The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that RBC and Telus have joined a growing list of Canadian blue-chip institutions backing the country's emerging quantum computing sector. The Globe's Sean Silcoff writes that the pair have invested in a $130-million equity financing by Vancouver quantum computer developer Photonic Inc., bolstering its standing as one of the most promising players in the field (all figures U.S.). The deal, led by British climate technology financier Planet First Partners, values the start-up at "multiple billions" of dollars, Photonic chief executive officer Paul Terry told The Globe. Photonic could raise up to another $70-million, as the round has not yet closed. Past backers Microsoft and pension giant B.C. Investment Management Corp. also participated in the financing. Microsoft is not just an investor, but a key partner: It plans to install Photonic technology within its Azure cloud-computing facilities and provide access to its quantum power to customers over the Internet. Other investors in Photonic, which has raised $271-million to date, include the British government's National Security Strategic Investment Fund and Canadian financiers Inovia Capital and Yaletown Partners.