Quantum computing has the potential to solve problems beyond the capabilities of conventional supercomputers, and could revolutionize the advancement of several fields, including materials science, biochemistry, finance, logistics, and artificial intelligence. It is thus essential to develop concrete expertise to take advantage of the new possibilities that will arise from quantum computing.
To take advantage of this unique opportunity for the Canadian quantum computing ecosystem, the NSERC CREATE training programs QSciTech and NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing (Quantum BC), have joined forces with the Quantum AlgoLab of Institut quantique, and CMC Microsystems to bring you a one-of-a-kind workshop to gain practical skills on using IBM’s quantum computers for real-world applications. This workshop will allow you to develop your expertise tangibly while running calculations on real quantum computers! See below for the details.
We invite you to join a 6-day virtual workshop at the end of January – beginning of February 2024. This year, the workshop will focus on quantum machine learning (QML) on IBM’s gate-based quantum computers, incorporating problem-based learning, teamwork, and best practices in quantum software development. By the end of the workshop, you will be able to use the IBM Quantum platform and basic quantum computing tools to solve concrete, small-scale quantum machine learning problems. The workshop will also include poster sessions and an awards ceremony for the best student team presentations with prizes.
Do not miss this QSciTech-QuantumBC-CMC virtual workshop, which will allow you to develop your expertise tangibly while running calculations on really powerful quantum computers! See below for all the details.
Partners
QSciTech is a training program that aims to prepare the next generation of quantum scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs in the field of quantum science and technologies. Funded by NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) through its CREATE (Collaborative Research and Training Experience) program, QSciTech offers hands-on training to master’s and Ph.D. students in physics, engineering, computer science, mathematics, and other related disciplines. The program includes training in entrepreneurship, intellectual property, design and project management, and quantum sciences, as well as teamwork and an internship in industry. The students develop a global vision of the quantum technology development chain and acquire the essential skills to ensure the success of these technologies.
The NSERC CREATE in Quantum Computing is hosted by the Quantum Matter Institute at the University of British Columbia and is co-delivered by faculty at BC’s top three research universities (UBC, SFU and UVic) with collaboration from leading quantum hardware and software companies. Students acquire highly specialized technical expertise and commercial skills in both quantum computing hardware and software through a combination of hands-on workshops, research projects, industrial internships and professional development workshops to ensure job readiness among graduates pursuing careers in the emerging quantum computing technologies sector.
Since 2020, the Quantum AlgoLab at the Institut quantique de l’Université de Sherbrooke (UdS) has supported quantum computing research projects for UdS researchers and industrial partners. The team has worked on projects with partners such as the Bank of Canada, Thales, Lockheed Martin, and Statistics Canada. In the meantime, its activities have been followed by more than 9000 people during 175 workshops and events.
Since 2021, PINQ² has been helping businesses to de-risk their digital transformation while supporting their innovations. Our value proposition: a unique service offering in Quebec, Canada and attractive internationally of hybrid quantum computing, aligned with industrial IT and security standards as well as a simple and fluid user experience. We promote collaboration between industry and academia and the training of tomorrow’s talent. Our quantum infrastructure is the IBM Quantum System One – 127 Qubits, Eagle R3 processor, based in Québec.
CMC Microsystems offers quantum technologies services for Canadian academics, start-ups and SMEs. Since 2020, CMC’s quantum team has supported 30 quantum computing projects from 17 Canadian universities and four start-ups, leading to nine peer-reviewed publications. In 2021, CMC created the world’s first cost-sharing fabrication service for superconducting quantum devices. In addition to this training, CMC offers a series of Basecamp activities ranging from Advanced CMOS Design to How to design, simulate, fabricate and test silicon quantum photonics devices.
Target Attendees
The target audience for this workshop are graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and undergraduate students involved in research along with other students, academics, and industry members with relevant background.
Important Notes:
- You must register to the workshop using your institutional email address. This institutional email address will be required to login and access IBM quantum computers.
- You must have an IBMid before registering. Acknowledgement and compliance with the IBM Quantum End User Agreement is a requirement for joining this course, including compliance with related export restrictions. Registration to the workshop does not guarantee access to IBM’s quantum computers.
- Trainees are expected to participate in all scheduled activities (9 hours per week) and be involved in team projects (approximately 5 hours per week). A minimal attendance of 90% is required to receive the participation certificate. For students, participation in the poster presentation is mandatory.
Pre-requisites
- Knowing quantum mechanics is an asset. The necessary background on quantum mechanics will be presented (measurements, expectation value).
- Having taken a university-level course in linear algebra is an essential prerequisite.
- As the workshop involves Python programming, only students with some experience with Python should register.
- Having completed one of the following courses or training, or equivalent, is an asset, but not essential:
- University of British Columbia course CPEN 514 Introduction to Quantum Computing (formerly EECE 571S), or
- Université de Sherbrooke course PHY 737 Information et calcul quantiques (or PHY 637), or GEI 777 Mécanique quantique pour ingénieurs, or
- Simon Fraser University course PHYS 416/816 Introduction to Quantum Information Science,
- University of Victoria course CSC 586/SENG 480: Quantum Algorithms and Software Engineering
- IBM Quantum Learning: Recommended online courses:
- Basics of quantum information,
- Variational algorithm design,
- Fundamentals of quantum algorithms (optional).
Schedule
When: January 22, 24, 29, 31, and February 5, and 7, 2024
Start Time: 8 am Pacific/11 am Eastern
End Time: 2:30 pm Pacific/5:30 pm Eastern
The workshop will run 4.5 hours per day in three 1.5-hour sessions. It will emphasize teamwork and problem-based learning, focusing on quantum machine learning. Included are student poster presentations, awards and prizes.
Pricing and Registration
| Attendee Group | Price | Registration |
| Student in Canada* | $100 | The class is full. Contact Sarah Neville to add your name to the wait list. |
| Subscriber and postdoctoral fellow in Canada* | $200 | |
| General* | $400 |
* Participants must be physically present in Canada during the full period of the workshop to access IBM’s quantum computers.
Contact
For questions, please contact:
- Brent Jodoin from CMC Microsystems: brent.jodoin@cmc.ca
- QSciTech Coordinator: info@qscitech.ca
- NSERC-CREATE in Quantum Computing Coordinator: bahiyyih.peters@ubc.ca
Cancellations
Event cancellations must be received in writing at least one (1) week before the beginning date of the event in question to receive a full refund of the registration fee. A cancellation made after the deadline will not receive a refund. CMC Microsystems makes no commitments on refunds for travel or accommodations.