Vancouver Quantum Network

The Vancouver Quantum Network (QVaN) will establish a dual-use regional-scale quantum communications network to strengthen BC’s security and growth. QVaN is designed to demonstrate, test and scale quantum communication technologies across both fiber and satellite environments—paving the way for a pan-Canadian quantum network.

Developed in collaboration with leading industry and research partners, the network will serve as a foundational piece of infrastructure to strengthen cybersecurity and support sovereign data protection. With funding of more than $10 million from Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacificCan) SFU will design, deploy and scale the Vancouver Quantum Network.

Secure communications for the quantum era

Quantum networks are poised to become the backbone of the emerging quantum ecosystem, enabling the interconnection of quantum computers into scalable, distributed architectures that surpass the limits of standalone devices.

By harnessing entanglement as a fundamental resource, these networks enable intrinsically secure communication, support distributed quantum sensing and metrology beyond classical limits, and power advanced protocols such as blind quantum computing.

SFU and its partners are developing these next-generation networks—supporting applications such as quantum repeaters, measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD), distributed and blind quantum computing (DQC/BQC), and high-precision synchronization—laying the foundation for a future quantum internet where computation, communication and sensing are seamlessly integrated at global scale.

These systems are designed to protect data, enable trusted connectivity and strengthen cybersecurity—supporting resilient digital infrastructure as a backbone of the economy.

Partner with us

How QVaN safeguards Canada’s cybersecurity

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Distribute Entanglement

Distribute entanglement and demonstrate quantum key distribution (QKD) securely across fibre optical cables and satellites.

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Test and Scale

Develop a network that integrates into existing infrastructure for distributed quantum computing platform.

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Shape standards

Develop and inform Canadian standards for integrating QKD into national networks

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Support BC businesses

Help companies protect against cybersecurity risks and improve resilience

Strengthening leadership and economic growth

As part of Canada’s first Defence Industrial Strategy, QVaN will strengthen B.C.’s quantum industry, support innovators and drive high-skilled job growth. The initiative builds domestic expertise to protect Canada’s critical infrastructure from cyber threats, positioning the nation as a leader in secure quantum networking.

Meet the experts

Thomas Jennewein

Thomas Jennewein is a Canada Excellence Research Chair in Global Quantum Internet Systems. He is a leader in long-distance quantum communication systems, pioneering transmission demonstrations over optical fibre and free-space.