The University of Saskatchewan now has access to one of the fastest and most powerful computers in the world – a quantum computer. It’s housed in Quebec and belongs to the Platform for Digitation and Quantum Innovation of Quebec and IBM Canada. Faculty, staff and students across USask will be able to use the new quantum computer through remote sessions.
Director of USask’s Centre for Quantum Topology and its Applications, Dr. Steven Rayan explains that traditional computing relies on a binary bit system that limits its capacity while quantum computing uses the properties of quantum physics to store data and perform computations.

Rayan considers this an exciting leap forward for the wider deployment of quantum technologies and says, “Quantum computing is one of the things the world needs right now. I do feel like USask is playing a crucial and early role in shaping how it’s going to be used.”