Mitacs and Finnish Quantum Flagship strengthen quantum research mobility between Canada and Finland

Helsinki, Finland — Mitacs is launching a new two-year partnership with the Finnish Quantum Flagship (FQF) — the largest quantum research coalition in Finland — to strengthen two-way research collaboration and talent mobility.

Through the agreement, Mitacs and FQF will enable the mobility of interns between Canada and Finland to undertake quantum research projects at universities and research institutions in the partner country. The collaboration will give emerging researchers opportunities to gain international research experience, build connections across two strong quantum ecosystems, and contribute to projects advancing quantum science and technology.

Mitacs will support participating students and postdoctoral fellows through the Globalink Research Award (GRA) program, enabling research mobility from Canada to Finland as well as from Finland to Canada. FQF will complement this support by providing travel-expense reimbursements, further facilitating bidirectional mobility between the two countries.

The partnership will connect Canadian researchers with Finland’s quantum research ecosystem, including Aalto University, CSC – IT Center for Science, Tampere University, the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Helsinki, the University of Jyväskylä, the University of Oulu, the University of Turku, and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.

With expertise spanning quantum materials, devices, algorithms, software, and information, FQF complements Canada’s growing quantum research and innovation ecosystem. The collaboration will create new opportunities to exchange knowledge and expertise while building international networks in a field with significant scientific and economic potential.

The agreement also builds on growing research and innovation ties between both countries and reflects Mitacs’ commitment to developing international partnerships in strategically important areas.

Quotes

“Quantum technologies have enormous potential to shape the industries and economies of the future, and international collaboration is essential to realizing that potential. Through this partnership with the Finnish Quantum Flagship, we are creating opportunities for emerging researchers to gain international experience, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections between Canada and Finland’s quantum ecosystems. These experiences help develop the highly skilled talent and global networks Canada needs to remain competitive in rapidly evolving technologies.”

Dr. Stephen Lucas, CEO, Mitacs

“Finland’s role as a key player in the global quantum landscape is made stronger by cross-pollination of ideas and practices from other countries. The Finnish Quantum Flagship’s core scientific themes focusing on quantum materials, devices and algorithms, software and information are complemented well by the Canadian quantum research ecosystem. These types of collaborations are vital for the advancement of the field, and this new partnership is well positioned to mutually benefit both countries. We are looking forward to the many fruitful collaborations to come.”

Professor Peter Liljeroth, Director, Finnish Quantum Flagship

About Mitacs

Mitacs delivers the return on innovation Canada needs now by connecting big ideas, people, and ambition to turn potential into results. Mitacs co-funds innovation partnerships that get Canada’s businesses and researchers where they need to go.

Mitacs partners innovate faster. Commercialize sooner. Compete globally. Scale and grow stronger. We open the door to opportunity, creating jobs and equipping students and postdoctoral researchers with skills, industry experience, and professional networks.

Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

About the Finnish Quantum Flagship

The Finnish Quantum Flagship is hosted within InstituteQ, Finland’s national quantum institute. From its inception, the Finnish Quantum Flagship represents the largest and most ambitious quantum science and technology coalition of its kind in the nation. It brings together nine universities and research and technology organizations throughout Finland, focusing on research, education, and innovation.

Finnish Quantum Flagship researchers are pioneering new advancements in the domains of quantum materials, quantum devices, and quantum algorithms, software, and information. Flagship activities are rooted not only in fundamental research but also in sparking collaborations and innovations across existing and new partners for the mutual benefit of Finnish society.

The flagship derives its core objectives from InstituteQ’s guiding principles: to raise the readiness of Finnish society for the disruptive potential and significant strategic advancements quantum technologies will have for society and the economy at large.