Xanadu, a Canadian quantum computing startup, has made a breakthrough as it seeks to build a quantum computing data centre in Canada before the end of the decade.
Here’s what the company said in a statement:
“Xanadu has achieved a significant milestone in the development of scalable quantum hardware by generating error-resistant photonic qubits on an integrated chip platform. A foundational result in Xanadu’s roadmap, this first-ever demonstration of such qubits on a chip is now published in Nature.
This breakthrough builds on Xanadu’s recent announcement of the Aurora system, which demonstrated—for the first time—all key components required to build a modular, networked, and scalable photonic quantum computer. With this latest demonstration of robust qubit generation using silicon-based photonic chips, Xanadu further strengthens the scalability pillar of its architecture.
The quantum states produced in this experiment, known as GKP states, consist of superpositions of many photons to encode information in an error-resistant manner—an essential requirement for future fault-tolerant quantum computers. These states allow logic operations to be performed using deterministic, room-temperature-compatible techniques, and they are uniquely well-suited for networking across chips using standard fiber connections.”
National defence applications
While there will be significant economic benefits for Canada if companies like Xanadu continue to make significant progress, there are also military and national security factors to consider.
Leadership in quantum computing will be essential in protecting sensitive national security and military information from foreign hacking attempts. Here’s how PostQuantum explains it:
“Quantum computers at scale could break today’s encryption standards, endangering the security of communications and data worldwide. Modern digital infrastructure—from military communications to banking and e-commerce—relies on encryption that quantum algorithms (like Shor’s) might eventually crack. The prospect of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (“CRQC”) attaining this capability (often dubbed “Q-day” when it arrives) is seen as a potential game-changer for national security.”
Military balances could also be altered by quantum technology:
“Quantum computing can greatly aid in defense-related computations (such as complex simulations and optimizations), while quantum communications promise ultra-secure links (important for command and control). Meanwhile, quantum sensing can improve detection capabilities – for instance, quantum sensors might detect submarines or stealth aircraft by sensing minute gravitational or magnetic anomalies, potentially undermining traditional stealth and second-strike capabilities. These advances could upset military balances.”
Canadian leadership
As you can see, Canada needs to be a leader in quantum computing, and Xanadu is helping make that possible. In a hypercompetitive world, we should support and promote companies like Xanadu that help give Canada a fighting chance of thriving long into the future.
It would be wise for the government to ensure further financial resources are put behind Canadian quantum computing companies, lest other nations scoop up our developments and our talent, as has so often been the case. Given the long-term economic and security benefits that could accrue to Canada, taking leadership in quantum computing should be viewed as a Nation-Building Project.
You can learn more about Xanadu here.
Spencer Fernando
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