Vancouver-based quantum computing leader Photonic is set to launch a new research and development facility in the United Kingdom, marking a major step in the company’s international growth and reinforcing Canada’s reputation for quantum innovation.
Strategic Investment and Job Creation
Over the next three years, Photonic will invest more than $49 million (over £25 million) in its UK operations, creating upwards of 30 highly skilled technical positions. This new R&D hub will work alongside Photonic’s Canadian headquarters, advancing specialized research projects and fostering cross-border collaboration between Canada and the UK.
Strengthening Transatlantic Quantum Leadership
The UK expansion is designed to complement Photonic’s core research, which will remain rooted in Canada, while the new facility will enhance the company’s innovation pipeline and support market access across Europe. Dr. Stephanie Simmons, Photonic’s Founder and Chief Quantum Officer, emphasized that the move not only accelerates the company’s global scale but also reinforces Canada’s leadership in secure, scalable quantum technologies.
Endorsement from Government Leaders
The announcement has been welcomed by officials on both sides of the Atlantic. Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, praised Photonic as a standout example of Canadian innovation and highlighted the company’s role in building a trusted transatlantic quantum future. UK Science Minister Lord Vallance (formerly Callanan) noted that Photonic’s investment will generate jobs and economic growth while deepening UK-Canada collaboration in this critical technology sector.
Backed by International Investment
Photonic’s global momentum is supported by investments from both Canadian and UK partners, including BCI, Inovia Capital, Amadeus Capital Partners, and the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF). The company also participates in joint initiatives between Canada’s National Research Council and Innovate UK, further strengthening ties between the two countries’ quantum ecosystems.
Advancing Quantum Technology
Founded by Dr. Simmons, who has academic roots in both Canada and the UK, Photonic is recognized for developing distributed, fault-tolerant quantum computing platforms based on optically-linked silicon spin qubits. The company’s Entanglement First™ architecture is designed for scalability and seamless integration into existing data centers and telecom environments, with applications spanning materials science, drug discovery, climate change, and cybersecurity.
A New Era for Quantum Innovation
Photonic’s UK expansion comes at a time when both governments and private investors are accelerating support for quantum R&D, recognizing its transformative potential across industries and national economies. With this move, Photonic is poised to play a key role in driving the next wave of quantum breakthroughs on a global stage.
