Photonic will receive an initial grant of $1 million, and over the next year, will deliver on its proposal to advance quantum repeater and networking technology, supporting Canada’s NORAD modernisation plan and strengthening North America’s defence capabilities.  

Photonic’s innovative technology will address known limitations of existing quantum repeater design, a critical step in achieving performance benchmarks necessary for next-generation quantum sensing and communication systems.   

“We are proud that Photonic was selected for this pivotal program,” said Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Co-Founder and Chief Quantum Officer at Photonic Inc. “This selection highlights the networking capabilities of our innovative Entanglement First architecture for distributed quantum computing and networking. We look forward to advancing the industrialisation of quantum technologies in Canada and helping to improve North American defence by enabling large-scale quantum deployment.”  

This IDEaS programme challenge provides grants to support innovations that advance NORAD modernisation science and technology, with the goal of future-proofing North America’s defence. Photonic’s project builds on the company’s foundational expertise in scalable quantum computing and networking technologies. Photonic is developing highly scalable, modular quantum computers that can also act as repeaters capable of operating at telecom wavelengths, enabling fast, high-quality communication across long-distance quantum sensor networks. Benefiting from low-overhead error correction using QLDPC codes – such as the SHYPS family developed by Photonic as a world first – these repeaters will enable seamless integration of quantum networking into existing communication infrastructures, modernising Canada’s defence ecosystem.  

Photonic is laying the groundwork for secure, distributed quantum infrastructure critical to North America’s defence modernisation. These innovations not only strengthen Canada’s strategic capabilities but also unlock transformative potential for climate resilience, advanced materials, and secure communications – demonstrating how quantum technologies can drive a safer, more sustainable future. 

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