a 9-qubit Novera chip and an additional 5-qubit reference chip, for a total of 14 qubits. Rigetti Computing also has a Saskatchewan connection, as its founder, Chad Rigetti, grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

Operating a quantum computer requires an advanced cooling system that keeps the quantum processor at extremely low temperatures. Dr. Rayan explained, “The QPU needs to operate below 10 millikelvin, which is colder than the vacuum of space.” Achieving that requires a dilution refrigerator, built by Zero Point Cryogenics and estimated to be available in January 2027. 

A quantum computer is more than a chip. The U of S system brings together partners from around the world:

• Rigetti Computing built the QPU with its 9-qubit Novera chip and 5-qubit reference chip.
• Zero Point Cryogenics of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is building the dilution refrigerator.
• Qblox, based in the Netherlands and the USA, provides the control hardware.
• QuantrolOx, based in Finland and the UK, provides EDGE, the core software for managing the interface between the control hardware and the QPU.

Dr. Rayan explained that the system is nearly complete. “We already have the QPU, the Qblox hardware, and the QuantrolOx EDGE software licence,” he said. “The only remaining piece is the dilution fridge and its accompanying high-grade wiring.”

The U of S and quanTA gratefully acknowledges the following project funders: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), contributing $1.93 million CAD; Innovation Saskatchewan, contributing $400,000 CAD; and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), contributing $200,000 CAD.

The computer will support research in healthcare, agriculture, energy, cybersecurity, and optimisation. Students and researchers will be able to work directly on a real quantum system rather than a simulator, building practical skills that simulation alone cannot teach.

The Program

Public interest in quantum computing is growing, and so is the need for practical training. The Applied Quantum Systems Program helps to meet that need. The program is developed by ArithQ Technologies Inc. (ArithQ), a spin-off of quanTA. ArithQ is founded by Dr. Mandana Bidarvand, a postdoctoral researcher at the U of S in quantum and mathematical modelling. ArithQ is partnered with Nanan Academy to develop and publish the course. The course is designed to help professionals build practical skills in quantum systems.