Quantum technologies have the potential to revolutionise computing by delivering unparalleled speed in areas such as data transfer, calculations, and encryption, with the Canadian province of Alberta making notable advances.
For example, a breakthrough in the future of communications came in January 2026 when researchers from the University of Calgary achieved quantum teleportation and entanglement distribution across a 44km fibre-optic loop.
Researchers successfully achieved more than 90% of entanglement fidelities in collaboration with partnering with Caltech and Fermilab. This represents a major step forward in the development of the quantum internet of the future.
With progress driven by notable scaling in terms of qubits, and also improvements in fidelity, coherence and error correction, quantum computing is advancing across three core domains of computing, communications, and sensing. GlobalData market figures underline the momentum. Quantum computing was valued at $1.42bn in 2024 and is projected to reach $4.24bn by 2030 (a 20.5% CAGR). While mass adoption of quantum tech is still some distance away, cybersecurity is widely considered one of the most commercially compelling early use cases.
Why quantum is the next chapter of cybersecurity and is developing in Alberta
Quantum technologies have the potential to deliver security beyond conventional encryption approaches. With cybercriminals willing to store intercepted data today and decrypt it later as capabilities improve, long-term confidentiality becomes a pressing concern for governments, critical infrastructure operators, healthcare providers, and any organisation with sensitive data.
One notable near-term application is quantum key distribution (QKD), which is a method of securely exchanging encryption keys using principles of quantum physics. GlobalData forecasts the QKD market could be worth $20bn by 2035, suggesting substantial demand for quantum-enabled encryption and communications as organisations prepare for future threats.
For companies developing quantum technologies, especially quantum-secure communications, Alberta offers a proven pathway from lab to market via research depth, purpose-built facilities, and commercialisation programmes that connect startups with enterprise and government partners preparing for post-quantum cybersecurity risks.
Alberta’s quantum ecosystem
Alberta is actively laying the foundations of the quantum-driven future. The province has a rapidly developing quantum ecosystem supported by universities, startups, government initiatives, and alignment with Canada’s National Quantum Strategy. A major example is Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA). The $25m initiative brings together leading researchers across the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge to advance scientific understanding and applied outcomes.
At the core of Alberta’s growing quantum ecosystem is Quantum City in Calgary. In March 2025, the University of Calgary opened Quantum City’s qHub, a 17,400ft² facility designed to accelerate research and development. Quantum City was founded in 2022 and has attracted more than $100m in public and private investment through a partnership between the University of Calgary, the Government of Alberta, and tech company Mphasis.
The significance of facilities such as qHub cannot be underestimated. Such facilities are designed to support collaboration between researchers, businesses, and government, helping translate quantum advances into real-world capabilities. Programmes such as Quantum City’s Global Challenge Series demonstrate clear momentum towards commercialisation and deployment, with a focus on developing solutions to industry-specific problems and a Scientist-in-Residence model that provides expert guidance for projects.
Elsewhere in the province, assets such as the Lethbridge Quantum Computing Super Hub reinforce the breadth of Alberta’s capabilities. Importantly, Alberta’s strengths in enabling technologies – photonics, control systems, and cryogenics – connect directly to the practical requirements of building and growing quantum systems and expertise.
One of the highest costs in quantum is in cooling the complex technologies, which can be ten times higher than the computer and installation. To achieve the necessary low temperatures, the naturally cooler climate offers a distinct advantage. Tackling costs through such natural solutions could help to overcome a major barrier in the development of quantum technologies.
Crucially, given the global skills gap, Alberta has Canada’s youngest workforce, with an average age of 39.2 years. Between 2011 and 2024, the combined share of workers with a university degree and post-secondary certificate increased from 56.7% to 73.8%.
The quantum expertise and technologies in Alberta
In Edmonton, the University of Alberta’s Quantum Hub is strongly positioned to accelerate quantum science and develop technologies in areas such as materials, communications, sensing, and computing.
The recently launched Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA) initiative seeks to expand the expertise in quantum physics and develop potential applications. The $25m initiative involves the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and the University of Lethbridge, which will further research and understanding in the quantum field. As part of this, Alberta will host the 2nd Quantum Horizons Symposium from 22-24 July 2026.
Furthermore, combining quantum with AI could significantly upgrade computing capabilities. Alberta’s tech ecosystem and competitive market provide an essential testing ground for advanced solutions and enable them to achieve commercial value faster than in other areas around the world. To power such advanced solutions, Alberta is facilitating the development of data centres and has the energy supplies required to drive this type of industry growth.
To learn more about Alberta’s quantum ecosystem and the other types of advanced technology in the province, download the document below.
