Quantum innovations for global challenges: SFU researchers lead the way

From breakthroughs in silicon quantum technologies to efforts to build a global quantum internet, Simon Fraser University is at the forefront of one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century.

Perched atop Burnaby Mountain in the Metro Vancouver region of British Columbia, SFU has become a hub for quantum innovation, connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners and government agencies in a shared effort to develop quantum technologies that will revolutionize how we understand medicine, chemistry, alternative fuels, cybersecurity and more.

As a key academic partner in Canada's National Quantum Strategy, SFU researchers are not only working to build the first commercially viable quantum computers, but also creating the networks, software and infrastructure needed to ensure quantum technologies deliver real-world benefits.

A spin-off success story

Much of SFU's leadership stems from pioneering work in silicon quantum technologies. Silicon has long been considered an ideal platform for quantum computing because it is abundant, highly refined and already forms the backbone of the global semiconductor industry. The challenge has been finding a practical way to connect quantum information stored in silicon with photons that can travel through telecommunications networks. 

In 2021, a team led by SFU faculty members Stephanie Simmons, Mike Thewalt and Daniel Higginbottom reported the first optical observation of single spins in silicon—a major breakthrough in the field of silicon quantum technologies. Since then, the research team at the Silicon Quantum Technology Lab has continued advancing the technology from scientific discovery to practical applications. In their latest achievement, researchers created the first electrically controlled quantum light source in silicon.

Simmons and Thewalt also founded a spin-off company out of their work at SFU. The company, Photonic Inc., aims to build the world's first commercial-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer and quantum networking platform. Photonic has grown into one of Canada’s leading quantum technology companies and attracted significant investment, international partnerships and federal defence funding to develop next-generation quantum networking technologies. 

“Quantum computing is a transformational technology with immense potential. I chose to base my research at SFU for the combination of entrepreneurial supports and the opportunity to work with world class talent in a magnificent city,” says Simmons.

Keeping our data safe

Although emerging quantum technologies have many positive applications, they also pose potential challenges, including the ability to compromise current cryptography and cybersecurity practices. Thomas Jennewein, SFU professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair in Global Quantum Internet Systems, is leading efforts to strengthen digital security through his research on the global quantum internet.

Jennewein’s research vision is to build quantum communication technology for long range and satellite networks, and he will soon test these theoretical systems in real world conditions through the Quantum EncrYption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission. The QEYSSat mission aims to demonstrate quantum communication and quantum key distribution—a way to generate secure, private encryption keys that cannot be compromised—between the ground and satellites in space. 

The evolution of this research brings us one step closer to ensuring that everyone’s personal and sensitive data can continue to be protected as quantum technologies evolve.

Quantum for global challenges

For more:

• See how SFU is advancing quantum for real impact