qConnect 2025 sets the tone for the future of quantum innovation in industry

The University of Calgary’s Quantum City recently hosted another milestone edition of qConnect, bringing together more than 250 global leaders from business, government, research, startups and investment to shape the future of quantum technology. 

Among them, 28 per cent were industry representatives, helping make qConnect 2025 — Canada’s premier industry-focused quantum event during the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology — a demonstration of Calgary’s growing role as a global hub for quantum solutions.

This year’s event on Nov. 5 and 6 delivered two days of forward-looking dialogue, candid conversations and tangible action items, all designed to encourage momentum and adoption of quantum technologies across multiple sectors. 

With a strong emphasis on accessibility and practical implementation, qConnect 2025 created space for industry teams to understand real-world opportunities and challenges, hear from leading experts, and make strategic connections that drive progress.

Industry-led conversations shape what comes next

Sessions explored the evolving impact of quantum technology across utilities, finance, cybersecurity and sustainable communities. Panellists offered fresh perspectives on how organizations are preparing for a quantum-enabled future, moving beyond theory to real solutions, pilot projects and commercial pathways.

From Quantum Key Distribution-secured networks to accelerator-fuelled startup growth, the tone of the event remained firmly grounded in what industry needs and how quantum technologies can meet those needs today and tomorrow.

Major announcements signal Calgary's ascent as a global quantum hub

Quantum City highlighted several major developments at qConnect 2025 that demonstrate this momentum:

• The launch of the next Global Quantum City Challenge Series, focused on critical infrastructure such as energy, transportation, communications and grid resilience. The Challenge brings industry and research teams together to solve real-world problems using quantum technology.
• A new partnership with Distriq in Quebec designed to connect regional strengths, expand commercial pathways for quantum solutions and strengthen Canada’s position as a global leader. By aligning capabilities across provinces, the partnership accelerates shared innovation and contributes to building a global quantum solutions hub in Calgary through Quantum City.
• QAI Ventures (powered by Quantum City) is now accepting applications for its second cohort, creating a space where quantum tech startups can accelerate, connect and thrive on the path from ideas to real-world impact. 

“Calgary is a region well positioned to be a major player as a quantum hub. The City can help tip that scale," said Jason Cameron, program manager, Storytelling, Engagement & Experimentation, with The City of Calgary, speaking on the Challenge Series. 

"We can tip that scale by collaborating with partners, offering real-world business cases and challenges on our own network, and making available invaluable infrastructure for industry and academic R&D (research and development).” 

Samuel Mugel, CTO of Multiverse Computing, reflected on why Canada’s rapidly expanding quantum ecosystem made it the ideal place to grow during the panel, Global Lessons: What Canada Can Learn from Global Quantum Ecosystems. 

“Canada has a fantastic quantum ecosystem and we wanted to be part of that," Mugel said. “We knew that we (Multiverse Computing) had to come to the countries that had the most funding and the most investment in quantum computing, because this is where we really needed to compete.”

Designed for accessibility, collaboration and action

A core goal of qConnect 2025 was accessibility, ensuring that industry teams of all backgrounds could engage with quantum. From introductory talks to policy discussions, the event supported a diverse audience, encouraging curious newcomers, experienced quantum practitioners and solution-focused executives to learn together.

Attendees also took advantage of networking sessions, open Q&A formats and showcase presentations from quantum-technology startups. These moments brought people together in meaningful ways and have already started turning into new collaborations beyond the event.

“The conversations we had here weren’t hypothetical. They were targeted, actionable and grounded in real industry demand,” said Megan Lee, managing director of Quantum City.

A future shaped by industry-wide momentum

As qConnect 2025 concluded, one message was clear: quantum technology is moving from concept to practical application and Calgary is becoming a place where those applications take shape. 

Quantum City and UCalgary continue to play a central role in building the ecosystem, driving innovation and establishing partnerships that set the stage for a resilient, globally competitive quantum economy. This year also marked a milestone as Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) hosted its Quantum Stream in Calgary for the first time, a clear demonstration of the growing quantum ecosystem and the momentum building across Calgary and Alberta. 

The event took place during Calgary’s Innovation Week, sponsored by UCalgary, further highlighting the city’s rising profile as a hub for technology and innovation.