Software for the Quantum Internet

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The Quantum Internet (QI) is a future network that connects quantum-enabled devices and that runs alongside the conventional internet. Much like the conventional internet, the advancement of the QI relies on progress both in hardware (devices) and software (applications). This proposal makes advances in the development of Software for the Quantum Internet (SQI), while also aiming to bridge the gap between hardware and software. The long-term vision is to create innovative and disruptive software technologies for the QI that will benefit Canadians. Anticipated contributions range from the most fundamental understanding, all the way to demonstrations. The long-term vision is supported by three pillars: Foundations, Applications and Technology Readiness. That is, we build solid, abstract tools and techniques to expand our understanding of SQI (Foundations), enable new and meaningful uses for SQI (Applications), and bring these advances to the level that they can be implemented (Technology Readiness). Finally, we incorporate the needs of Canadians by connecting to industry, government, and policy makers. Due to unique quantum phenomena, the landscape for the QI is very different than for the conventional internet. This is especially true for aspects related to cryptography, e.g., for secure communications and computations, which are the focus of this proposal. Indeed, one of the most puzzling and powerful properties of quantum information is the no-cloning principle, according to which it is not possible to copy an unknown quantum state. This principle is a complete departure from the classical realm, and it leads to amazing feats of SQI, including quantum money and quantum key distribution. Here, the long-term vision includes further work on these founding technologies, but also completely new paradigms, including uncloneable encryption, uncloneable programs and uncloneable proofs. This work is led by the University of Ottawa research chair in Quantum Information and Cryptography, who is the recipient of numerous national, provincial, and institutional awards, and known internationally as a leader in the field. The Principal Investigator has both a strong track record of high-quality HQP supervision, as well as demonstrated commitment to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive research environment.