Ottawa’s unique position in the development of quantum computing

CTV’s Austin Lee has more on Ottawa’s unique position in the development of quantum computing.

It’s a form of technology that few understand, but one that has the potential to revolutionize modern life as we know it, and experts in Ottawa have a front row seat.

Quantum computing promises massive leaps in drug discovery, the development of green energy, space exploration, and much more.

The next generation computers will speed up the time it takes to tackle complex equations with previously unimaginable speed.

“We’re talking, not just about a few minutes or a few seconds, we’re talking about fundamental new approaches that allow us to compute problems that would not be achievable in the lifetime of the universe,” said Anne Broadbent, a professor at the University of Ottawa and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in quantum communications and cryptography.

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“Where the average user would see a benefit at first, would be, I expect, discoveries made by scientists using quantum computers and then the discovery becomes something that is then used in the household.”

Imagine you’re looking for a piece of paper that is stored somewhere in a room full of filing cabinets.

A modern computer would search through each drawer of each cabinet one-by-one, which takes time.

A quantum computer could search through every drawer of every cabinet simultaneously, cutting down the time it takes to find that paper significantly.

“It’s that type of computing power and those types of resources that are going to significantly change the way we deal with problems,” said cybersecurity tech analyst Ritesh Kotak.

While quantum computers offer immense potential for a wide range of critical industries, they also bring about serious risks to the majority of cybersecurity systems, by cracking modern cryptography.

Cryptography is the process of securing information, by converting it into an unreadable code to anyone who does not have the ‘key’ to essentially unlock and view said information.

That is essentially the foundation of cybersecurity.

“If say, a criminal gets a hold of quantum computers, they could break the current levels of encryption, and it would be essentially like a master key getting into everything,” said technology analyst Carmi Levy.

“If we don’t plan the transition to quantum computing effectively, that could put incredibly powerful tools to strip whatever protections we have in place now from our systems and essentially allow cybercriminals to do as they wish online.”

Quantum computers are still in their infancy. There exist only experimental prototypes which are prone to errors, face persistent scaling issues, and can only operate in extreme conditions.

However, teams of researchers around the world are working tirelessly to iron out the remaining kinks in the tech, forcing cybersecurity experts to act fast to protect online data and the digital economy.

That’s where Ottawa comes in.

Researchers at the University of Ottawa are at the forefront of the race to ensure cybersecurity keeps up with the development of quantum computers.

“With my students and postdocs, we are defining the new generation of security that will be using quantum communications and quantum computers,” said Broadbent.

“We are understanding the fundamentals of what is possible to do.”

Not only are researchers in the nation’s capital helping to find answers, but Ottawa is also home to a business that is a global leader in the push towards quantum-safe cybersecurity.

Ottawa company shaping the future of cybersecurity

A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, Bruno Couillard has spent more than 35 years working in the cryptographic industry.

Today, he serves as the co-founder and CEO of Crypto4A, an Ottawa-based cybersecurity company specializing in quantum-safe hardware security modules.

With the race underway to ensure cybersecurity measures are up to the challenges posed by quantum computers, it is an exciting time for the company.

Couillard says, essentially, the entire foundation of the internet needs to be revamped to keep pace.

“When you think of what we do, it is akin to coming into your home and suggesting that we now need to replace your basement, because your home now needs to sit on better foundations,” said Couillard.

“But we aren’t doing it for just one home. We’re doing it for the entire country, the entire continent.”

Couillard says that work needs to be done within the next few years.

Crypto4A works with major banks, corporations, hyperscalers, and different levels of government here at home, and around the world.

“We’re hoping to be the leading company that helps the world change, but we’re hoping others will follow,” said Couillard.

“Crypto4A has the most advanced capability that you can find on the planet today.”

For Couillard, operating in Ottawa makes sense.

He says the city has positioned itself at the centre of the world’s cybersecurity future.

“Ottawa probably has the highest density of cryptographic expertise, almost in the world… it’s like this unique DNA that lives in this town, which you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere,” he said.

“Being able to put [the maple leaf] in our logo, not just in Canada, but around the world, I travel quite a lot, and the Canadian brand is an awesome brand to be part of.”

From the United States to Asia, Crypto4A’s footprint continues to grow, putting Canada on the map as a global leader in cybersecurity.

“We’re not yet a monster company, but we already have a very wide footprint and everywhere we go, the [Canadian] flag is massively positive for what we tend to bring,” said Couillard.

John O’Connor, Chief Product Officer at Crypto4A, says being Canadian is at the company’s core.

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“We design, manufacture and assemble everything here in Canada. We use local suppliers,” he said. “Canada has a trusted place in the world.”

O’Connor adds, Crypto4A offers an easily exportable product, something he believe will help with the federal government’s goal of increasing the country’s exports globally.

“There are very few companies globally that do what we do. We’re talking under 10 companies, and maybe even a smaller handful that are even close to the level of quantum-safe architecture that we have achieved,” he said.

As the world of quantum computing continues to evolve and come to life, expect Canadian and international companies and governments to continue leaning on Ottawa’s growing tech sector to safeguard the future of the internet, and digital security as we know it.