Elevate your expertise in quantum computing to seize tomorrow's opportunities
Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems beyond the capabilities of conventional supercomputers and could revolutionize the advancement of several key sectors of Canada’s economy, such as automotive, clean technology, finance, artificial intelligence, and pharmaceuticals. Thus, it is essential to develop concrete expertise to take advantage of the new possibilities that will arise from quantum computing.
To take advantage of this unique opportunity for the Canadian quantum computing ecosystem, the NSERC CREATE training program QSciTech and NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing (Quantum BC) have joined forces with AlgoLab, and CMC Microsystems to bring to you a one-of-a-kind workshop to gain practical skills on using IBM’s quantum computers for real-world applications. It will allow you to develop your expertise tangibly while running calculations on powerful quantum computers! See below for the details.
We invite you to join a 6-day virtual workshop in February 2025. This year, the workshop will focus on quantum chemistry on IBM’s gate-based quantum computers, incorporating problem-based learning, teamwork, and best practices in quantum software development. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to use the IBM Quantum platform and basic quantum computing tools to solve concrete, small-scale quantum chemistry problems. The workshop will also include poster sessions and an awards ceremony for the best student team presentations.
Partners
QSciTech is a training program that aims to prepare the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in quantum science and technologies. Funded by NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) through its CREATE (Collaborative Research and Training Experience) program, QSciTech offers hands-on training to master’s and Ph.D. students in physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and other related disciplines. The program includes training in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, design and project management, and quantum sciences, as well as teamwork and an internship in industry. The students develop a global vision of the quantum technology development chain and acquire the essential skills to ensure the success of these technologies.
The NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing is hosted by the Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia and is co-delivered by faculty at BC’s top three research universities (UBC, SFU and UVic) with collaboration from leading quantum hardware and software companies. Students acquire highly specialized technical expertise and commercial skills in quantum computing hardware and software through a combination of hands-on workshops, research projects, industrial internships and professional development workshops to ensure job readiness among graduates pursuing careers in the emerging quantum computing technologies sector.
CMC Microsystems offers quantum technologies services to Canadian academics, start-ups, and SMEs. Since 2020, CMC’s quantum team supported 30 quantum computing projects from 17 Canadian universities and four start-ups, leading to nine peer-reviewed publications. In 2021, CMC created the world’s first cost-sharing fabrication service for superconducting quantum devices. In addition to this training, CMC offers a series of Basecamp activities ranging from “Advanced CMOS Design” to “How to design, simulate, fabricate and test silicon quantum photonics devices”.
Since 2020, the Quantum AlgoLab at the Institut quantique de l’Université de Sherbrooke (UdS) has supported quantum computing research projects for UdS researchers and industrial partners. The team has worked on projects with partners such as the Bank of Canada, Thales, Lockheed Martin, and Statistics Canada. In the meantime, its activities have been followed by more than 9000 people during 175 workshops and events.
Target Audience
This workshop’s target audience includes graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate students involved in research, as well as other students, academics, and industry members interested in quantum science and technology.
Pre-requisites
- Knowing quantum mechanics is an essential prerequisite.
- Having taken a university-level course in linear algebra is an essential prerequisite.
- As the workshop will involve Python programming, only students with some experience with Python should register.
- Having completed one of the following courses or training, or equivalent, is an asset, but not essential:
- University of British Columbia course EECE 571S Introduction to Quantum Computing, or
- Université de Sherbrooke course PHY 737 Information et calcul quantiques (or PHY 637), or GEI 777 Mécanique quantique pour ingénieurs, or GEI 825 Calcul et informatique quantiques or
- Simon Fraser University course PHYS 816 Quantum Information Science,
- University of Victoria course CSC 586/SENG 480: Quantum Algorithms and Software Engineering
- Qiskit training: https://qiskit.org/learn/intro-qc-qh/
Workshop Details
The workshop will run 4.5 hours per day in three 1.5-hour sessions. It will emphasize teamwork and problem-based learning, focusing on quantum chemistry. It also includes student poster presentations, awards, and prizes.
