First cohort of startups supported by UCalgary’s quantum accelerator graduate

In early summer, the first cohort of startups supported by QAI Ventures Accelerator (powered by Quantum City) at the University of Calgary’s quantum solutions hub, graduated from the program. 

These startups have shown that quantum solutions are no longer just theoretical, they’re ready to make a real impact across all industries.

QAI Ventures is a global VC firm and the leading Quantum AI ecosystem builder and 2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science & Technology. It's therefore especially apt that the QAI Ventures Accelerator program (powered by Quantum City) welcomed its first cohort of startups in March 2025. 

Over the past six months, quantum innovators from around the world have gathered at Quantum City in Calgary, to receive access to quantum-enabling technology, expert guidance and tailored mentorship. During this time, startups collaborated with mentors in the Canadian quantum ecosystem, networked with fellow startups in the program and gained experience with developing their business plans.

“The QAI Ventures Accelerator equips startups with the mentorship, investor connections and strategic support they need to scale rapidly and bring quantum innovation to market—proving that quantum solutions are ready to deliver real value to industry today,” said Megan Lee, Managing Director of Quantum City. 

“By being embedded in Quantum City’s broader innovation ecosystem, these companies also benefit from opportunities such as hiring local talent, participating in events like qConnect, and building lasting relationships across the quantum community. This partnership between QAI Ventures and Quantum City positions Alberta as a key player in the worldwide quantum tech landscape.”

Quantum startups ready to make an impact

After months of building, testing and refining, startups shared their progress with the Calgary community at the QAI Ventures Demo Day, where startups, innovators and creators showcased their solutions to an audience of investors, mentors and industry leaders, highlighting their progress and market potential. 

Mentors and industry leaders shared valuable perspectives of how quantum technologies are already being explored across various sectors, including, health, emerging technologies and the energy sector.

QuantaSense, the only Alberta-based quantum startup in the cohort, is a spin-out from the University of Calgary, currently at the pre-seed stage. This multidisciplinary team of physicists is on a mission to develop cutting-edge quantum hardware for high-precision sensing applications. 

With QuLIPA—their quantum-limited amplifier—QuantaSense is addressing the need for reliable readouts and pushing performance for computing companies working to scale superconducting qubits, aerospace and defense organizations, and research institutions focused on quantum measurement and sensing.

“Quantum technologies are moving beyond the lab into real-world impact and startups are leading that charge. The QAI Ventures Accelerator, powered by Quantum City, helps these early-stage companies turn breakthrough ideas into scalable businesses by connecting them with capital, industry partners and global expertise. It’s not just about building faster or more secure tools, it’s about building the quantum economy”, commented Alexandra Beckstein, CEO and Founder of QAI Ventures.

Quantum commercialization is the goal

The inaugural graduates of the QAI Ventures Accelerator (powered by Quantum City) are: 

• Bosonic
• QuantaSense
• Qubic
• Synth Bits  
• SQK INC

The progress of these companies marks a significant step in the growth of the quantum ecosystem in Alberta. These startups are now ready for the next step in their entrepreneurial journey, including securing additional funding and showcasing their solutions globally. 

Quantum City’s qConnect 2025, an industry event for quantum technology will also provide a chance for these startups to connect with the annual summit series bringing together businesses, tech creators, startups, government and investors. 

Applications for the next cohort of the QAI Ventures Accelerator (powered by Quantum City) are now open, visit the QAI Ventures Accelerator webpage for details on how to apply.