Innovation Summer 2026

Series: part 1

QUANTUM COMPUTING The beginning of the next technological age

By Brian MacIver

W hile quantum mechanics may sound technology. For decades, transistors, lasers, GPS, and medical imaging, among other things, have all relied on quantum mechanical principles to function. But none of these leverage the truly “spooky” quantum properties, until recently. Today, a new wave of quantum technologies is intentionally exploiting quantum effects at the level of individual atoms, electrons, and photons like the stuff of science fiction, quantum science is already woven into our everyday

to do things that were previously impossible or impractically expensive using classical technology. Quantum computers, especially, have attracted headlines and billions of dollars in research and development funding from companies like Alphabet (Google), IBM, Intel, and Microsoft. “Quantum is not the apex of the current technological age,” said Dr. Martin Laforest, a quantum physicist and partner at Canadian quantum-only venture capital fund Quantacet. “It’s the start of the next one.”

Innovation Summer 2026 Innovation Summer 2025

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