McMaster University and Xanadu partner to drive quantum computing research and training initiatives – Faculty of Engineering

McMaster University and Xanadu partner to drive quantum computing research and training initiatives

The partnership goals include creating educational materials to train McMaster students for future careers in quantum and developing and testing new quantum computing algorithms to fuel research projects.

Xanadu Hardware Team Member works at an optical table in the Xanadu lab.

McMaster University and Xanadu Quantum Technologies (Xanadu) are teaming up in a new research partnership to advance the field of quantum computing.

The partnership goals include creating educational materials to train McMaster students for future careers in quantum and developing and testing new quantum computing algorithms to fuel research projects.  

We are thrilled to be partnering with Xanadu to forge ahead in the study and application of quantum computing. This partnership will not only support advances in quantum research but will also produce quantum-ready students at the undergraduate and graduate level. Together we will champion the next generation of world-class quantum professionals.

Ray LaPierre, Professor of Engineering Physics at McMaster Engineering

Xanadu is a Canadian quantum computing company based in Toronto, Ontario, on a mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Last summer, the team at Xanadu achieved quantum computational advantage on their most recent quantum computer, Borealis, representing a huge milestone for the technology and putting a spotlight on Canadian innovation. The company also leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software framework for quantum machine learning, quantum chemistry, and quantum computing with the ability to run on all hardware. PennyLane has become a pillar of quantum computing research. 

Optical tables in the Xanadu lab.
Optical tables in the Xanadu lab.

We are excited to be adding McMaster to our growing list of university partners. Their dedication to student growth and pushing the boundaries of existing research will undoubtedly create impactful projects to propel quantum computing research and training forward in Canada.

Jen Dodd, Quantum Community Lead at Xanadu

Student success is at the heart of the McMaster values and bringing top-tier education is key to helping future-proof their careers. McMaster faculty and Xanadu researchers will collaborate and use PennyLane to both enhance existing and develop new quantum computing algorithms that will be utilized in McMaster student research projects. A suite of educational tools and customized training programs will be developed to support students and faculty.

Active photonic chip undergoing testing.
Active photonic chip undergoing testing.

Quantum computing is a growing field of research that has the potential to make significant impact across a broad spectrum of applications and sectors. Through this partnership with Xanadu, we are delighted that our students will gain unique access to the cutting-edge technologies and training opportunities they need to become work-ready leaders in this rapidly growing area.

John Preston, Associate Dean, Research, Innovation and External Relations with the Faculty of Engineering

About Xanadu

Xanadu is a Canadian quantum computing company with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Founded in 2016, Xanadu has become one of the world’s leading quantum hardware and software companies. The company also leads the development of PennyLane, an open-source software library for quantum computing and application development. Visit www.xanadu.ai or follow us on Twitter @XanaduAI.

About PennyLane

PennyLane is an open-source software framework for quantum machine learning, quantum chemistry, and quantum computing with the ability to run on all hardware. To find out more, visit the PennyLane website (www.pennylane.ai), or check out the PennyLane demos: a gallery of hands-on quantum computing content (https://pennylane.ai/qml/demonstrations.html).