Our mission is to aggressively explore and advance the application of quantum mechanical systems to a vast array of relevant information processing techniques. We will accomplish this by creating a truly unique environment that fosters cutting-edge research and collaboration between researchers in the areas of computer, engineering, mathematical and physical sciences.

IQC was founded in 2002 with a complement of five researchers from the UW Faculties of Science and Mathematics and aims to reach 30, with 18 at present (2009). IQC postdoctoral fellows and graduate students currently number 25 and 62, respectively, with long-term goals to double in size.

In line with the aggressive expansion goals of the Institute, a new, expanded building is on the way. The IQC building will be at the heart of the UW campus and be part of the Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre (QNC) at the University of Waterloo (UW). Presently under construction, the centre will be the most sophisticated building at the University to date. The ground was broken in 2008 and the building should be completed at the end of 2010.