The time to invest in quantum is now
Why—and how—businesses should build a strategic plan for the future
Quantum technology isn’t just a theory anymore. It’s quickly becoming a practical application capable of changing industries and economics.
Nations and companies are in a race to lead this field, and the United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Countries such as the United States have committed US$2.7 billion to fund advancements in quantum science, recognizing its potential to drive economic growth and strengthen national security.1 Companies like Google, Microsoft and IBM are also investing billions to unlock breakthroughs in fields such as pharmaceuticals and finance in the United States.2
For Canada to maintain its competitive edge in the global arena will require sustained investment and focus. The time to invest in quantum is now. Quantum technologies hold the ability to transform Canadian industries by enabling faster, more secure computing, enhancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities and unlocking new efficiencies, from logistics to life sciences. These advances will be crucial in elevating our national productivity, especially as we face increasing global trade and economic uncertainty.
Strategic investment in quantum technology offers multi-faceted benefits. By building a robust local quantum ecosystem with infrastructure such as data centres and semiconductor manufacturing, Canada can strengthen its technology sovereignty and reinforce public trust. Additionally, government adoption of quantum technologies can catalyze innovation across different sectors, acting as a springboard for further advancements and applications.
However, the emergence of this technology is not without its challenges. Organizations, particularly those that rely on secure communications, must be prepared to address the potential threats posed by quantum computing, such as its ability to disrupt current encryption methods. Understanding these risks and developing strategies to stay secure is essential for any business looking to leverage quantum advancement responsibly.
But what exactly is quantum technology—and how can Canadian businesses start to leverage it? For executives exploring how to future-proof their organizations, understanding the fundamentals is the first step toward building a tailored quantum roadmap.
What is quantum technology?
Quantum technology relies on the principles of quantum mechanics, which govern the behaviour of subatomic particles. Quantum technology is often seen as a modern advancement. But its origins are linked to the advent of nuclear power, and it plays a crucial role in the semiconductors found in smart phones and many other devices.
This field is often visualized as a tree. Branches represent key areas such as quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum sensing. Collectively, these technologies promise to impact industries profoundly by redefining efficiency, security and capability standards.
Quantum computing: Unlike classical computers, quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows them to process complex calculations exponentially faster, solving problems that are currently intractable. Examples include simulating molecular structures for drug discovery and improving large-scale logistical operations.
Quantum communication: Quantum communication promises unprecedented security through quantum cryptography, where data is transmitted using quantum states. Quantum key distribution enables secure communication by detecting any eavesdropping attempts. It’s invaluable for sectors requiring high confidentiality, such as national defence and finance.
Quantum sensing: Quantum sensors exploit quantum states to measure physical quantities with extreme precision. Applications include enhancing medical imaging techniques, as well as improving navigation systems and environmental monitoring, providing more accurate data than traditional sensors.
Quantum impact domains:
| Quantum computing |
Quantum communications | Quantum Sensing | |
| Technology base | Leverage quantum states of subatomic particles to solve complex problems | Secure transmission of information between devices through quantum entanglement | Detection & measurement of changes in matter by collecting data at the atomic level |
| Sub-technology |
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|
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What are the opportunities and risks?
Quantum technology represents both a generational opportunity and a looming disruption. According to studies commissioned by the Government of Canada, quantum is expected to be a $139 billion industry by 2045, with impacts across health care, finance, energy, logistics and national defence. 3
Waves of technological evolution
Click to see each period of advancement
Quantum computing can tackle problems beyond the reach of classical systems, leading to breakthroughs in drug discovery, materials science, climate modelling and financial optimization. It promises to elevate AI by accelerating machine learning and enabling more robust simulations.
But quantum isn’t just a future technology. It’s already becoming a powerful force for business innovation and transformation, with implications for research and development (R&D), operations and cybersecurity.
In the face of rising global competition and uncertainty, maintaining sovereignty and freedom to operate is crucial. By developing quantum technologies domestically, Canada can enable greater control over critical infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data and enhance economic productivity. Establishing local expertise and infrastructure in quantum technology will empower Canadian businesses to remain agile and competitive.
However, quantum also brings risks. One of the most immediate risks is to cybersecurity. Quantum computers will likely eventually be capable of breaking widely used encryption protocols, putting sensitive data and digital infrastructure at risk. Organizations that fail to adapt may find themselves vulnerable to breaches and unable to meet future regulatory demands.
The following sectors are just some that are beginning to see breakthroughs in quantum use cases and/or are preparing for the threat posed by the technology:
- Health care
- Energy
- Finance
- Defence
Health care
Medical imaging and diagnostics
A Canadian medical technology company is using quantum algorithms to drastically reduce the waiting time for MRIs from 45 minutes to 5 minutes, improving access to care
Drug discovery
- Canadian researchers have leveraged quantum computing to accelerate drug discovery in cancer therapy
- Globally, the sector continues to innovate through partnerships between organizations such as IBM and the Cleveland Clinic to run the Discovery Accelerator, a research arm of the clinic that uses quantum computing for drug discovery, personalized medicine and cancer screening research
Energy
Power distribution
- Quantum algorithms can help optimize large-scale power grid operations by deciding which generators should be activated and at what output level to reduce costs; they efficiently allocate generating units to meet hourly electricity demand, solving problems currently challenging for classical computers given exponential growth in computational complexity
Mineral exploration
- Quantum sensing supports AI-driven mineral exploration through detecting subtle variations in subsurface density and magnetic properties, enabling non-invasive and data-driven exploration
Finance
Risk analysis and portfolio management
- A European quantum AI company leveraged a Canadian quantum computing platform to perform complex risk assessments and improve portfolio management strategies using vast amounts of financial data, which is intractable to analyze using classical computers
Algorithmic trading
- The superior processing power of quantum computers could lead to more efficient algorithms for trading, providing a competitive edge in speed and accuracy and potentially leading to more efficient markets
Cybersecurity and cryptography
- Major global banks have already started to upgrade their cryptographic systems through adopting quantum key distribution, a form of quantum communications that better secures banking transactions, trading algorithms and customer data
Defence
Optimization and simulation
- Defence logistics, strategy and operations could be enhanced through advanced simulations and optimizations enabled by quantum computing, leading to more effective deployment of resources and strategic planning
Stealth technology
- Chinese scientists have shown that quantum sensors can detect subtle changes in gravitational fields and magnetic anomalies, offering unparalleled precision for submarine detection, at great distances and at a lower cost than current systems used by NATO allies
Materials science
The development of novel materials with unique properties can be accelerated using quantum simulations, potentially leading to advanced technologies and equipment for defence purposes
Canadian organizations such as the University of Alberta have joined NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) to support the development and testing of quantum technologies that promote global security and peace
How should organizations best prepare?
Federal and provincial governments continue to make strategic investments in quantum technologies to foster innovation and collaboration across academia and the public and private sectors.
Canadian organizations can also position themselves to be at the forefront of quantum technology adoption by taking the following four steps:
1. Educate and assess the threat and opportunity for your organization
Educate organizational leadership on quantum technology and analyze the return on investment of quantum integration. Take an analytics-driven approach to evaluate the potential advantages of quantum initiatives, such as cost savings, increased efficiency and market differentiation.
2. Evaluate your technological infrastructure
Quantum computing needs a robust infrastructure, including access to cloud-based quantum platforms, high-performance computing systems and data integration tools. Make sure your current technology stack is quantum-ready. This includes aligning your AI strategy to leverage quantum advancements, which could unlock unprecedented computational efficiency and insights.
3. Acquire the right talent
While quantum technologies demand specialized skills in quantum mechanics, programming and data science, organizations can start educating teams to be “quantum aware.” A quantum-aware workforce can help pave the way for your organization’s future state while your people upskill themselves to be more proficient in this area.
The Canadian government’s initiatives, such as Mitacs Internships and NSERC Quantum Research Grants, provide avenues for acquiring talent through collaboration with academic institutions.
4. Embed your organization into the innovation ecosystem
Collaborating with industry leaders and research institutions is essential for quantum adoption. Programs such as Canada’s National Quantum Strategy and regional initiatives like FedDev Ontario’s funding empower businesses to access cutting-edge expertise and resources.
Make a strategic plan for the future
To effectively integrate quantum technologies, organizations must strategically plan for a future that extends ten years ahead—not just the next six months. The journey begins with a comprehensive assessment of your readiness and alignment with quantum advancements.
Start by understanding the potential of this technology, evaluating your infrastructure, building the right talent, leveraging partnerships and crafting a robust business case. By thinking long-term, you’ll position your organization to navigate and lead in a quickly evolving landscape.
1 Source: “Senators, Quantum Leaders Back $2.7 Billion National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act,” Matt Swayne, Quantum Insider, December 4, 2024, https://thequantuminsider.com/2024/12/04/senators-quantum-leaders-back-2-7-billion-national-quantum-initiative-reauthorization-act/.
2 Source: “IBM Unveils $150 Billion Investment in America to Accelerate Technology Opportunity,” IBM, April 28, 2025, https://newsroom.ibm.com/2025-04-28-ibm-unveils-150-billion-investment-in-america-to-accelerate-technology-opportunity.
3 Source: National Quantum Strategy Consultations: What We Heard Report, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, last modified July 18, 2022, https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/national-quantum-strategy/en/national-quantum-strategy-consultations-what-we-heard-report.
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