Ecosystem Events

Quantum Networking Day 2025

Supported by

Co-hosted with

In collaboration with the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), CMC invites you to take part in a day of networking opportunities and short presentations by industry and community members.

The Quantum Networking Day is a great opportunity to learn how to create your quantum start-ups, explore the challenges and opportunities present in the quantum technology field, and discuss the transition from academia to industry. Moreover, a showcase of quantum companies will be followed by panels on technical and non-technical careers in quantum technologies. Breakout tables and multiple breaks will allow participants to discuss in smaller groups, network, and further discuss with the speakers. We will conclude the day with a cocktail event. A large contingent of graduate students and experts in the field participating in CMC’s Build Your Own Superconducting Quantum Device Workshop will also be present at the event, providing a great opportunity for companies looking for personnel and interns and to make contact with people from institutions across the country.

For more details on the Networking Day program, please refer to the schedule below.

Target Attendees

The target attendees for this event are both scientists and non-scientists, industry members from Ontario and the rest of Canada, members of the quantum ecosystem, graduate students interested in the field and looking for potential career opportunities, as well as start-ups, ecosystem leaders and organizations that support quantum activities in Canada.

Pre-requisites

No pre-requisites are needed to attend this event.

Networking Day Agenda

Time	Activity
9h00-9h15	Opening remarks
9h15-10h15	Panel Session: Academic-to-Industry Transition Moderator: Lauren Hayward – Perimeter Institute Panellists: Sam Ferracin – IBM Bruna Shinohara de Mendonça – CMC Microsystems Richard Germond – Xanadu Rubayet Al Maruf – Qubic Technologies
10h15-10h45	Break
10h45-11h00	FABrIC presentation
11h00-12h00	Challenges and Research Opportunities in Superconducting Quantum Device Development Moderator: Luke Govia – CMC Microsystems Panellists: Nathan Nelson-FitzPatrick – University of Waterloo Nanofab Director Corey Rae McRae – University of Colorado Boulder Adrian Lupascu – University of Waterloo
12h00-13h00	Lunch
13h00-14h00	Quantum Industry Showcase Allison Macdonald – Dwave Anne-Laurence Phaneuf-l’Heureux – Anyon Systems Daniel Nino – Xanadu Boris Petrenko and Mohamed Hasan* – Keysight Jerôme Bourassa – Qubic Technologies
14h00-15h00	Starting Your Own Quantum Startup Moderator: TBD* Panellists: Nick Werstiuck – Quantum Valley Ideas Labs Christopher Xu- Red Blue Quantum Benjamin MacLellan – OQD Vlad Gheorghiu – SoftwareQ
15h00-15h30	Break
15h30-16h30	Non-technical Careers in Quantum Moderator: Emily Petroff – Perimeter Institute Panellists: John Donohue – IQC Rafael de Thoury Nabil G. Fahel – Communitech Mercedes Gilroy – Coin Edge
16h30-16h40	Closing remarks
16h40-18h40	Networking (refreshments)

* Note: The speaker names are to be confirmed.

Speakers

Name	Bio
Sam Ferracin	Sam is a software developer and quantum computing scientist. He earned his PhD from the University of Warwick and conducted postdoctoral research at the Institute for Quantum Computing. He later transitioned from academia to industry, working as a software developer at Keysight Technoloogies and Xanadu. Currently, he is part of the IBM Quantum team, where he focuses primarily on integrating state-of-the-art error mitigation techniques in the existing software stack.
Anne-Laurence Phaneuf L’Heureux	Anne-Laurence Phaneuf-L’Heureux is a Quantum Physicist at Anyon Systems, where she designs and characterizes novel superconducting quantum processors. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Applied Science and doctoral degree in Engineering Physics from Polytechnique Montréal. Her Ph.D. work focused on optical coherent control of qubits formed of single spins bound to atomic defects in semiconductors. After her graduation in 2022, she joined Anyon’s team to apply her expertise in quantum optics to quantum computing technologies.
Daniel Nino	Daniel is a Research Engagement Lead at Xanadu, where he leads academic engagements and hardware commercialization initiatives. He holds a MSc. in Physics from the University of Toronto, with a research focus on ultracold atomic physics. He also holds a PhD from the University of Toronto specializing in single-molecule biophysics. After a brief postdoc, Daniel taught physics and engineering in various departments within the University of Toronto before joining Xan.
Allison MacDonald	Allison obtained her BSc in Physics from McMaster University and MSc in low-temperature optomechanics at the University of Alberta. She joined D-Wave in 2015 as an Experimental Physicist where she developed novel superconducting device technology to improve performance of quantum annealing processors and led efforts to expand the cryogenic qualification capabilities of the integrated circuit fabrication process. Allison currently serves as D-Wave’s Director of Science, where she leads Processor Development.
Raphaël de Thoury	Raphaël de Thoury is a seasoned deep-tech entrepreneur with over two decades of experience driving innovation across France and Canada. He has founded and exited startups, led innovation strategies, and supported tech transfer and incubation initiatives. Most recently, he served as CEO of PASQAL Canada, where he spearheaded the company’s North American expansion from its technical center in Sherbrooke, Quebec. At PASQAL—a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing—Raphaël forged strategic partnerships and helped deliver full-stack quantum solutions in sectors such as energy, materials, and finance. In September 2025, Raphaël settled in the Waterloo region to foster collaboration between entrepreneurs and research labs, supporting the Eastern Canada quantum ecosystem in tackling the next major challenge: connecting quantum devices.
Corey Rae McRae	Corey Rae McRae is an assistant research professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and a project leader at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Boulder. McRae received their Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo in 2018 on the topic of fabrication and characterization of indium thin films for multilayer superconducting quantum circuits. McRae’s current research investigates decoherence sources in superconducting qubits, focusing on two complementary themes: probing and modeling lossy defects; and developing metrological techniques for qubit and superconducting microwave resonator performance.
Jerome Bourassa LinkedIn	Jerome is Co-founder and CEO of Qubic Technologies. He has led Qubic since July 2020, where he leads efforts to bring the next generation of quantum technology solutions to market. Prior to his role at Qubic Technologies, Jerome served as an Associate Professor at the Institut Quantique, Université de Sherbrooke, from 2019 to 2022. His academic career is distinguished by groundbreaking research in quantum electrodynamics, light-matter interaction, and superconducting circuits. Additionally, he spent over eight years as a college researcher and educator at Cégep de Granby, where he taught courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics. Jerome holds a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter and Materials Physics from Université de Sherbrooke, where he also completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Physics. His research contributions include numerous publications in top scientific journals, covering topics such as quantum Hall systems, superconducting circuits, and quantum nondemolition readout techniques. Fluent in both French and English, Jerome combines his technical proficiency with strong leadership skills, positioning Qubic Technologies at the forefront of quantum innovation.
Rubayet Al Maruf LinkedIn	Rubayet Al Maruf is the Nanofabrication Specialist at Qubic, where he leads advanced nanofabrication initiatives on superconducting devices. He was previously a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Waterloo, specializing in nanophotonics and quantum optics. Rubayet holds a Ph.D. in Nanophotonics and Quantum Optics from the University of Waterloo, a Master’s in Nanotechnology from Chalmers University of Technology and KU Leuven, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). With extensive expertise in nanofabrication and cryogenics, he has worked with a wide range of advanced manufacturing processes and quantum hardware platforms, as well as the operation of quantum cryogenic systems, driving innovation at the intersection of superconducting technology and quantum computing.
Mercedes Gilroy LinkedIn	Mercedes is the executive producer at Coin Edge. She is an optimistic nihilist, an avid philosophical adventurer, and an intentional meaning maker. Throughout her career, she has been an enthusiastic supporter of STEAM initiatives that emphasize the value of curiosity, courage, and critical thinking. As a founding consultant at Coin Edge, she empowers entrepreneurs, celebrates change-makers, and enlivens the conversation about quantum technologies. Always on the lookout for exceptional humans with whom to solve exciting problems, she is an unapologetic interrogative explorer. Her favourite activity is indulging in freudenfreude– delighting in the happiness of others.
Benjamin MacLellan	Ben is a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Waterloo and IQC, where his research lies at the intersections of quantum information science, machine learning, and photonics. He is also a Technical Lead at Ki3 Photonics Technologies, a quantum photonics and networking spin-off company based in Montreal that bridges the gap between today’s infrastructure and tomorrow’s quantum-enabled internet; and the Research & Outreach Lead at Open Quantum Design, whose mission is to build full-stack open-source quantum computer designs by fostering a collaborative community of diverse contributors.
Nabil G. Fahel	Nabil is a founder, entrepreneur, and investor with two decades of experience advancing startups, innovation, and economic development in Canada. He launched and led flagship startup programs at Communitech, attracting Shopify to Waterloo Region and later scaling Shopify Plus globally, driving its U.S. partner network and creating over 1,000 jobs in Waterloo Region. As a senior leader at Atomic, he spearheaded the Canadian expansion of Terminal, building engineering teams for 50 fast-growing companies and generating 500+ jobs nationwide. Now serving as a Vice President at Communitech, Nabil advises numerous startups, including Open Quantum Design. Nabil also co-founded ETHGlobal, Founders & Builders, and Founders & Physicists, reflecting his enduring commitment to innovation, talent, and community impact.

Name

Bio

Sam Ferracin

Sam is a software developer and quantum computing scientist. He earned his PhD from the University of Warwick and conducted postdoctoral research at the Institute for Quantum Computing. He later transitioned from academia to industry, working as a software developer at Keysight Technoloogies and Xanadu. Currently, he is part of the IBM Quantum team, where he focuses primarily on integrating state-of-the-art error mitigation techniques in the existing software stack.

Anne-Laurence Phaneuf L’Heureux

Anne-Laurence Phaneuf-L’Heureux is a Quantum Physicist at Anyon Systems, where she designs and characterizes novel superconducting quantum processors. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Applied Science and doctoral degree in Engineering Physics from Polytechnique Montréal. Her Ph.D. work focused on optical coherent control of qubits formed of single spins bound to atomic defects in semiconductors. After her graduation in 2022, she joined Anyon’s team to apply her expertise in quantum optics to quantum computing technologies.

Daniel Nino

Daniel is a Research Engagement Lead at Xanadu, where he leads academic engagements and hardware commercialization initiatives. He holds a MSc. in Physics from the University of Toronto, with a research focus on ultracold atomic physics. He also holds a PhD from the University of Toronto specializing in single-molecule biophysics. After a brief postdoc, Daniel taught physics and engineering in various departments within the University of Toronto before joining Xan.

Allison MacDonald

Allison obtained her BSc in Physics from McMaster University and MSc in low-temperature optomechanics at the University of Alberta. She joined D-Wave in 2015 as an Experimental Physicist where she developed novel superconducting device technology to improve performance of quantum annealing processors and led efforts to expand the cryogenic qualification capabilities of the integrated circuit fabrication process. Allison currently serves as D-Wave’s Director of Science, where she leads Processor Development.

Raphaël de Thoury

Raphaël de Thoury is a seasoned deep-tech entrepreneur with over two decades of experience driving innovation across France and Canada. He has founded and exited startups, led innovation strategies, and supported tech transfer and incubation initiatives. Most recently, he served as CEO of PASQAL Canada, where he spearheaded the company’s North American expansion from its technical center in Sherbrooke, Quebec. At PASQAL—a global leader in neutral-atom quantum computing—Raphaël forged strategic partnerships and helped deliver full-stack quantum solutions in sectors such as energy, materials, and finance.

In September 2025, Raphaël settled in the Waterloo region to foster collaboration between entrepreneurs and research labs, supporting the Eastern Canada quantum ecosystem in tackling the next major challenge: connecting quantum devices.

Corey Rae McRae

Corey Rae McRae is an assistant research professor at the University of Colorado Boulder, and a project leader at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Boulder. McRae received their Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo in 2018 on the topic of fabrication and characterization of indium thin films for multilayer superconducting quantum circuits. McRae’s current research investigates decoherence sources in superconducting qubits, focusing on two complementary themes: probing and modeling lossy defects; and developing metrological techniques for qubit and superconducting microwave resonator performance.

Jerome Bourassa

Jerome is Co-founder and CEO of Qubic Technologies. He has led Qubic since July 2020, where he leads efforts to bring the next generation of quantum technology solutions to market.

Prior to his role at Qubic Technologies, Jerome served as an Associate Professor at the Institut Quantique, Université de Sherbrooke, from 2019 to 2022. His academic career is distinguished by groundbreaking research in quantum electrodynamics, light-matter interaction, and superconducting circuits. Additionally, he spent over eight years as a college researcher and educator at Cégep de Granby, where he taught courses in mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, and modern physics.

Jerome holds a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter and Materials Physics from Université de Sherbrooke, where he also completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Physics. His research contributions include numerous publications in top scientific journals, covering topics such as quantum Hall systems, superconducting circuits, and quantum nondemolition readout techniques.

Fluent in both French and English, Jerome combines his technical proficiency with strong leadership skills, positioning Qubic Technologies at the forefront of quantum innovation.

Rubayet Al Maruf

Rubayet Al Maruf is the Nanofabrication Specialist at Qubic, where he leads advanced nanofabrication initiatives on superconducting devices. He was previously a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Waterloo, specializing in nanophotonics and quantum optics.

Rubayet holds a Ph.D. in Nanophotonics and Quantum Optics from the University of Waterloo, a Master’s in Nanotechnology from Chalmers University of Technology and KU Leuven, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET).

With extensive expertise in nanofabrication and cryogenics, he has worked with a wide range of advanced manufacturing processes and quantum hardware platforms, as well as the operation of quantum cryogenic systems, driving innovation at the intersection of superconducting technology and quantum computing.

Mercedes Gilroy

Mercedes is the executive producer at Coin Edge. She is an optimistic nihilist, an avid philosophical adventurer, and an intentional meaning maker. Throughout her career, she has been an enthusiastic supporter of STEAM initiatives that emphasize the value of curiosity, courage, and critical thinking. As a founding consultant at Coin Edge, she empowers entrepreneurs, celebrates change-makers, and enlivens the conversation about quantum technologies.

Always on the lookout for exceptional humans with whom to solve exciting problems, she is an unapologetic interrogative explorer. Her favourite activity is indulging in freudenfreude– delighting in the happiness of others.

Benjamin MacLellan

Ben is a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Waterloo and IQC, where his research lies at the intersections of quantum information science, machine learning, and photonics. He is also a Technical Lead at Ki3 Photonics Technologies, a quantum photonics and networking spin-off company based in Montreal that bridges the gap between today’s infrastructure and tomorrow’s quantum-enabled internet; and the Research & Outreach Lead at Open Quantum Design, whose mission is to build full-stack open-source quantum computer designs by fostering a collaborative community of diverse contributors.

Nabil G. Fahel

Nabil is a founder, entrepreneur, and investor with two decades of experience advancing startups, innovation, and economic development in Canada. He launched and led flagship startup programs at Communitech, attracting Shopify to Waterloo Region and later scaling Shopify Plus globally, driving its U.S. partner network and creating over 1,000 jobs in Waterloo Region. As a senior leader at Atomic, he spearheaded the Canadian expansion of Terminal, building engineering teams for 50 fast-growing companies and generating 500+ jobs nationwide.

Now serving as a Vice President at Communitech, Nabil advises numerous startups, including Open Quantum Design. Nabil also co-founded ETHGlobal, Founders & Builders, and Founders & Physicists, reflecting his enduring commitment to innovation, talent, and community impact.

Price and Registration

The registration fee is $30.

Cancellation Policy

Contact

If you have any comments or questions regarding the course content or registration, please contact registrar@cmc.ca.