Deadline: 23-Nov-22
Innovative Solutions Canada is seeking innovations that can advance Quantum Computing to provide new capabilities to help fight climate change.
Quantum technologies are at the cutting edge of science and innovation, both in Canada and worldwide. As an enabling platform, quantum is leading to a new suite of technologies. These technologies have the potential to help the Government of Canada (GoC) in its efforts to fight climate change. They are seeking innovations that can help lead the way to net-zero carbon and climate-resiliency, while also reducing environmental impacts beyond carbon, including on waste, water and biodiversity.
While quantum computing is still in its infancy as a field and awaiting readiness for practical applications, quantum hardware companies are currently working to scale-up their quantum computers to a level that can potentially provide commercially-relevant performance advantages over current classical approaches. ISC is soliciting proposals calling for a variety of quantum computing hardware and software solutions that can potentially provide new capabilities to tackle climate change.
Funding Information
Phase 1:
- The maximum funding available for any Phase 1 Grant resulting from this challenge is : $150,000 CAD
- The maximum duration for any Phase 1 project funded by a grant resulting from this challenge is up to 6 months
Phase 2:
- The maximum funding available for any Phase 2 Grant resulting from this challenge is : $1,000,000 CAD
- The maximum duration for any Phase 2 project funded by a grant resulting from this challenge is up to 24 months
- Note: Only eligible businesses that have completed Phase 1 could be considered for Phase 2.
Desired Outcomes and Considerations
- Essential (mandatory) outcomes
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The proposed solution must:
- Demonstrate the potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions;
- Demonstrate the potential for reductions in water consumption and/or the reduction of water, soil or air contamination;
- Demonstrate the potential for eventual application in any one or all of the following fields: carbon capture, renewable energy, chemicals, transport and mobility, carbon capture, new fuels, batteries, fertilizers, catalysts and more.
- Comprise one of the following element of quantum computing : quantum computing hardware, software, or supporting equipment
- Hardware solutions including but not limited to qubit and processor technology;
- Quantum firmware;
- Hardware-aware quantum compilers / transpilers;
- Multi-quantum computing hardware platforms;
- Logical-level compilation and circuit optimization technologies.
- Software solutions including but not limited to quantum algorithms and quantum error correction techniques and operating systems
- Quantum Resource Estimation (QRE) solutions to assess the size and type of a quantum computer that would be needed with specified performance criteria (run-time). QRE solutions must be configurable to accommodate a range of quantum computing architectures and other assumptions to optimize quantum stacks;
- Solutions that account for part or the entire quantum computing stack;
Additional Outcomes
- Demonstrate the potential to have a positive impact on direct Carbon Capture technologies;
- Demonstrate the potential to enable new recycling technologies
- Demonstrate the potential in playing a role in sustainable textile innovations
- Demonstrate the potential to Support the removal of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants
- Demonstrate the potential to support the recycling of Air handling unit filters
- Demonstrate the potential to reduce carbon emissions from heating, energy generation, and propulsions systems
- Demonstrate the potential to increase the effectiveness of plastic cleaning at the point of collection prior to recycling
- Demonstrate the potential optimize supply chains and waste management
- Demonstrate the potential to track and manage GHG
- Demonstrate the potential of removal of microplastics/microfibers from the wastewater streams before its release in the environment;
- Demonstrate the potential to help reduce Lab waste;
- Demonstrate the potential to help find alternatives solutions for hard-to-recycle plastics
Eligibility Criteria
Solution proposals can only be submitted by a small business that meets all of the following criteria:
- For profit
- Incorporated in Canada (federally or provincially)
- 499 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees Footnote
- Research and development activities that take place in Canada
- 50% or more of its annual wages, salaries and fees are currently paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in CanadaFootnote
- 50% or more of its FTE employees have Canada as their ordinary place of workFootnote
- 50% or more of its senior executives (Vice President and above) have Canada as their principal residenceFootnote.
For more information, visit Innovative Solutions Canada.
For more information, visit https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/innovative-solutions-canada/en/quantum-computing-climate
