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Quantum Leap: Why Toronto is Leading the Computing Revolution

Quantum computing, once a distant concept, is rapidly transforming into a game-changer—and Toronto’s leading the revolution. Christian Weedbrook, founder and CEO of Xanadu, is at the forefront of this quantum ecosystem.

The startup hopes to build a full-scale quantum data center in Toronto by 2029. We spoke with Christian for our new podcast Toronto Talks to explore Xanadu’s journey, quantum computing’s potential, and Toronto’s pivotal role in nurturing this groundbreaking field. Here’s a preview of that conversation.

Quantum computing can feel like a buzzword or even a mystery. How would you explain it to someone unfamiliar with the concept, and why is it so important? 

Christian Weedbrook: Quantum computing is still a computer, but it operates using the laws of quantum physics, which makes it fundamentally different and exponentially more powerful for certain tasks. To demystify it a bit, it’s still a computer—just one that uses the properties of quantum physics to solve problems at unimaginable speeds. Imagine a problem so complex it would take the world’s fastest supercomputer millions of years to solve—a quantum computer could do it in minutes. This isn’t just theory. Our quantum computer, Borealis, has already demonstrated such capabilities by solving a problem in two minutes that would have taken seven million years for a supercomputer. It’s poised to revolutionize industries like drug discovery, next-gen materials, and even energy optimization by solving problems we couldn’t previously tackle. As I often explain to friends or family, it’s like stepping into a new dimension of computing—something truly counterintuitive but incredibly powerful. 

Why is Xanadu headquartered in Toronto? Can you speak to the importance of the region’s research and training ecosystem for Xanadu? 

CW: I came to Toronto for postdoctoral research at the University of Toronto and fell in love with the city. But it wasn’t just personal—U of T has world-class talent. The best graduates from U of T are on par with the best from MIT, and I say that having been at both institutions. Toronto is also home to the Creative Destruction Lab, which has a quantum-focused program that’s unmatched globally. These resources, combined with Toronto’s diverse and innovative ecosystem, make it the ideal place to grow a quantum computing company.

What is Canada’s advantage in a highly competitive quantum computing world?

CW: Canada’s strength lies in its ability to integrate top-tier research with a strong commercialization pipeline. The Toronto region alone has 22 quantum companies—the highest concentration in the country. U of T’s Centre for Quantum Information and Quantum Control and the Creative Destruction Lab are driving innovation, and Canadian investors like OMERS and Georgian Ventures are stepping up to support moonshot ideas. Globally, Canada ranks fourth in the significance of its quantum research, and we’ve built a reputation for producing talent and technology that competes with the best in the world. This foundation gives us a unique edge in a fast-growing, high-stakes industry. 

What comes next for Xanadu?

CW: We’re scaling toward building a quantum data center by 2029. Picture a data center the size of a football field, but powered entirely by quantum computing. This milestone will make quantum computing accessible to industries everywhere—a giant leap toward practical applications like drug discovery and material innovation. And we’re proud to aim for that right here in Toronto. We’ve already raised over $250 million, much of it from Canadian investors, which shows the faith and excitement for what we’re building. 

For those hoping to learn more about this space, there’s a really interesting event happening at the University of Toronto. Could you talk a bit about Quantum Days 2025 and its significance?

CW: Quantum Days 2025, happening from February 19 to 21, is Canada’s premier quantum conference. Co-organized by CQIQC and Deep Tech Canada, it brings together hundreds of leaders from academia, industry, and government to showcase groundbreaking research and foster collaboration. It’s a chance to connect with the best minds in quantum, explore commercialization opportunities, and position Toronto as a global quantum hub.

This year’s event will highlight the incredible strides Canada has made in advancing quantum technology and the vital role Toronto plays in this ecosystem. U of T alone has produced 22 quantum companies, with graduates who are shaping the future of this field globally. Events like Quantum Days don’t just celebrate achievements—they inspire partnerships, drive innovation, and set the stage for what’s next in this transformative space.

Xanadu’s quantum computing breakthroughs were recently featured by The Logic. Discover how this technology is shaping the future and explore what’s ahead at Quantum Days 2025.

Our conversation with Christian dives deeper into these innovations—don’t miss the episode, dropping March 24th, on Toronto Talks!