The Latvian Investment and Development Agency (LIAA) and the Economic Development Department of the City of Sherbrooke have signed a three-year cooperation agreement in the field of quantum technologies and other high-tech industries. The document provides for the development of connections between Latvian companies, research organizations, and one of Canada’s largest quantum ecosystems. The main goal is to accelerate the commercialization of developments, expand export opportunities, attract investments, and launch joint projects. The cooperation will cover quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, information and communication technologies, smart manufacturing, clean technologies, as well as dual-use solutions, defense, and security. Today, quantum technologies are considered one of the most promising areas of the global economy. They are used in the development of secure communication systems, high-performance computing, ultra-precise sensors, and modern data protection systems. For Latvia, this means the opportunity to participate more actively in international technology projects and to bring scientific developments to market more quickly. Sherbrooke, located in the Canadian province of Quebec, is one of the leading centers for the development of quantum technologies. It has an officially recognized quantum innovation zone, established by the Quebec government, which brings together universities, research centers, technology companies, startups, investors, and specialized laboratories. LIAA Director Ieva Jāgere emphasized that quantum technologies are gradually transitioning from scientific laboratories to industry. According to her, Latvia already has strong competencies in quantum algorithms, sensors, communications, and nanoelectronics, and cooperation with Sherbrooke will help scientists and enterprises enter the North American market. The agreement provides for the development of business contacts, the search for investors and partners, the implementation of joint research, pilot projects, and programs for testing new technologies. Cooperation between LIAA and Sherbrooke has been developing for over a year. During this time, representatives from the Canadian city have visited Latvia several times, participated in the TechChill and Deep Tech Atelier conferences, as well as in the dual-use products forum in Rēzekne. The next step will be to launch specific joint projects. According to the head of the LIAA representative office in Canada, Ilze Lāczgalve, the recent visit of the Latvian delegation to Sherbrooke will allow companies to establish direct contacts with potential partners, get acquainted with the research infrastructure, and assess opportunities for working in the Canadian market. At the end of September, the Latvian delegation also participated in the ALL IN artificial intelligence conference in Montreal. It included representatives from the Artificial Intelligence Center, research organizations, and several Latvian companies working in the AI field. LIAA believes that the agreement will serve as a foundation for long-term cooperation and will allow the transition from experience exchange to the joint creation of new technologies and high-tech companies.
