The Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) and Forschungszentrum Jülich of Germany's Helmholtz Association, along with Canada’s TRIUMF, TRIUMF Innovations, D-Wave Systems Inc., and 1Qbit, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to jointly establish corresponding German and Canadian quantum computing and machine learning networks and to collaborate on applied quantum computing and machine learning initiatives of mutual interest.

The networks aim to facilitate national and international collaboration for quantum computing and machine learning tools to enhance research. The networks include four joint working groups to focus on four pillars of data science: quantum computing, large-scale computing, machine learning, and big data analytics.

"It's my pleasure to express support for the collaboration between Canadian institutions and German partners in an area of mutual significance for both parties, especially in the very exciting and highly attractive field of data science and quantum computing,” said Rudolf Mey, acting German consul general in Vancouver. “These are fields of high importance for both countries, advancing science and innovation opportunities.”

Network partners will bring resources and expertise to the collaboration as they jointly tackle their shared goal of advancing relevant initiatives of mutual interest. Another key objective of the network is to develop frameworks and funding opportunities to train the next generation of scientists.

The MOU signing is an outcome of the Data Science and Quantum Computing Workshop hosted in Vancouver in late June. During the workshop, the research and private sector organizations signing the MOU quickly recognized that they shared a long-term goal of translating data science research into applications for discovery and innovation and could accelerate their interdisciplinary work through collaboration.