University of Guelph and Xanadu Sign MOU to Advance Quantum Education and Talent Development

Posted on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026

The Science Complex Waasamowin Atrium, taken from above.

The University of Guelph and Xanadu, a Canadian leader in quantum computing, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on advancing quantum computing education and preparing students for emerging careers in the rapidly growing quantum sector. 

The MOU brings together the University of Guelph's commitment to innovative teaching and workforce development with Xanadu's expertise in quantum computing hardware, software and educational resources. As Canada continues to invest in quantum leadership through its National Quantum Strategy, the collaboration will help strengthen the talent pipeline needed to support the country's growing quantum ecosystem. 

"Canada has an opportunity to be a global leader in quantum technologies, but realizing that potential depends on developing the next generation of quantum talent," says Dr. Joanne O’Meara, Associate Dean Academic for the College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences as well as physics professor at the University of Guelph. 

"Partnerships like this help ensure our students gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies while enabling the University of Guelph to contribute to Canada's growing quantum ecosystem through talent development, education and future collaboration." 

The partners will work together to identify collaborative educational and research opportunities, share knowledge and resources, and support the development of curriculum that introduces students to practical concepts in quantum computing and tools, such as Xanadu's PennyLane open-source software framework. 

“The partnership between Xanadu and the University of Guelph highlights the essential role of academic and industry collaboration in scaling the quantum workforce,” says Dr. Christian Weedbrook, Founder and CEO of Xanadu. 

“We're excited to work together to expand quantum education and equip students with the practical skills needed to thrive in the quantum industry.” 

The memorandum of understanding extends through 2028 and reflects a shared commitment to building Canada's quantum ecosystem, along with creating opportunities for students to develop the knowledge and experience needed to contribute to the next generation of computing technologies. 

About Xanadu 

 Founded in 2016, Xanadu is a Canadian photonic quantum computing company with the mission to build quantum computers that are useful and available to people everywhere. Xanadu is building fault-tolerant quantum computers using light, with systems designed to compute at room temperature.

Backed by more than $500 million USD in funding, Xanadu develops both hardware and software, including PennyLane, its open-source quantum computing platform. Xanadu is the first pure-play photonic quantum computing company to list on public markets (Nasdaq/TSX: XNDU) and is recognized globally for its breakthroughs in scalable quantum technologies. Visit xanadu.ai or follow on X @XanaduAI


Contacts 

U of G: ccmpsdean@uoguelph.ca 

Xanadu: Press Contact: press@xanadu.ai, Investor Relations: investors@xanadu.ai 

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