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Queen’s University and Université de Sherbrooke have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to advance Canada’s computing ecosystem by integrating world-class AI supercomputing infrastructure with the nation’s growing quantum technology capabilities.

The partnership aims to leverage the Université de Sherbrooke’s leadership in Canada’s quantum sector, anchored by the power and capability of a global top-10 AI supercomputer, which is proposed to be hosted by Queen’s University as part of the federal government’s AI Sovereign Compute Infrastructure Program. Together, the universities will collaborate and work with partners across Canada to support a world-leading, sustainable, sovereign, high performance computing capability.

“Building Canada's future computing capabilities requires collaboration across institutions and disciplines. We are pleased to work with the Université de Sherbrooke, a global leader in quantum research and technology, to advance and future-proof a sovereign Canadian computing ecosystem,” says Nancy Ross, Vice-Principal, Research at Queen’s. “This collaboration builds on the momentum of our existing partnership with Simon Fraser University to strengthen Canada's AI supercomputing infrastructure. By bringing together leadership in supercomputing and quantum technologies, we are helping create a national ecosystem that will accelerate discovery, strengthen Canada's digital sovereignty, and support innovation for researchers, industry and the public sector.”

Combining unique strengths and leadership in quantum and supercomputing

at the Université de Sherbrooke is a world-leading hub of excellence, dedicated to the exploration and development of quantum science and technology, where researchers, students, and industry partners solve complex problems. Through this partnership, the university will lead the development of quantum algorithms, secure communications solutions and post-quantum cryptography, essential infrastructure, energy-efficient solutions, and will address critical challenges faced by organizations.

Quantum computing has the potential to solve certain complex problems more efficiently than classical computers, by processing massive combinations of variables simultaneously. The national hybrid infrastructure made possible by a global top-10 supercomputer will be critical in advancing the research and innovation in quantum computing already taking place at Université de Sherbrooke. AI supercomputers are powerful engines that analyze massive amounts of information, and support innovations in areas such as healthcare, clean energy, defence, manufacturing, dual-use technology, and public safety. 

“This collaboration further strengthens the Université de Sherbrooke’s international standing as a hub of excellence in quantum technologies and digital innovation,” says Vincent Aimez, Vice-President, Partnerships and Valorization, and Sustainable Development, Université de Sherbrooke. “UdeS will leverage its expertise in energy management, heat recovery, and the resilience of digital infrastructure to support the development of more sustainable and efficient data centres, contributing to Canada’s digital sovereignty.”

In March, Queen’s announced, alongside Simon Fraser University (SFU), a collaboration to build Canada’s national supercomputing capability. SFU and Queen's have jointly applied to the , with results expected in late 2026. Combined with SFU's strengths in quantum research and innovation, this partnership with the Université de Sherbrooke brings together complementary expertise from coast to coast, creating a uniquely Canadian ecosystem that connects AI supercomputing with emerging quantum technologies.

Today, Queen’s is the only university in Canada home to researchers who have helped design and deploy some of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, including systems currently ranked among the global top-10 in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Queen's also runs the , a research data centre and analytics hub, as well as , the largest group of experts on the design and build of exascale systems in Canada and leaders in research advancing energy-efficient supercomputing.

Learn more about supercomputing at Queen's by visiting the website.