Quantum Industry Canada will host QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC on May 25, 2026, bringing together leaders from Canada’s quantum technology sector, government, defence, and national security communities for an executive-level forum centered on the future deployment of quantum technologies in real-world operational environments.
The event is designed to address one of the most pressing questions facing the Canadian quantum ecosystem: how to transition quantum technologies from promising research and laboratory breakthroughs into scalable systems capable of supporting national defence, security, and sovereign technological infrastructure.
The forum will convene representatives from across the quantum ecosystem, including technology companies, researchers, policymakers, defence organizations, investors, and strategic industry partners. Discussions are expected to focus on the practical requirements for accelerating commercialization, procurement, deployment readiness, and long-term national capability development.
As global competition in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications continues to intensify, governments are increasingly treating quantum technologies as strategic assets tied directly to economic competitiveness and national security. Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy has identified quantum technologies as key sovereign capabilities, reflecting the growing importance of maintaining domestic expertise and infrastructure in emerging advanced technologies.
QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC aims to explore how Canada can strengthen its position by supporting the development, retention, and deployment of homegrown quantum innovations across both civilian and defence applications. Topics are expected to include secure communications, quantum-enabled sensing systems, next-generation computing platforms, commercialization pathways, public-private collaboration, and supply chain resilience.
The event also provides an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the policy and operational challenges involved in integrating quantum technologies into existing defence and security systems while ensuring Canada remains competitive within the rapidly evolving global quantum landscape.
Additional information about the forum, including registration details, reduced-rate access options, and frequently asked questions, is available through the official event website.