Montréal, February 26, 2026 — Mila is proud to announce a partnership with DistriQ, Sherbrooke's Quantum Innovation Zone, marking a major turning point for innovation in Québec. This agreement formalizes the collaboration between two of the province's most important technology ecosystems, uniting Montréal's world-class artificial intelligence community with Sherbrooke's internationally recognized quantum technology and science hub. Québec occupies a unique position as a leader in both these fields, and this partnership represents a strategic commitment to place the province at the forefront of the global race for innovation.
The partnership will yield concrete benefits for both researchers and industry partners. The highly qualified members of Mila's scientific community will work directly alongside the quantum experts who make up DistriQ's community, through regular exchanges and joint industrial research initiatives designed to break down silos between disciplines. For industry, this collaboration bridges the gap between theoretical breakthroughs and practical applications in sectors such as drug discovery, aerospace, energy, finance, and cybersecurity. DistriQ's partners will also benefit from privileged access to Mila's world-class talent ecosystem.
"Together, Mila and DistriQ are not simply watching the future take shape; we are building it today. By investing simultaneously in these two transformational technologies, we are ensuring that Québec remains a hub of discovery for decades to come," said Stéphane Létourneau, Executive Vice-President of Mila. "It is with great pleasure that we make DistriQ the first innovation zone with which we are entering into this type of agreement."
"What we are signing today goes well beyond the scope of a simple agreement," added Michel Pioro-Ladrière, Chief Executive Officer of DistriQ. "This is the alignment of two technological revolutions in service of a shared future. With this partnership, we are not merely placing areas of expertise side by side, but creating a true convergence at the intersection of artificial intelligence and quantum technology, where major advances emerge and where cutting-edge science meets strategic industry."
About Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute
Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio, Mila – Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute is the world’s largest academic AI research center specialized in deep learning, home to a community over 1500 members strong. Based in Montreal, Mila was created out of a unique partnership between Université de Montréal and McGill University, dedicated to advancing scientific breakthroughs that drive innovation and ensure AI benefits everyone. A non-profit organization, Mila is strongly supported by the Government of Canada through the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy and by the Government of Quebec. Internationally recognized for its influential research, global innovation partnerships, and leadership in multilateral efforts on responsible AI, Mila continues to shape the future of AI worldwide. For more information, visit mila.quebec.
About DistriQ
DistriQ, Quantum Innovation Zone based in Sherbrooke and designated by the Government of Quebec in 2022, is building Quebec’s quantum community by bringing together researchers, startups, and international companies, while contributing to the creation of an attractive and sustainable innovation environment. DistriQ has developed and brought to life Espace Quantique 1 (EQ1), a 50,000-square-foot facility combining offices, coworking spaces, and a shared laboratory (DevTeQ). This space hosts 21 companies and organizations, with more than 160 employees. In this unique environment, startups, researchers, and industry teams work side by side, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the emergence of breakthrough innovations.
