What Numana does

Numana is a Montreal-based non-profit macro-accelerator founded in 2007 that orchestrates technology ecosystems in Quebec by bringing together companies, governments, research institutions, startups, and citizens under a three-stage methodology: technology intelligence (veille stratégique), Think Tanks (laboratoires d'idées), and real-life experimentation laboratories (living labs and testbeds). Rather than developing or selling proprietary technology products, Numana operates as a neutral intermediary that convenes stakeholders, produces foresight studies, and runs collaborative programs to accelerate technology development and adoption across Quebec and internationally.

Its core product is Kirq, positioned as Canada's only quantum-safe testbed. Kirq provides an open, multi-hub experimental platform spanning Sherbrooke (DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone, launched October 2023), Montreal, and Quebec City (opened January 2026), integrating terrestrial, aerial, and satellite components. In February 2026, Numana and Nokia validated Blueprint 7, a quantum-safe network architecture, on Kirq with partners Crypto4A, evolutionQ, and NowQuantum. Beyond Kirq, Numana runs Think Tanks on Empathic Neighbourhoods (technology for urban well-being), Extended Realities, and Quantum Technologies; the LIV network connecting 15 Quebec ageing innovation laboratories; and the annual Humanitek conference, which convenes approximately 300 public decision-makers, researchers, and entrepreneurs around emerging technology themes.

As a non-profit, Numana does not operate a commercial revenue model. Its activities are funded through government grants, corporate partnership contributions, and tiered membership fees (Major Partner, Visionary Partner, Collaborator, Explorer Member), with disclosed funding including $2.5 million from Quebec's Minister of Economy and Innovation (June 2022), $3.6 million from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (October 2023), and over $10 million combined from the Quebec and Canadian governments (November 2023) for Kirq infrastructure. The organization maintains a lean core team (1-10 employees per firmographic data) and a broad partner ecosystem of over 60 organizations spanning Bell, Nokia, KPMG, Honeywell, Quantropi, Toshiba, Ciena, multiple Quebec universities, NATO's Trusted Quality Connectivity Industry Network, and the Open Compute Project Foundation.

Name

Numana

Legal name

Numana

Website

https://numana.tech

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Numana is a Montreal-based non-profit macro-accelerator that orchestrates Quebec technology ecosystems through Kirq (Canada's only quantum-safe testbed), Think Tanks on quantum, XR, and urban well-being, the LIV ageing network, and the Humanitek conference, serving startups, governments, researchers, and enterprises.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Technology Ecosystem Acceleration / Quantum Communication Testbed

NAICS

Other Computer Related Services (541519)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Infrastructure & Network Monitoring (NPM/NPMD) (HDABAJAA)

Keywords

• Technology ecosystem acceleration
• Quantum communication testbed
• Innovation living labs
• Technology foresight services
• Non-profit tech accelerator

Headquarters

HQ city

Montréal

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Funding: Numana operates as a non-profit funded primarily by government grants. Major funding includes $3.6 million from Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) for quantum communication infrastructure (2023), and over $10 million combined from the Governments of Quebec and Canada for the Kirq quantum testbed project (2023). Initial quantum network launch supported by $2.5M from Quebec's Minister of Economy and Innovation.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Numana is a non-profit macro-accelerator that operates Kirq, Canada's quantum-safe communication testbed, alongside the Humanitek annual event, the LIV aging-innovation network, and multiple cross-sector Think Tanks (Empathic Neighbourhoods, Quantum Technologies, Extended Reality, Preventive Health). It provides open, neutral, real-life experimentation environments and technology intelligence/foresight services to help companies, governments, and researchers develop, test, and adopt emerging technologies.

Product overview

Numana operates as a macro-accelerator for technology innovation in Quebec, functioning as a neutral ecosystem enabler rather than a traditional product company. The organization offers a portfolio of interconnected programs including Kirq (quantum communication testbed), Humanitek (annual technology conference), and multiple Think Tanks (Empathic Neighbourhoods, Quantum Technologies, Extended Realities). These offerings are supported by real-life experimentation laboratories and strategic technology intelligence services. Numana's approach combines technology monitoring, collaborative research, and practical testing environments to accelerate development and adoption of emerging technologies across industries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kirq: Canada's quantum-safe test bed - an open, neutral experimental platform for quantum communication technologies serving banks, hospitals, governments, and critical infrastructure operators.
• Humanitek
• Quartiers Empathiques
• Think Tanks

Products and services

• Kirq Quantum Communication Testbed Canada's only quantum-safe testbed, an open, neutral, multi-hub platform spanning Montreal, Quebec City, and Sherbrooke (DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone) with multi-node architecture integrating terrestrial, aerial, and satellite components. Enables startups, technology developers, academic institutions, research centres, and businesses to experiment with post-quantum cryptography, secure key generation, and quantum key distribution without disrupting existing digital infrastructure.
• Humanitek Annual Technology Event Annual flagship event series bringing together approximately 300 public decision-makers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to explore emerging technology trends and their societal impact through conferences, panel discussions, foresight workshops, and networking.
• Empathic Neighbourhoods (Quartiers Empathiques) Think Tank Cross-sectoral think tank of 13 members exploring how technology can be used to improve the well-being of urban residents beyond simple urban management. Produces studies and recommendations for integrating benevolent 'Tech for Good' technologies into urban planning projects in Quebec.
• LIV – Quebec's Network of Innovation Laboratories Dedicated to Aging Regroupement of 15 innovation laboratories on aging across Quebec that tests solutions in diverse environments, fosters cross-sector dialogue, and amplifies impact through international exposure. Numana co-leads the network, which has an international partnership with Copenhagen Health Tech Hub (announced June 2025).
• Quantum Technologies Think Tank Think tank focused on exploring opportunities and impacts of quantum technologies across different ecosystems, bringing together experts to analyze challenges, interoperability, and emerging business models related to quantum communication and quantum-safe networks.
• Extended Realities (XR) Think Tank Think tank exploring extended reality and immersive technologies, analyzing their potential impact across various sectors and the business models they enable.
• Think Tanks Program Innovation labs (laboratoires d'idées) exploring technology opportunities and anticipating technological change and its impact on society. The program encompasses multiple cross-sectoral think tanks including Empathic Neighbourhoods, Quantum Technologies, Extended Reality, and Preventive Health.
• Consortium québécois d'innovation pour la réduction de la maladie Quebec consortium for innovation in disease reduction, supporting preventive health technology research and adoption as part of Numana's preventive health and Conscientious Health projects.
• Héros Techno (Techno Heroes) Knowledge mobilization initiative focused on technology education and awareness for youth and communities, part of Numana's rayonnement and public engagement programming.
• Real-life Experimentation Laboratories Service Living labs and testbeds service that enables organizations to experiment with emerging technologies under real-life conditions in open environments, including Kirq for quantum communication and other domain-specific test environments. Designed to derisk R&D projects around costly technologies and accelerate product development and technology adoption.
• Strategic Technology Intelligence Service (Veille Technologique) Technology monitoring and foresight service that helps organizations anticipate technology trends, identify weak signals, and make informed decisions about emerging technologies and disruptive business models.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $10 million in government funding mobilized for quantum communication infrastructure
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

29 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• QuantropimajorTechnology or Integration · 27 February 2026Quantropi and Nokia launched an integrated quantum-safe key distribution solution combining Quantropi's Digital Quantum Key Distribution technology with Nokia's Security Management Server, deployed within Numana's Kirq quantum communication testbed. Defends against Harvest Now, Decrypt Later attacks.
• NokiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 February 2026Nokia and Numana validated Blueprint 7, a quantum-safe network architecture, at Canada's Kirq testbed. The collaboration demonstrated that post-quantum cryptography, secure key generation and quantum key distribution can be integrated into existing multi-vendor networks without full system replacement. Testing supports Canada's target of post-quantum cryptography migration by 2035.
• Crypto4AmajorTechnology or Integration · 24 February 2026Canadian technology partner participating in Blueprint 7 validation at the Kirq testbed, contributing quantum-safe encryption and key generation solutions for critical infrastructure protection.
• evolutionQmajorTechnology or Integration · 24 February 2026Canadian quantum security firm partner in Blueprint 7 interoperability testing at Kirq, focused on quantum-resilient infrastructure for critical infrastructure operators.
• NowQuantummajorTechnology or Integration · 24 February 2026Partner in Blueprint 7 quantum-safe network validation at Kirq testbed, contributing to the multi-vendor interoperability demonstration for quantum-resilient infrastructure.
• Copenhagen Health Tech HubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 June 2025International strategic partnership announced June 2025 with Copenhagen Health Tech Hub to co-create innovative and inclusive solutions for elderly well-being. As co-leader of the LIV network (15 ageing innovation laboratories in Quebec), Numana collaborates with the Danish partner to share best practices, co-construct pilot projects and expand preventive care models. Copenhagen Health Tech Hub supports 260+ digital health startups.
• DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone (Sherbrooke)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 November 2023DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone in Sherbrooke serves as the first hub for Numana's Kirq quantum communication testbed, launched in October 2023. The partnership integrates Sherbrooke's quantum ecosystem with Numana's open testbed infrastructure.
• Bell CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 June 2022Bell collaborated with Numana and the Quebec government to launch quantum telecommunications infrastructure starting in Sherbrooke. Bell made its powerful and robust fibre-optic network available to industry experts and researchers, providing the foundational infrastructure for the quantum communication testbed.
• ToshibamajorTechnology or IntegrationTechnology partner contributing to the Kirq quantum testbed ecosystem and quantum communication infrastructure development in Quebec.
• CienamajorTechnology or IntegrationOptical communications company partner in the Kirq quantum testbed ecosystem, participating in international quantum technology showcases alongside Numana (Optica Bristol, UK Quantum Technologies Showcase).
• HoneywellmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor technology corporation listed as a major partner of Numana, contributing to the ecosystem of technology innovation in Quebec.
• ID Quantique (IDQ)majorTechnology or IntegrationSwiss-based quantum-safe security company (with Quebec operations) partnering with Numana's Kirq quantum testbed, contributing quantum key distribution technology.
• Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor government partner of Numana, supporting metropolitan innovation ecosystem development and the Empathic Neighbourhoods project.
• CentechmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMontreal technology accelerator partner in Numana's ecosystem, supporting startup engagement with the Kirq testbed and other innovation initiatives.
• ExfomajorTechnology or IntegrationOptical testing and measurement company partner in Numana's ecosystem, contributing network testing capabilities to the quantum communication testbed.
• PINQ²coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPINQ² (Platform for Digital and Quantum Innovation) signed a partnership with Numana in June 2026 to establish conditions for success of a new generation of quantum applications integrating quantum computing and quantum communications for Canadian businesses.
• MITACSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit research organization partner in Numana's ecosystem supporting graduate research and innovation collaboration.
• Université de MontréalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor academic partner contributing to Empathic Neighbourhoods think tank (UNESCO Chair in Urban Landscape, Mila AI research), LIV ageing network (Ageteq lab), and quantum technology research through Kirq testbed.
• Université ConcordiamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Numana's ecosystem, with Professor Ursula Eicker leading the Canada Excellence Research Chair on Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Communities and Cities, contributing to Empathic Neighbourhoods research.
• Université de SherbrookemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting the DistriQ Quantum Innovation Zone and contributing to quantum communication research through the Kirq testbed.
• Université McGillminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Numana's ecosystem supporting quantum and technology innovation research.
• Polytechnique MontréalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEngineering school partner in Numana's ecosystem contributing to technology research and innovation.
• École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Digital with Purpose movement with CIRODD for green ICT research, contributing Professor Mohamed Cheriet's expertise in sustainable digital infrastructure.
• KPMGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional services firm partner in Numana's ecosystem supporting innovation and digital transformation advisory.
• OracleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology corporation partner in Numana's ecosystem.
• TELUSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTelecommunications partner in Numana's ecosystem.
• NATO TQC Industry NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNumana is officially a member of the NATO TQC (Trusted Quality Connectivity) Industry Network, participating in international quantum security discussions and standardization frameworks.
• Open Compute Project (OCP) FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal non-profit organization bringing hyperscale innovations to all. Numana and OCP established a quantum collaboration in June 2026, extending Kirq's open testbed principles into the global OCP ecosystem.
• INRS (Institut national de la recherche scientifique)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institution partner in Numana's ecosystem.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• TandemLaunch: TandemLaunch is a Montreal-based deep-tech venture accelerator/incubator turning university research into companies; it is comparable to Numana as a Quebec-rooted non-traditional technology accelerator that bridges academic research with commercialization and corporate demand.
• DistriQ (Quebec Quantum Innovation Zone): DistriQ operates the Sherbrooke quantum innovation zone that hosts Numana's first Kirq testbed hub; both organizations convene Quebec's quantum ecosystem with shared industry, academic and government stakeholders, and co-develop commercialization pathways for quantum startups in the province.
• Centech: Centech is a Montreal-based deep-tech accelerator that supports hardware and science-based startups; it is both a peer macro-accelerator in the same city as Numana and a documented partner in Numana's Kirq engagement program, operating a comparable but startup-focused ecosystem model.
• Chicago Quantum Exchange: Chicago Quantum Exchange is a multi-university, multi-corporate quantum testbed and ecosystem initiative; it directly parallels Numana's Kirq model of providing an open, neutral experimental platform for quantum communication and computing research across industry and academic partners.
• MaRS Discovery District: MaRS is Canada's largest urban innovation hub, convening corporates, governments, researchers and startups to accelerate technology adoption; like Numana it is a non-profit ecosystem orchestrator rather than a product company, providing a parallel model for cross-sector innovation programs and corporate partnerships.

Broad incumbents

• CGI Group: CGI is a large Canadian-headquartered IT consulting and systems integration firm that supports digital transformation and emerging technology programs for public and private clients, including quantum and cybersecurity initiatives; it represents the scaled, commercial analogue of Numana's technology acceleration mission.
• Quantinuum: Quantinuum is a large, well-capitalized quantum computing platform that runs an active partner network and customer access program; it overlaps Numana at the intersection of quantum ecosystem orchestration and customer-facing quantum infrastructure services.
• IBM Quantum Network: IBM Quantum Network offers cloud access to quantum hardware, software tools and a global partner ecosystem across academia and industry; it competes indirectly with Kirq by offering an alternative distributed testbed model for quantum networking and post-quantum cryptography experimentation.
• Toshiba (Toshiba Quantum): Toshiba's quantum communications business develops QKD systems and networks and is a documented technology partner in Numana's Kirq ecosystem; both organizations target the same critical-infrastructure customers migrating to quantum-safe networks.

Emerging players

• ID Quantique: ID Quantique is a Geneva-based quantum-safe communications vendor (QKD, quantum random number generation) and a documented technology partner integrated into Numana's Kirq testbed; it shares the quantum communications focus and serves overlapping critical infrastructure customers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/Numanatech
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/numana
• Xx.com/Numanatech

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Numana