UCalgary Sparking Quantum-powered Solutions

Quantum science has long held the promise of exponential speed and power, manipulating the properties of particles at the smallest scale to perform tasks in computing, sensing and network communications.

At the University of Calgary, a quantum research and innovation ecosystem is focused on quantum-enabled solutions to real-world challenges. Support for quantum startups, industry partnerships and next-generation talent is accelerating the development of commercial products that are now coming through the pipeline.

“We are finding solutions to problems using quantum technology,” says Shabir Barzanjeh, an associate professor in the Faculty of Science at UCalgary. He came there from Europe five years ago, drawn by the startup package and supportive environment the university offered, allowing him to make the leap from quantum theory to practical, market-ready applications.

Today, Dr. Barzanjeh is scientific advisor of QuantaSense Inc., a company he co-founded with three UCalgary students, which is developing quantum amplifiers for use in devices such as ultra-sensitive microscopes that operate at low power.

The university has a 30-year history of quantum research, from foundational science to technology creation through such research-based startups, a key step in building Alberta’s quantum-enabling infrastructure.

“UCalgary is as close to ideal as you can get from a founder’s perspective,” says Jordan Smith, who graduated from the university with a bachelor’s degree in business and entrepreneurship, became a serial entrepreneur and then returned there to pursue his lifelong interest in physics, with a goal of using frontier technologies to improve the world.

While completing bachelor’s and master’s degrees in physics, he co-founded Quantized Technologies Inc. (QTi) along with Daniel Oblak, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Dr. Oblak is chief scientist and Mr. Smith is CEO of QTi, which has developed an advanced quantum encryption device to secure communications networks.

“We’ve got customers lined up to test, pilot and purchase our product,” says Mr. Smith, noting that QTi’s long-range objective is to build a quantum repeater, which is essential for enabling the backbone of the future quantum internet.

“That would be a first in the world,” says Mr. Smith, noting that UCalgary “is one of the most favourable universities for inventors and for researchers,” especially as QTi has the commercial rights to intellectual property generated on campus. “If you don’t have that in place, it can really undermine a lot of spin-out opportunities.”

Dr. Barzanjeh says support from UCalgary and the way it operates have been “super helpful” in the development of QuantaSense, from its low equity stake in the company to the business workshops it provides. “This gives us the chance to build our own future.”

The quantum ecosystem includes the Institute for Quantum Science and Technology, a multidisciplinary group of quantum researchers; Quantum Horizons Alberta, a province-wide initiative to expand and apply quantum science; Quantum City, focused on quantum solutions adoption through industry programs, startup support, quantum-enabling infrastructure, expert guidance and industry partnerships; and the Professional Master of Quantum Computing, which aims to upskill quantum graduate students and data scientists. UCalgary is also a supporting sponsor of the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science & Technology, marking 100 years of quantum mechanics.

Mr. Smith notes initiatives at UCalgary for quantum researchers looking to commercialize inventions include qHub, a “collision space” that allows new startups to interact. “Grad students just coming out of the lab have somewhere to go to get the ball rolling.”

Dr. Barzanjeh feels it’s important to expose students to quantum physics, even in high school and especially as undergrads, who will become the country’s next quantum experts.

“That’s where the quantum chain starts,” he says, which will then lead to commercialization in spin-out companies like QuantaSense and QTi. “If you have smart, directed people, you can make things happen.”

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Featured Image: The quantum ecosystem at the University of Calgary is focused on finding quantum solutions to real-world challenges. Credits: Riley Brandt.