French Firm Quobly Taps Quebec to Build a Quantum Future

SHERBROOKE, QC – January 30, 2026 – French quantum computing pioneer Quobly has officially planted its flag in North America, announcing the opening of a new subsidiary in Sherbrooke, Quebec. The move, unveiled at an event in Montreal attended by key figures from Canada's technology sector, marks a significant strategic expansion for the Grenoble-based company and serves as a powerful endorsement of Quebec's burgeoning status as a global quantum technology hub.

Quobly, known for its innovative approach to building quantum processors on silicon, aims to leverage the unique concentration of expertise and infrastructure in the region to accelerate its ambitious roadmap. This expansion is not merely about establishing a new office; it represents a deep integration into a thriving ecosystem, with plans to build a local team and forge collaborations that could shape the future of computing.

Quebec's Quantum Magnet

Quobly’s choice of Sherbrooke is a calculated move, homing in on an area that has meticulously cultivated a world-class quantum ecosystem over the past decade. The decision validates a long-term strategy by provincial and federal governments to transform this corner of Quebec into a nexus for quantum research and industrialization.

At the heart of this ecosystem is DistriQ, Sherbrooke’s quantum innovation zone. Officially designated in 2022 and backed by a combined investment of over $435 million, DistriQ is designed to be a catalyst, bringing together academic research, industrial partners, and startups. "Quobly's arrival in Sherbrooke confirms the international attractiveness of Quebec's quantum ecosystem," said Michel Pioro-Ladrière, CEO of DistriQ, in a statement. "It strengthens our positioning in industrial quantum technologies and advanced semiconductors."

This structured environment provides companies like Quobly with direct access to foundational institutions. The firm will collaborate closely with the Université de Sherbrooke and its renowned Institut Quantique (IQ), a research powerhouse of over 300 scientists. Furthermore, it will leverage the advanced manufacturing and packaging capabilities of C2MI (Centre de collaboration MiQro Innovation), which is on a path to become the world's first open foundry for quantum superconducting chips, providing a critical link between lab-scale prototypes and industrial production.

This strategic investment by Quobly is precisely the outcome that government initiatives were designed to attract. "Quobly's establishment in Quebec highlights the attractiveness of the ecosystem and our collective ability to support international companies as they transition from fundamental research to the industrialization of quantum technologies," noted Hubert Bolduc, President of Investissement Quebec International. The move signals that Quebec’s significant investment in quantum science is now paying dividends in attracting top-tier international players.

The Silicon Path to Scalable Quantum Computing

While the location is strategic, the technology at the core of Quobly's mission is what sets its path. The company is a leader in developing quantum processors using silicon spin qubits. This approach diverges from some of the more common methods, like superconducting qubits, by aiming to harness the power of the global semiconductor industry.

Quobly’s technology, based on Fully Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator (FD-SOI) platforms, is designed to be manufactured using the same proven processes that create the classical computer chips in smartphones and data centers. This provides a potential solution to one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing: scalability. By partnering with semiconductor giant STMicroelectronics, Quobly has secured a direct route to mass production, a significant advantage over competitors who must build bespoke manufacturing facilities.

This industrial approach is central to the company’s aggressive 2032 roadmap, which aims to deliver a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer. While most experts agree that achieving true fault tolerance—where errors in quantum calculations are actively corrected—is an immense challenge, Quobly’s strategy is to tackle the manufacturing hurdles early on. "Sherbrooke offers an exceptional scientific and technological environment, perfectly aligned with our approach to silicon-based quantum computing," stated Maud Vinet, Quobly's co-founder and CEO. "This expansion allows us to strengthen our integration capabilities and accelerate the execution of our industrial roadmap in close collaboration with world-class partners."

The Global Hunt for Quantum Talent

The race to build a quantum computer is as much about human capital as it is about hardware. Quobly's plan to recruit around ten engineers and researchers in Sherbrooke over the next two to three years is the first step in building its North American R&D presence. While the initial number is modest, these are high-value roles at the forefront of a deep-tech revolution.

The decision to locate in Sherbrooke is inextricably linked to the talent pipeline cultivated by the Université de Sherbrooke and the Institut Quantique. The university has established robust co-op programs and educational tracks specifically for quantum science and engineering, creating a pool of highly skilled graduates. The "Integrated Innovation Chain" formed by IQ, 3IT, and C2MI already trains over 100 students each year in microelectronics and quantum technologies, directly addressing the industry's skills shortage.

By embedding itself within this academic hub, Quobly not only gains access to new graduates but also contributes to the ecosystem's vibrancy. The presence of leading industrial players provides students and researchers with tangible career paths, helping to retain top talent in the region and attract more from around the world. This symbiotic relationship is crucial for sustaining long-term growth and innovation, creating a feedback loop where industry and academia fuel each other's success.

The arrival of Quobly is more than just a corporate expansion; it is a milestone in the global quantum race. It represents the convergence of ambitious technology, strategic investment, and a carefully nurtured ecosystem. As the company begins to integrate into the Sherbrooke community, its progress will be watched closely as a barometer for both the future of silicon-based quantum computing and the success of Quebec’s bold bet on the quantum future.