The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) named Toronto’s Xanadu, Vancouver’s Photonic and Sherbrooke, Que.-based Nord Quantique among the 18 firms that will start its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative. (The Logic)

Talking point: Current quantum computers perform well on some esoteric math problems, but they’re enormously expensive and their real-world applications are limited. The DARPA program requires participating firms to prove they can really build a useful machine, before 2033. They first have to file a design for their quantum computer; then set out an R&D plan to get there; then test it with the agency. Companies that make it all the way through could get up to US$300 million each in DARPA funding. Given the agency’s credibility, succeeding in the program could also help Nord Quantique, Photonic and Xanadu win U.S. government contracts, as well as other potential customers and investors.