QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC
Converting Canada's quantum leadership into operational advantage
May 25, 2026
Canadian War Museum | Ottawa
Hosted by:
QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC
Canada has named quantum a sovereign capability. Now it’s time to operationalize it.
QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC is a one-day, executive-level forum focused on turning Canada’s quantum strengths into deployed capability. It convenes Canada’s quantum technology sector, key ecosystem partners, and defence, security, and policy leaders to work through what it will take to move from promising technologies to operational systems.
Grounded in real missions, real constraints, and real timelines, this discussion centres on how Canada executes — moving from technical promise to operational advantage.
event partners
Limited capacity.
Register today to secure your spot:
speakers
Speakers to be announced soon!
speakers
Lisa Lambert
CEO, Quantum Industry Canada
Lisa Lambert
CEO, Quantum Industry Canada
Lisa Lambert
CEO, Quantum Industry Canada
Lisa Lambert
CEO, Quantum Industry Canada
Lisa Lambert
CEO, Quantum Industry Canada
Lisa Lambert
CEO, Quantum Industry Canada
VENUE
EVENT PROGRAM
Grounded in real missions, real constraints, and real timelines, the day will focus on:
- Where quantum capabilities can be integrated into defence and security systems in the near to mid-term
- What it takes to move from technical validation to fielded capability
- How Canada’s quantum industry and government can work together more effectively to deliver frontier capability at the speed of relevance
- How Canada executes on its Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) and engages with allies, including its Build-Partner-Buy framework, to deliver and scale quantum-enabled capability
Main program on the Nord Quantique stage: 09h00 to 17h00
Networking reception sponsored by Q-Block Computing: 17h00 to 19h00
Full agenda coming soon.
FAQs
What is QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC?
QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC is a one-day, executive-level forum focused on turning Canada’s quantum strengths into deployed capability. It convenes Canada’s defence, security, and policy leaders alongside the country’s quantum technology sector and critical delivery partners to work through what it will take to move from promising technologies to operational systems.
Who should attend QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC?
QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC is designed for senior leaders involved in shaping, delivering, or adopting advanced capabilities in defence and security.
This includes:
- Defence and security leadership (DND, CAF, CSE, Public Safety and related agencies)
- Federal and provincial departments and policymakers engaged in national security, innovation, and industrial strategy
- Canadian and allied quantum companies across sensing, communications, computing, and enabling technologies
- Prime contractors and system integrators
- Strategic capital, including venture and public investment
- Key ecosystem partners supporting capability development and deployment
The convening is structured to bring together participants across the full delivery chain — from technology development through to integration and operational use — enabling focused, executive-level discussion.
How much does it cost to register?
QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC offers three registration types, reflecting the mix of participants across the forum:
General Registration — $750 + HST
For industry, capital, academia, and ecosystem organizations.
QIC Member & Affiliate Registration — $400 + HST
For employees of QIC member and affiliate organizations.
(Company email may be used for verification.)
Government, Armed Forces & Diplomatic Registration — $175 + HST
For government employees, members of the Canadian Armed Forces and allied armed forces, and diplomatic representatives.
(Work email may be used for verification. Valid government, military, or diplomatic ID required at check-in.)
What is included with the registration?
Registration includes access to the full-day program on May 25, lunch, and the evening networking reception sponsored by Q-Block Computing.
Who is organizing QUANTUM NOW?
QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC is organized by Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) with support from the National Research Council Canada (NRC) and Canada’s National Quantum Strategy.
Is this a technical conference?
No. The forum is focused on operational and strategic implications, not technical deep dives. It is designed for decision-makers working at the intersection of technology, defence, and security.
What level of quantum knowledge is required to attend?
No prior expertise in quantum is required.
QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC is designed to make the topic accessible and decision-relevant for senior leaders.
Whether you’re already working in the space or engaging with quantum for the first time, you’ll come away with a clear understanding of where it matters and what to do about it.
Will there be opportunities to connect with quantum technology companies?
Yes! The forum brings together senior leaders from across Canada’s quantum industry, alongside defence, government, and ecosystem partners.
As one of the world’s most concentrated quantum ecosystems, Canada offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with technology developers, understand current and emerging capabilities, and explore applications and collaborations for defence and security.
There will be networking opportunities throughout the day, including a dedicated evening reception to wrap up the event.
Are sponsorship opportunities available?
Yes. A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available for QUANTUM NOW | DEFSEC.
For more information about sponsorship please contact the Quantum Industry Canada (QIC) team directly at quantumnow@quantumindustrycanada.ca.
Note that speaking roles are curated as part of the program. Sponsorship does not guarantee participation in the program.
What is the refund policy?
Due to limited capacity, registrations are non-refundable.
If you are unable to attend, ticket transfers may be requested up to May 20, 2026. We will do our best to accommodate these requests.