Mike Lazaridis, is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Quantum Valley Investments (QVI) in Waterloo, Ontario. QVI provides financial and intellectual capital to help transform quantum physics and quantum computing breakthroughs into commercially viable products and technologies. It is Mike’s latest venture in more than a decade’s work aimed at creating a ‘Quantum Valley’ in Waterloo by bringing the world’s best minds in physics, engineering, mathematics, computer and material sciences together to collaborate on cutting-edge quantum research.
In 1984, Mike co-founded Research In Motion (now BlackBerry) where he invented the BlackBerry device, created the smartphone industry, and built Canada’s largest global tech business. He is recognised for his exceptional vision and innovation in the field of wireless communication.
Mike is the Founder and Board Chair of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics and the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo, both of which are transforming physics research and education in Canada and beyond. Amongst his many awards, Mike was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest honours.
Subject groups
- Astronomy and physics
Quantum theory
- Engineering
Computer engineering (including software), Materials science (incl materials engineering), Engineering, semiconductors
