Photonic’s technological advances in quantum recognized for potential to future-proof North America’s defence against aerospace and maritime threats

Photonic Inc., a global leader in distributed quantum computing, announced today that it has been selected as a semi-finalist in the Canadian Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) NORAD Modernization Science and Technology Contest. Photonic will receive an initial grant of $1M CAD, and over the next year, will deliver on its proposal to advance quantum repeater and networking technology, supporting Canada’s NORAD modernization plan and strengthening North America’s defence capabilities.

Photonic’s innovative technology will address known limitations of existing quantum repeater design, a critical step in achieving performance benchmarks necessary for next-generation quantum sensing and communication systems.

“We are proud that Photonic was selected for this pivotal program,” said Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Co-Founder and Chief Quantum Officer at Photonic Inc. “This selection highlights the networking capabilities of our innovative Entanglement First™ architecture for distributed quantum computing and networking. We look forward to advancing the industrialization of quantum technologies in Canada and helping to improve North American defence by enabling large-scale quantum deployment.”

This IDEaS program challenge provides grants to support innovations that advance NORAD modernization science and technology, with the goal of future-proofing North America’s defence. Photonic’s project builds on the company’s foundational expertise in scalable quantum computing and networking technologies. Photonic is developing highly scalable, modular quantum computers that can also act as repeaters capable of operating at telecom wavelengths, enabling fast, high-quality communication across long-distance quantum sensor networks. Benefiting from low-overhead error correction using QLDPC codes—such as the SHYPS family developed by Photonic as a world first— these repeaters will enable seamless integration of quantum networking into existing communication infrastructures, modernizing Canada’s defence ecosystem.

Photonic is laying the groundwork for secure, distributed quantum infrastructure critical to North America’s defence modernization. These innovations not only strengthen Canada’s strategic capabilities but also unlock transformative potential for climate resilience, advanced materials, and secure communications—demonstrating how quantum technologies can drive a safer, more sustainable future.

About Photonic Inc.

Photonic Inc. is a leading quantum technology company developing commercial-scale quantum computers and quantum networks to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges in materials science, drug discovery, climate change, and security. Photonic’s Entanglement First™ architecture leverages optically linked silicon spin qubits for high connectivity, enabling powerful computation, efficient error correction, and integration into existing data centre and telecom environments.

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, with operations in the United States and the United Kingdom, Photonic employs over 150 professionals and is backed by leading investors and multinational partners.

To learn more, visit www.photonic.com

About IDEaS

Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) is an innovation program which invests in research and technology aimed at meeting the demands of today's complex global defence and security environment. Since launching in April 2018, IDEaS has been working with Canadian innovators to turn innovative thinking into tangible solutions for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces.

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Photonic Inc. earns coveted spot in Canadian Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) NORAD Modernization S&T Contest. Initial $1M CAD grant supports advancements for quantum repeater and networking technology