Follow us:
On the path to getting new technologies to market, the real challenge sometimes lies beyond the lab: finding the right client and seizing the right opportunity is critical for commercializing innovation. t0.technology inc. quickly learned this lesson. Their journey through the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program not only facilitated crucial introductions to the right clients, but also helped uncover unforeseen applications for their sensor technology.
An unexpected shift in quantum focus
Initially focused on providing quantum computing solutions, t0.technology's entry into the ISC program redirected their path in an unexpected but fruitful direction. During their technical demonstration to government organizations, it was their work with Kinetic Inductance Detectors (KIDs), highly sensitive devices traditionally used in astrophysics to observe cosmic phenomena, that sparked interest from the Department of National Defence (DND). The department saw potential applications of KIDs in national security and space situational awareness, an area the company hadn't previously considered.
"We had two government agencies that pricked their ears up and said, 'Let's talk about the sensors.' They were able to identify a use case and opportunity that we were not aware of, and we would never have gotten in front of them without that."
Joshua explains that while these superconducting sensors are becoming easier to produce, the challenge lies in operating a large array of sensors and effectively processing the resulting signals. "The key here is how many can we operate at the same time? Think about the pixels in your phone camera. There are millions of tiny sensors. We're not quite at the million-pixel scale yet with these superconducting sensors, but t0.technology is innovating towards that, and we have now crossed the threshold where they can provide tangible value."
Faced with a new challenge and an opportunity to pivot, t0.technology embraced the task of adapting their technology for broader applications. Joshua reflected on this serendipitous shift: "We had a clue about who would be interested in this technology, but we had a hard time knowing how to get in front of them, and the ISC contract was instrumental to us."
Developing an off-the-shelf sensor system
The company developed a state-of-the-art hardware solution, comprising electronic modules and a backplane assembly capable of operating a large array of KIDs independently or collectively. Supported by ISC funding of $1,327,848, this system manages more than 50,000 superconducting sensors simultaneously—a scale that represents a cutting-edge advancement in scientific instrumentation and the first commercially available implementation.
This scalable system marks a major step forward in the development and application of KIDs, including detailed tracking of satellites and space debris. "We have this thesis that if you can buy an off-the-shelf device that allows you to image in the terahertz or millimetre wave spectrum at these sensitivities, there will be an enormous number of uses," Joshua said, mentioning medical imaging as one of those potential applications. "There's an incredible amount of information about our natural surroundings hidden in these wavelengths. If we make it accessible, it's useful."
Partnerships that fueled innovation
Reflecting on ISC's impact, Joshua emphasized the program's critical role in supporting Canada's emerging quantum industry. "The ISC program has been an invaluable avenue to accelerate the development, testing, and validation of our technology," he noted. "As a procurement avenue, it provides us with direct market access and operational credibility that grants simply cannot offer. This direct engagement not only fuels our growth but also solidifies our standing in the industry, which is essential for attracting further investment and scaling our operations."
This support influenced the company's decision to remain Canadian and independent. "The timing of this contract made a big difference for our business in staying Canadian. Because we're a quantum company, we were being pushed towards the venture capital path. When we received the statement of work for the ISC contract, we understood that there was a market ready for us here. We saw a path to continue to bootstrap and to stay entirely Canadian."
The partnership with DND through ISC was described as "fantastic." The collaboration included key vector check meetings that aligned t0.technology's innovation with the department's operational needs. This ensured that the technology not only met high standards required for national defence but also evolved to meet specific requirements.
A launchpad for growth and quantum impact
As t0.technology inc. looks to the future, their journey demonstrates the value of strategic government partnerships in fostering innovation and enterprise growth.
For other innovators considering the program, Joshua offers advice based on their experience. He stresses the importance of being open to unexpected directions and opportunities during the application process: "We submitted a proposal for something that was completely different from what was ultimately selected. There's a lot of value in showcasing your innovation and being open to the dialogue that happens during the matching process. It's a unique aspect of ISC that can lead to surprising and beneficial outcomes."
Through initiatives like ISC, Canada not only drives its own technological advancement but also helps Canadian companies like t0.technology remain competitive and innovative leaders on the world stage. The company has since re-applied to the ISC program and continues to work on quantum-related projects, contributing to Canada's momentum in quantum sensing technology.