A consistent theme across Dr. Stephanie Simmons’ scientific research, architecture innovation, and leadership in industry and policy is the advancement of scalable quantum computing. As Founder and Chief Quantum Officer of Photonic Inc., she is spearheading breakthroughs ranging from efficient error correction to the development of full-stack distributed quantum computers compatible with existing data centre and telecom infrastructure.

Her academic journey includes research at the Universities of Waterloo, Oxford, and New South Wales, earning two Physics World Top Ten Breakthroughs in 2013 and 2015. At Simon Fraser University (SFU), where she is an Associate Professor, Dr. Simmons identified a qubit modality, silicon colour centres, suited for large-scale quantum systems—work that laid the foundation for Photonic Inc.’s innovations.

Simmons also co-chairs Canada’s Quantum Advisory Council, represents Canada in NATO’s Transatlantic Quantum Community, and holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Silicon Quantum Technologies. She actively champions the future of quantum by mentoring emerging researchers, leveraging her dual experience in academia and business to drive both quantum talent and computing technology toward practical, global-scale applications.