Ottawa is launching a new national program aimed at accelerating quantum computing and keeping Canada competitive as global investment in the technology intensifies. The initiative is designed to help domestic firms scale up, retain intellectual property and prevent talent from moving abroad.
BNN Bloomberg spoke with Christian Weedbrook, CEO of Xanadu, about how the Canadian Quantum Champions Program supports commercialization, compares with U.S. funding initiatives and positions Canada in the global quantum race.
Key Takeaways
- Canada is shifting quantum computing from long-term research toward commercialization as global competition accelerates.
- Federal funding is intended to prevent talent and intellectual property from moving to the U.S. and other major markets.
- Multiple Canadian firms are pursuing distinct quantum approaches, underscoring the depth of domestic expertise.
- Quantum computing already has early real-world access, with systems available online and rapid progress underway.
- Sustained government support is seen as critical to building globally competitive, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Read the full transcript below:
ROGER: Ottawa is launching a new Canadian Quantum Champions Program, with Toronto-based technology company Xanadu receiving $23 million as part of the project. Canada is looking to keep this technology in the country as global competition ramps up. Here to talk more about Xanadu’s role in this is CEO Christian Weedbrook. Christian, thank you very much for joining us today.
CHRISTIAN: Thank you for having me. I appreciate it.
ROGER: What does this $23 million do for you, and what do you have to do with it?
CHRISTIAN: Honestly, what it does for us is increase the probability that we stay here in Canada. I’m originally from Australia, and historically I’ve seen a lot of great skills and people leave and go south of the border. More recently, we’ve seen that with the artificial intelligence community. We can’t let that happen with the quantum computing community. I see this as a way to make sure we stay here and that the IP and talent remain in Canada. Xanadu is one of the largest quantum companies in the world, and four Canadian companies received this funding. It’s about not repeating the mistakes of past brain drain.
ROGER: I want to ask about that in just a second, but first, the other three companies — Anyon Systems, Nord Quantique and Photonic. Do you see any synergies or opportunities to work together with this money, or will you stay completely separate?
CHRISTIAN: We all have four different approaches to building a quantum computer, and that really shows the talent we have in Canada. We’ll always look to partner up, particularly with our friends here in Canada. But for the most part, this is about doubling down on four major approaches that Canadian companies can offer to the world.
ROGER: Where is your direction? Where are you heading, and where will this money help take that?
CHRISTIAN: Xanadu is building quantum computers using photonics, or light. It’s a very unique but beneficial approach. The $23 million allows us to ramp up spending to hire more people and accelerate innovation and growth here in Canada.
ROGER: You’ve talked about the importance of staying in Canada, but you’re also involved in the DARPA competition in the U.S. You’ve received about $16 million in funding so far, with the potential for $300 million. What kind of pull does that have to relocate, or would you be forced to relocate if you advance?
CHRISTIAN: To our knowledge, there’s no requirement or pressure to relocate. We’re currently in Phase C, which includes that $300-million incentive, but there’s been no discussion about us needing to move. Another important point is that Phase A of the Canadian program is comparable to Phases A and B of the U.S. program. This is one of the rare cases where the Canadian government is actually outpacing the U.S. government. We’re hopeful this is just the start of funding and excited to see what comes next.
ROGER: Are you confident that even if you advance further with DARPA, you’d be able to stay here — and want to stay here?
CHRISTIAN: Absolutely. We’ve always wanted to stay here. We’re in our 10th year now and have hired more than 260 people, with about 85 per cent based in Canada. We’ll continue to do that. The talent is here, and now the funding is here as well. We have no plans to leave.
ROGER: What’s the latest on the IPO through the SPAC merger with Crane?
CHRISTIAN: It’s an exciting time for us. Right now, it’s in the hands of the SEC, and we’re waiting for comments so we can move to the next stage.
ROGER: What would that next stage be? Isn’t that another lure to go south?
CHRISTIAN: The good thing is we’ll be dual-listed on the Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Nothing changes our plans. We’ll be headquartered in Canada.
ROGER: Bigger picture — does this funding help draw global interest to quantum computing in Canada?
CHRISTIAN: Definitely. The Canadian government, particularly through universities, has supported quantum talent for more than two decades. Now it’s about commercializing that expertise. This funding is just a starting point, and we expect more to come, which will further strengthen Canada’s position.
ROGER: Are we getting closer to seeing something tangible from quantum computing?
CHRISTIAN: Quantum computers are already available. People can access ours online from anywhere in the world. We’ve published two major papers in Nature this year and are at the forefront globally. The next step is making these systems bigger and more powerful, which is why access to capital is so important. You’ll see significant progress over the next few years.
ROGER: Christian, thank you very much for joining us.
CHRISTIAN: Thank you.
ROGER: Christian Weedbrook is the CEO of Xanadu Quantum.
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This BNN Bloomberg summary and transcript of the Dec. 16, 2025 interview with Christian Weedbrook are published with the assistance of AI. Original research, interview questions and added context was created by BNN Bloomberg journalists. An editor also reviewed this material before it was published to ensure its accuracy and adherence with BNN Bloomberg editorial policies and standards.
