August 6, 2026 – Calgary, Alberta – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence, announced the launch of the Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) under the Bureau of Research, Engineering and Advanced Leadership in Innovation and Science (BOREALIS) in Calgary, Alberta.
Quantum technologies are expected to transform defence and security through advances in sensing, secure communications, navigation, computing, and decision support. The Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub (DISH) will provide a secure environment where government, industry, academia, and innovators can collaborate to rapidly develop, test, validate, and transition these technologies into operational capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces. The hub will strengthen Canada's technological advantage, improve operational effectiveness, and reduce vulnerabilities in contested environments, including threats such as GPS spoofing.
A University of Calgary-led consortium will receive $20.3 million over two years to establish and operate the Quantum DISH in Calgary. Bringing together organizations from Canada's quantum, defence, and innovation sectors, the consortium will help accelerate the transition of promising Canadian quantum technologies from research into mission-ready capabilities that support Canada's defence and security priorities.
Selected through a competitive Call for Proposals, the Quantum DISH expands Canada's growing network of Defence Innovation Secure Hubs under BOREALIS, joining the Maritime DISH pilot and the Uncrewed Systems DISH. Together, these secure, mission-driven hubs are strengthening Canada's sovereign defence innovation ecosystem by accelerating the development and deployment of critical technologies.
DISHs are secure, mission-oriented hubs established to enable collaboration between government, industry, and academia that represent an important step in Canada's broader effort to strengthen sovereign innovation capabilities. The Quantum DISH will focus on accelerating capabilities in quantum sensing, communications, algorithms, and hardware assurance to help the Canadian Armed Forces address emerging operational challenges, strengthen resilience, and maintain Canada's technological advantage.
Quantum is one of Canada's sovereign capability priorities under the Defence Industrial Strategy. As global competition accelerates, advances in quantum sensing, communications, computing, and navigation will play an increasingly important role in maintaining military readiness, protecting national security, and strengthening Canada's technological sovereignty.
Quotes
"Quantum will shape the next generation of defence capabilities, and Canada must be prepared to lead—not follow. Through the Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub, we're bringing together Canadian researchers, innovators, industry, and government to accelerate Made-in-Canada quantum technologies into mission-ready capabilities that strengthen the operational advantage of the Canadian Armed Forces while growing Canada's sovereign defence industrial base."
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“Quantum technologies are shaping the future of security, economic growth and innovation. This investment will help Canadian researchers and businesses develop next-generation solutions to address defence and security challenges while creating high-value jobs across the country. By investing in Canada's world-class quantum ecosystem, we are strengthening our economic resilience and reinforcing Canada's leadership in one of the world's most strategic technologies.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“Ensuring Canada remains secure in an increasingly complex global environment requires us to invest in the technologies that will shape the future. This support will help accelerate the development and adoption of advanced quantum solutions that will provide the Canadian Armed Forces with new tools to address emerging challenges. By bringing together researchers, industry and defence partners, we are helping translate breakthrough discoveries into capabilities that can make a real difference."
The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
“With access to land, a skilled workforce, and a drive for innovation, Alberta holds a position of strength in growing Canada’s defence capabilities. This investment from the federal government into the University of Calgary is a big step for Alberta’s role in Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy. Our government is committed to partnership that strengthens Canada, increases security, and leads to economic prosperity.”
The Honourable Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration of Alberta
“This investment is a testament to the incredible talent and innovation ecosystem we have here in Calgary. By bringing together researchers, industry, and government, the Quantum Defence Innovation Secure Hub will help create new opportunities for our community while reinforcing Alberta's leadership in the technologies of tomorrow."
Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“We thank the Government of Canada for this transformational investment at the University of Calgary and Quantum City. UCalgary has a long history of excellence in strategic studies, military scholarship, and applied research in defence and security-related fields. The Quantum DISH is the next step in this journey of discovery that will build upon UCalgary’s strength in quantum computing, sensing, and communications. The consortium of post-secondary and industry partners that will innovate in this new facility is truly world class, and we look forward to working alongside the Government of Canada to translate quantum technologies into real-world solutions that will strengthen Canada’s sovereignty.”
Dr. Edward McCauley, PhD, FRSC, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Calgary
Quick facts
Canada is committed to strengthening its defence industrial base to provide the Canadian Armed Forces with timely access to the equipment and capabilities they need.
The Government of Canada is modernizing how it delivers defence and national security innovation through the creation of the BOREALIS.
DISHs provide secure environments where trusted partners can collaborate, conduct research, test technologies, and address defence and security challenges.
Quantum technologies are identified as one of Canada's sovereign capability priorities under the Defence Industrial Strategy.
The Quantum DISH supports collaboration among government, industry, academia, and innovators to strengthen Canada's defence innovation ecosystem.
The Quantum DISH will focus on four integrated work packages:
Quantum Sensing;
Quantum Communications;
Quantum Algorithms; and
Quantum Hardware Assurance.
The hub will support the development of Global Navigation Satellite System-independent navigation technologies, spoofing detection capabilities, quantum-secure communications and timing capabilities, decision-support tools, and testing and validation of quantum devices and systems.
Noah Note: A huge win for Alberta, but one won by being active. Despite fierce competition, thr Alberta government put their all into this, reportedly able to secure support from the likes of Lockheed, IBM, and Intel in their bid for Quantum DISH. Certainly, they built up a mighty team that was able to beat out the Waterloo/Sherbrooke/Victoria favourites to the punch here.
This isn't the last we will hear from Alberta, far from it. Mcguinty played tease today, but there is more, significantly more coming. You'll have to wait until monday though to read about it. 😊
I may be a sore loser (have a PhD from Waterloo and live in B.C.) but I am honestly wondering how securing the support of three American companies is a winning strategy for building Canadian research and innovation. Can you explain what you meant by that? (yes, this is a question, not snark)
Something that occured to me while reading this... Will these DISH facilities be multidisciplinary? I understand that they are mission focused, but could a drone maker in Calgary take advantage of the Quantum DISH due to its proximity, meaning they have access to the unique secure lab and conference space without having to travel across the country? If so, it suddenly makes more sense to try and spread them around, even if Waterloo might have been a more obvious choice. There are going to be other DISH facilities in Ontario that quantum researchers will have access to, even if they are not tailored to their needs. I like this plan, it feels like a good start.