Perimeter Institute Quantum Intelligence Lab (PIQuIL)
The combined powers of quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are sparking breakthroughs and breakout technologies at the Perimeter Institute Quantum Intelligence Lab (PIQuIL).
PIQuIL is a highly innovative meeting place for entrepreneurial leaders from fundamental research, education and high-tech industry – people who understand the vast potential of quantum intelligence. PIQuIL is a cutting-edge AI lab, the first launched in a physics institute, solely focused on exploring the intersection between AI and quantum physics through research and training collaborations between academia, government and industry.
PIQuIL scientists push the boundaries of AI algorithms to solve fundamental physics problems – and apply fundamental physics insights to make progress on deep computing challenges.
PIQuIL partners like Canadian quantum intelligence software company 1QBit work within PIQuIL to stay at the forefront of the fast-changing field of quantum intelligence. Collaborations with AI-tech incubators like the Vector Institute and Creative Destruction Labs, and PIQuIL’s creation of open-source computer codes, are establishing Canada as a powerhouse in quantum-AI research and technology.
“PIQuIL provided a unique environment where I could conduct top-tier research while exploring cutting-edge innovation. It introduced me to quantum intelligence, enabling me to develop groundbreaking algorithms to tackle complex optimization problems.” – Estelle Inack, Co-Founder and CTO of yiyaniQ
What PIQuIL Does
PIQuIL is a groundbreaking research centre, training hub and launch pad that is revolutionizing the theory-to-application pipeline at the intersection of AI and quantum systems. It is the only theoretical physics lab in Canada where physics researchers and quantum companies work shoulder to shoulder advancing the use of AI algorithms for research in quantum physics.
Graduate students and postdocs receive training alongside entrepreneurs and startups, and they pass their experience to a younger generation of physicists through an exceptional worldwide alumni network. PIQuIL uniquely combines the rigour of a traditional academic group tackling complex research problems with the hacker culture found in startups. By connecting researchers and students from academia with researchers from industry, PIQuIL participants openly share their insights and work collaboratively to tackle complex problems and creatively achieve novel outcomes. PIQuIL alumni have gone on to produce seminal research results, develop widely used open-source software, become industry leaders at the interface of AI and quantum physics, and launch their own startups.
“In my view, PIQuIL offers a unique blend of intellectual freedom, generosity, unwavering support, and a breeding ground for ideas and innovation. At PIQuIL, ideas are embraced and discussed in a judgement free environment. Laidback by design and because of its location at the Perimeter Institute, PIQuIL offers a unique and collaborative environment where one can explore ideas ranging from purely theoretical, to ideas with potential impact in the field of artificial intelligence and quantum technology. It’s a unique place with a high concentration of talent and a research style and culture unmatched by almost any institution in the world in its fields of focus.
For me personally, my time at PIQuIL gave me the space to grow scientifically and personally. It was the most transformative academic experience of my career. It was incredible to witness Roger’s vision come to life, as he created an enriching environment for bold research. His mentorship, characterized by academic rigor, creativity, and generosity, shaped the most impactful academic experience of my career.” – Juan Carrasquilla, Associate Professor, ETH Zurich
PIQuIL’s Impact
- Startups (1QBit, ForeQast, yiyaniQ, Haiqu, Xanadu, Nord Quantique, IonQ, QuEra)
- Large companies (Apple, AWS, IBM)
- Universities (LMU/Munich, Caltech, Chalmers, Sherbrooke, Stanford, UCSB)
- Institutions (Vector, TRIUMF, Flatiron)
The PIQuIL team are diverse, unconventional thought leaders with an entrepreneurial streak, having launched several Canadian startups and non-profits in the Waterloo region. PIQuIL alumni go on to become global leaders at the quantum-AI interface, helping cement Canada’s international reputation on the cutting edge of this groundbreaking multidisciplinary field.
“Being part of PIQuIL and doing research at the crossroads of quantum physics and AI during my PhD was a game-changer for my career. It pushed me to the cutting edge of two of the most exciting, disruptive fields today and connected me with some of the best scientists. The experience not only leveled up my research, but also gave me the kind of insight and hands-on expertise that's made me a serious player in both academia and industry. PIQuIL set me up for future success, with a toolkit that's shaping the future of tech.” – Anna Golubeva, Research Fellow at MIT & IAIFI
PIQuIL Partners
PIQuIL Start-ups
About PIQuIL’s Founder
PIQuIL founder Roger Melko is an associate faculty member at Perimeter Institute and a professor at the University of Waterloo. He was a first mover in the field of quantum intelligence, establishing PIQuIL in 2018. Melko is the academic lead of the Creative Destructions Labs’ Quantum stream, and he is an affiliate faculty member at the Vector Institute. He won the 2016 Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) Herzberg Medal for achievement by an early-career physicist and the 2021 CAP Division of Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Brockhouse Medal for significant experimental or theoretical contributions to condensed matter and materials physics.
About Perimeter Institute
Perimeter Institute is a leading centre for scientific research, training, and educational outreach in foundational theoretical physics. Located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, its mission is to advance our understanding of the universe at the most fundamental level, stimulating the breakthroughs that could transform our future. Perimeter also trains the next generation of physicists through innovative programs, and shares the excitement and wonder of science with students, teachers and the general public.
