Deadline: 08-January-2026
The Government of Canada has launched the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) to amplify Canada’s significant strengths in quantum research; grow its quantum-ready technologies, companies and talent and solidify Canada’s global leadership in this area.
The focus areas of the program include quantum algorithms/encryption, including post-quantum cryptography, quantum communications, quantum computing, quantum materials, and quantum sensing.
As the holder of the 2025 G7 Presidency, Canada has pledged to lead a new era of collaboration with G7 partners. To support these commitments, the Government of Canada announced investments to strengthen economies and international systems, including the establishment of a quantum research fund to accelerate the development and use of quantum technologies.
The G7 Countries Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants provide up to $25,000 for one year to support Canadian academic researchers in initiating and developing research collaborations with international researchers from academic institutions in G7 member countries.
Approximately 25 to 40 grants are expected to be awarded under this initiative. Applications that include collaborators outside of G7 member countries are not accepted, as a separate funding opportunity exists for collaborations with researchers from non-G7 countries.
Eligible expenses include salary support for research trainees and technicians, materials and supplies, activities supporting collaboration and knowledge mobilization, and costs for equipment essential to achieving the project’s objectives.
For projects involving multiple collaborators or institutions, project management costs of up to 10% of total direct research costs may also be included.
Proposals under this program may address any challenge in quantum science, provided they advance one or more of the NQS missions through research in the specified areas of quantum technologies.
Applicants are encouraged to align their research with the roadmaps developed in consultation with Canada’s quantum community, ensuring that proposed projects contribute to Canada’s continued success in quantum technologies.
Eligibility requirements stipulate that applicants must hold or have a confirmed appointment at an eligible Canadian institution. Those whose primary affiliation is outside Canada must be affiliated full-time with a Canadian institution for the duration of the grant.
Adjunct professors with primary affiliations outside of Canada are not eligible, while those affiliated with eligible Canadian institutions may access funds according to the Tri-Agency Guide on Financial Administration.
Applicants must also engage in independent research and have permission to supervise or co-supervise students or postdoctoral fellows. Their salary cannot be paid through NSERC, SSHRC, or CIHR grant funds, except under specific institutional programs. Graduate students must complete all degree requirements and hold a research appointment before grant funds can be released.
Applications are evaluated based on five equally weighted criteria: relevance and expected outcomes, collaboration, training, equity, diversity and inclusion, and need for funds. Each proposal must address all criteria to be considered for funding.
Applications may be submitted until January 8, 2026, at 8:00 pm (ET), and each applicant or co-applicant may submit only one proposal under this funding opportunity.
For more information, visit NSERC.
