Bell Canada and the Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) announced Wednesday that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the advancement of quantum technologies, post-quantum cybersecurity, and sustainable data-centre infrastructure.

The agreement is intended to strengthen Canada’s capacity to develop, test and scale advanced computing technologies by combining Bell’s national network and infrastructure expertise with UdeS’s research in quantum science and cybersecurity.

The organizations will explore advanced computing environments that integrate high-performance computing, quantum systems and secure data infrastructure to support the testing and deployment of emerging technologies. Bell said the initiative builds on its Bell AI Fabric platform, which combines the company’s fibre network, data centres, cloud capabilities and AI infrastructure.

Bell, UdeS and Queen’s University will also examine ways to connect Canada’s national high-performance computing environment with frontier quantum technologies to support research, business and public-sector applications while helping keep sensitive data and innovation within Canada. UdeS and Queen’s launched a partnership in June to advance Canada’s quantum and supercomputing future; Bell is now joining the effort.

The Bell-UdeS collaboration will focus on post-quantum cybersecurity, hybrid computing models that combine high-performance and quantum computing, distributed small- to mid-scale sustainable data centres optimized for local energy use and heat recovery, and expanded opportunities for student training and applied research.

Bell and UdeS said the initiative is intended to help bridge the gap between research and commercial deployment by testing new computing architectures in operational environments and supporting the commercialization of emerging technologies across industry and government.

“Working with the Université de Sherbrooke allows us to connect Canada’s research strengths with the infrastructure needed to bring new technologies into real-world use,” said Michel Richer, president, Bell AI and Bell AI Fabric’s operations and quantum business “By exploring how advanced computing, secure networks and emerging quantum capabilities can work together, we’re helping lay the groundwork for the next generation of AI and digital innovation in Canada.”

Vincent Aimez, vice-president of partnerships and knowledge transfer at UdeS, said the Sherbrooke, Que.-based university stands out for its recognized expertise in partnership-based research, “particularly in the fields of quantum science and technology, cybersecurity, and energy innovation.”

“This partnership with Bell helps advance high-level research and accelerate innovation for the benefit of all our communities,” he added. “It also offers unique training opportunities for our students, who will develop at the heart of sectors that are strategic to the sustainable future of our society.”

Bell Canada is Canada’s largest communications company, providing fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media.

Pictured: Université de Sherbrooke quantum computing centre.

Photo: Université de Sherbrooke