Microsoft
Strategic collaboration to deliver quantum networking over long distances and provide access to Photonic's platform via Microsoft Azure Quantum Elements (2023).
Photonic Inc.
QuantumSemiconductors & PhotonicsVancouver, BC
Develops distributed quantum computing and networking systems based on photonically linked silicon spin qubits that emit at telecom wavelengths, letting modules connect over standard optical fiber.
Canadian innovation builds a brighter tomorrow.
About
Source: photonic.comPhotonic states that it “grew out of an ambitious vision—to engineer a scalable solution for quantum computing from the ground up”, after Dr. Stephanie Simmons and Dr. Michael Thewalt “were convinced that a fundamentally different approach would be required to support transformative quantum applications at scale”. It records that “Commercialization efforts began in 2021, moving quickly from concept to system manufacturing”, and that its “Entanglement First™ architecture guides the development of our quantum computing platform”, in which “Every component is designed to scale up and scale out, enabling high-performance quantum computing with cost-efficient manufacturability and a compact footprint.” The company says it is “Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada” and spans North America, the UK and Europe with “more than 160 experts and seasoned executives”.
Closed an investment round totalling over US$200M (C$275M) at a US$2B post-money valuation, with Planet First Partners leading the first close alongside RBC, TELUS, BCI and Microsoft (May 2026). photonic.com
With TELUS, demonstrated quantum teleportation into a matter-based quantum processor across 30 km of installed commercial PureFibre network (February 2026). photonic.com
Demonstrated distributed entanglement between modules — a teleported CNOT gate between silicon-spin qubits in different cryostats linked by telecom fibre (May 2024). photonic.com
Raised US$100M in November 2023 from BCI, Microsoft, the UK's National Security Strategic Investment Fund, Inovia and Amadeus, alongside a strategic quantum-networking collaboration with Microsoft. photonic.com
The Canada Investment Summit pitchbook, per BetaKit, lists Project Vanguard — billed as Canada's first quantum semiconductor manufacturing facility — as seeking $500 million CAD in financing. betakit.com
Funding & Investors
Announced rounds only, newest first. Undisclosed amounts are shown as undisclosed.
Investment round (final close, total round)
May 12, 2026
C$275.0Mphotonic.comInvestors: Planet First Partners, Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Bell Ventures, Firgun Ventures, InBC Investment Corp., Mubadala Capital, Royal Bank of Canada, TELUS, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, Microsoft
Investment round (first close of C$180M)
Jan 6, 2026
Undisclosedphotonic.comInvestors: Planet First Partners, Royal Bank of Canada, TELUS, British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, Microsoft
Investment round
Nov 8, 2023
US$100.0Mphotonic.comInvestors: British Columbia Investment Management Corporation, Microsoft, UK National Security Strategic Investment Fund, Inovia Capital, Amadeus Capital Partners
Total disclosed: US$100.0M + C$275.0MLatest: Investment round (final close, total round) · May 12, 2026
Partnerships
Publicly announced partnerships.
TELUS
Expanded collaboration: quantum teleportation demonstrated over 30 km of TELUS PureFibre commercial network; joint work toward quantum data centres (2026).
Government & Grants
Government support actually received. Unpublished amounts are left out.
Canadian Quantum Champions Program (ISED) — Phase 1, up to $23M in funding
2025photonic.com
Recent News
- May 12, 2026Funding
Photonic secures $2-billion USD valuation after final close of $200-million financing
Photonic completed a US$200M equity round at a US$2B post-money valuation, backed by Canadian government agencies, telecoms and international investors.
- Feb 13, 2026Research
Photonic claims “world-first” quantum teleportation across Telus fibre network
Photonic said it transmitted quantum information across 30 kilometres of Telus commercial fibre, deepening the two companies' quantum-safe networking partnership.
- Jan 6, 2026Funding
Photonic says it's ready to commercialize quantum with $180-million fundraise
Photonic secured C$180M in the first close of a round to scale its networked quantum technology and begin serving enterprise customers.
- Dec 17, 2025Government
Startup Xanadu Among Four Quantum Computing Companies to Receive Federal Support
Xanadu, Anyon Systems, Photonic and Nord Quantique were selected for federal funding under the Canadian Quantum Champions Program.
- Nov 6, 2025Government
Nord Quantique, Xanadu, Photonic advance to next phase of DARPA quantum race
Three Canadian quantum companies advanced to Stage B of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative.
People
Sourced from the company's own pages or announcements.
Don Mattrick
Chief Executive Officer & Vice Chair
Stephanie Simmons
Co-founder & Chief Quantum Officer
Michael Thewalt
Co-founder
Paul Terry
Chief Product Officer (CEO until March 2026)
Technology Focus
Company site: photonic.comTerms the company uses about its own work.
Silicon spin qubitsQuantum photonicsQuantum networkingTelecom-wavelength photon emissionFault-tolerant quantum computing
Similar Companies
Other companies in Quantum.
