IonQ is now a cloud quantum computing provider for Canada’s FABrIC Quantum Computing Sandbox. This initiative is supported by the Government of Canada’s Strategic Response Fund and serves to connect academic institutions and small businesses with hardware resources. CMC Microsystems manages the program as a central point of contact between researchers and IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum systems.
Lisa Lambert, Vice President at IonQ, noted that the collaboration aims to provide faster access to commercial technology. By placing these systems within the reach of local users, the project intends to help Canadian entities build specific capabilities and develop quantum applications. The setup removes technical barriers that often keep small enterprises from testing their ideas on high-level hardware.
Gordon Harling, CEO of CMC Microsystems, described the effort as a method to move innovators from initial access to actual application. The memorandum of understanding between the two groups signals a push to harden Canada's domestic quantum ecosystem. Through this sandbox, users gain the ability to work directly with commercial-grade hardware, which is a major shift from purely theoretical research models.
This partnership marks another step in IonQ’s efforts to expand its presence across North American research sectors. As the program grows, it is expected to create a pipeline for quantum-ready talent and projects across various industries in Canada. Both organizations are now working to ensure the infrastructure supports the varied technical needs of the participating researchers.