NSERC CREATE in AI-Driven Quantum Sensing and Genomics for Precision Therapeutics
Training Canada’s next generation of interdisciplinary leaders at the convergence of quantum biosensing, computational genomics, and artificial intelligence — from sensor to clinic.
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A consortium of 6 universities · 11 co-applicants · 93 trainees
The NSERC CREATE in AI-Driven Quantum Sensing and Genomics for Precision Therapeutics (QuantOmics) is Canada’s first integrated training pipeline bridging quantum nanotechnology, genomic data science, and AI-driven medicine.
A consortium of six research-intensive universities — Toronto Metropolitan University, McGill, Queen’s, Université Laval, University of Saskatchewan, and University of Toronto — together with a cross-sectoral network of industry and clinical partners, will train 93 highly qualified personnel over six years to be fluent across all three domains.
Our driving philosophy: a QuantOmics graduate can speak the language of hardware engineers, molecular biologists, and AI developers simultaneously — making them invaluable as integrators and leaders in Canada’s emerging quantum-biomedical economy.
An integrated pipeline — from molecule to medicine
Engineering next-generation quantum biosensors using NV-center diamond probes, quantum-dot nanoparticles, spin-based magnetometry, and CMOS/MEMS integration. Trainees build ultra-sensitive devices capable of detecting biomarkers at the attomolar level.
Converting raw quantum sensor data into high-fidelity multi-omic datasets. Trainees build computational pipelines fusing nanopore sequencing, methylation maps, EHR features, and multi-omic data using reproducible workflow tools.
Building predictive AI models to guide rational design of next-generation personalized therapeutics and vaccines. Projects span generative AI for drug design, neoantigen prediction, and multimodal fusion for cancer diagnostics.
Going far beyond a traditional graduate degree
QuantOmics equips trainees with technical depth and professional breadth through a suite of purpose-built learning experiences:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| 🔬 5 Specialized Courses | From quantum nanotechnology to responsible AI, building a shared cross-disciplinary vocabulary |
| 🧪 Multimodal-Omics Bootcamp | 3-week intensive: building full sensor-to-insight analysis pipelines |
| 🤝 Mentorship Trio | Every graduate trainee paired with a primary supervisor, cross-stream co-supervisor, and industry advisor |
| 🏭 Industry & Lab Internships | Mandatory mobility placements (6–8 weeks) at partner labs or companies |
| 🏆 Annual Vaccine Design Challenge | Interdisciplinary team hackathon solving real vaccine design problems |
| 🎓 Symposiums & Job Fairs | Triennial national symposium with concurrent job fair and recruiter networking |
QuantOmics brings together world-class researchers from six Canadian universities:
Toronto Metropolitan University · McGill University · Queen’s University · Université Laval · University of Saskatchewan · University of Toronto
Supported by a cross-sectoral network of industry and clinical partners including C2MI, Epiloid Biotech, Terry Fox Research Institute, Ontario Genomics, Klick Health, Alimentiv, Novavax, and others.
Have questions about the program, applications, or partnership opportunities? We’d love to hear from you.