New board members bring deep understanding of quantum technologies, intellectual property, investment, and product management to the table.
December 12, 2023
Quantum Industry Canada (QIC), a national non-profit consortium committed to advancing Canada’s quantum technology sector, is pleased to announce the appointment of three industry leaders to its Board of Directors: Alexandra Daoud, Dr. Martin Laforest, and Dr. Christian Weedbrook.
Joining a dynamic team of existing board members including Dr. Michele Mosca, Sally Daub, and Bruno Couillard, the new appointees will play a vital role in steering QIC’s strategic direction over the course of their three-year mandate.
“We are thrilled to welcome Alexandra, Martin, and Christian to QIC’s Board of Directors,” said Dr. Michele Mosca, Chair of the Board of Directors at QIC. “Their collective expertise, diverse perspectives, and proven track records will undoubtedly enhance QIC’s strategic direction, helping to transform the quantum landscape in Canada and beyond.”
Alexandra Daoud, Vice President – Intellectual Property, Anyon Systems
Alexandra Daoud is Vice President, Intellectual Property at Anyon Systems, a quantum computing company that designs, builds, and delivers fully integrated gate-based superconducting quantum computers. In her role, she participates in strategic initiatives to help the company grow and become a leader in the quantum industry. Daoud graduated from McGill University with a degree in Electrical Engineering and joined Anyon Systems after having spent 20 years at Norton Rose Fulbright as a Partner and a Patent Agent.
Dr. Martin Laforest, Managing Partner, Quantacet
A quantum physicist by training, Dr. Martin Laforest spent his career ensuring quantum technologies have a disruptive, yet positive impact on industry and society. Laforest is currently managing partner for Quantacet, an early stage, quantum-focused investment fund and the director of Quantum Strategy for ACET, a Sherbrooke-based deep tech incubator offering specific mentoring tailored to quantum enterprises. Laforest serves as an advisor to Canada’s National Quantum Strategy and as a technical advisor for the deployment of a quantum communication testbed in the province of Québec led by Numana. Prior to joining Sherbrooke’s quantum ecosystem, Laforest was the senior product manager for ISARA Corporation, a quantum-safe security company. Laforest also spent eight years promoting the impacts of quantum technologies to students, governments, companies and investors for the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo where he also received his PhD.
Dr. Christian Weedbrook, CEO and Founder, Xanadu Quantum Technologies
Dr. Christian Weedbrook is the CEO and Founder of Xanadu Quantum Technologies, a quantum technology company building fault-tolerant quantum computers using light. Over the last 15 years, he has been at the forefront of bringing quantum technology to the world through his research and leadership in academia, government, and industry. Weedbrook holds a PhD in Physics from the University of Queensland and held postdoc positions at MIT and the University of Toronto.
About Quantum Industry Canada
QIC is Canada’s national consortium uniting Canada’s quantum technology innovators and allied industries to fortify and connect the country’s quantum sector. Dedicated to translating Canadian quantum ingenuity and expertise into business success and economic growth, QIC boasts a diverse membership of over 45 entities. Our members range from vibrant startups to influential global companies, covering a broad spectrum of quantum fields, including computing, communications, sensing, safe cryptography, applications, and enabling technologies. QIC’s members are pioneering some of the world’s most cutting-edge solutions, positioning Canada as a leader of the global quantum technology revolution.