In this talk we will study the emergence of strained graphene as a playground to obtain exotic quantum phases which novel electronic and optical properties. This strain can be obtained either by applying external forces or due to a mismatch with a sustrate, leading to a field known as straintronics: the modulation of graphene’s physical properties by mechanical stress. We will review the mains results as for example, how strain acts like a pseudo-magnetic field or how strain open gaps or leads to a mixed Dirac-Schroedinger behavior for charge carriers. A periodic strain, as the one that occurs in a sustrate, leads to a fractal spectrum akin to the Hofstadter butterfly. Also, graphene on top of graphene produces Moire patterns in which superconductivity is observed, and in fact, the quantum phase diagram is akin to the one observed in high Tc superconductors. Finally, we will review our research in the area of Kekulé and time-driven quantum topological phases, which are produced by intense light irradiation of graphene.