This February, Quantum Days 2022 will showcase the strength of the Canadian quantum science community as it brings together diverse expertise from across the country to connect and collaborate. This virtual event, running from February 8-10, 2022, will connect established and emerging quantum leaders with expertise in academia, industry, and government.

“Quantum science is maturing, and the Canadian quantum ecosystem is thriving,” said Andrea Damascelli, Professor in UBC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy and Scientific Director of the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute. “Now is the time to work together to leverage the Government of Canada’s commitment to a national quantum strategy and cement Canada as a global leader in quantum science and technology research and innovation.”

The event is organized by NanoCanada, a Canadian hub for science, innovation, and entrepreneurship, in partnership with CMC Microsystems. The University of British Columbia is among the founding sponsors of the event, and Damascelli is this year’s Conference Chair. Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor to Canada’s Prime Minister, will attend and offer opening remarks.

The virtual format of the event means that organizers have been able to draw diverse expertise, with panels on topics as varied as quantum materials, Canada’s quantum workforce, and how to fund your start-up venture. Students can expect opportunities for networking, including a career fair with representatives from national and international companies in quantum technology, and a poster competition judged by industry leaders (with $5000 in prizes). Graduate and undergraduate students interested in participating in the poster session should submit their posters by February 1.

“Quantum Days is highly valued as a fully inclusive national meeting that draws together quantum stakeholders from government, industry, and academia,” said Barry Sanders, Quantum Days founder and Professor and Director, Institute for Quantum Science and Technology at the University of Calgary. “Quantum Days is a wonderful counterpart to other quantum activities that are driven by economic and strategic imperatives.”

Building on the momentum of a very successful inaugural Quantum Days in 2021, this year’s event represents a conscious effort from leaders in the community to advocate for Canadian quantum science as a whole, and to nurture new opportunities across the country. With the commitment of the Government of Canada to fund a national quantum strategy, it is important to bring Canadian quantum science researchers, students, business people, and policymakers together and establish priorities and next steps.

“Quantum Days was born out of a desire to put the quantum strategy into action, demonstrating Canadian excellence in the field,” said Janice Warkentin, Executive Director of NanoCanada. “In engaging the stakeholder community interested in the translation of research into quantum applications, little did we anticipate the excitement around this inaugural event in 2021, selling out with 1000 registrations! We learned about research breakthroughs and heard the vision for the future impact of quantum technologies on computing, communication, data security, and society. We look forward to an even bigger and better event in February 2022!”

For more information or to register, visit quantumdays.ca.