Photonic announces quantum R&D facility in the UK
The Canada-based photonic quantum computing company plans to open a new facility in the UK in the next three years, investing £25 million and creating opportunities for cross-border collaboration, talent development, and global market access, while contributing to national security and economic growth
Photonic Inc., a Canada-based company focusing on distributed, fault-tolerant quantum computing, has announced its intent to establish a quantum R&D facility in the UK. The company says this marks a significant milestone in its international growth and a win for both Canadian and UK innovation.
Over the next three years, Photonic plans to open a new quantum R&D facility in the UK, creating over 30 high-paying jobs and investing more than £25 million, while advancing Canada’s leadership in quantum innovation at home and abroad.
While Photonic’s headquarters, core research, and foundational technologies remain rooted in Canada, the company says the UK investment introduces complementary capabilities, including targeted R&D, that enhance and extend its innovation pipeline. Together, these efforts aim to create new opportunities for cross-border collaboration, talent development, and global market access, while contributing to national security, economic development, and scientific excellence in both countries.
“Our expansion into the UK is a win-win – strengthening our ability to scale globally while reinforcing Canada’s position as a leader in secure, scalable quantum technologies” said Stephanie Simmons, founder and Chief Quantum Officer at Photonic. “Ever since earning my doctorate in quantum computing at the University of Oxford, I’ve admired the UK’s trailblazing approach to quantum. I am really excited by the ambition laid out in the next phase of the UK government’s National Quantum Strategy, and we are looking forward to supporting the government in delivery of its quantum missions. Quantum has enormous potential to drive societal impact and economic growth – and Photonic is committed to unleashing that potential through deep, collaborative partnerships between our two countries.”
Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, said: “Photonic is a Canadian homegrown success story and a shining example of the world-class innovation emerging from our national quantum ecosystem. Its UK expansion reflects our shared ambition to build a trusted transatlantic quantum future. We’re proud to support Photonic as it scales internationally while anchored in Canada – creating jobs, advancing the commercialisation of quantum technology, and strengthening Canada’s quantum leadership.”
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance added: “Photonic’s decision to expand their presence in the UK is a clear vote of confidence in the UK’s fast-growing quantum sector, which is leading advances on everything from sensing for healthcare to quantum computing. This £25 million investment will create jobs and generate economic growth, while deepening collaboration between the UK and Canada on this vital technology.”
