NSERC Alliance Quantum grants call for proposals: Advancing the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Canada

Sponsor

NSERC

Program

Alliance Quantum Grants - Advancing the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Canada

For More Information

Program Guidelines

NSERC Alliance Quantum grants call for proposals: Advancing the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Canada

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resources

• UofG Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resource Document for Researchers
• Alliance Grants: Equity, diversity and inclusion in training plans
• NSERC guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in research

National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships Resources

• UofG Guide for Completing the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships’ Risk Assessment Form - NSERC Alliance
• NSERC Alliance Grants - National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships
• Safeguarding your Research Portal

Program Webinars

These webinars will cover the call for proposals’ objectives, scope and requirements, the two-step application procedures and timelines, and the evaluation process. Questions about this call for proposals can be submitted to the Alliance Quantum grants team, at least one week in advance of the webinars.

English webinars

• Webinar ME1: April 30, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (ET)
  Join webinar. Meeting number: 2774 470 0751; Password: 3pV2QGyiJu3
• Webinar ME2: May 12, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (ET)
  Join webinar. Meeting number: 2773 652 9431; Password: HAh3uBtMD43

French webinars

• Webinar MF1: May 5, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (ET)
  Join webinar. Meeting number: 2771 873 2362; Password: BDkZVJVH322
• Webinar MF2: May 7, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (ET)
  Join webinar. Meeting number: 2771 537 7168; Password: MZieuETj258

Description

Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada supported the launch and advancement of 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. In Budget 2025, through the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to further investment in strengthening the country’s quantum ecosystem. NSERC supports the implementation of the NQS and the development of quantum technologies, including for dual use (civilian and defence), that are pertinent to Canada’s needs through funding opportunities that advance domestic multisectoral partnerships, the development of talent and international collaborations in quantum research and innovation.

Alliance Quantum grants delivered through this call for proposals will reinforce, coordinate and scale up Canada’s domestic research capabilities in quantum science and technology through partnerships between university researchers and organizations from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. Supported projects will generate new knowledge and accelerate the use of research results to create benefits for Canada.

Proposals may address any challenges in quantum science, but the proposals’ thrust must aim to advance one or more of the NQS missions through the development of any of the following areas of quantum technologies, or a combination thereof:

• quantum algorithms/encryption, including post-quantum cryptography
• quantum communications
• quantum computing
• quantum materials
• quantum sensing

Proposals may also couple any of these quantum technology thrusts to other research topics in the natural sciences and engineering.

Proposals that do not address one or more of the NQS missions will not be considered. Applicants are encouraged to consult the mission roadmaps developed in close consultation with Canada’s quantum community and align the proposed research project with the agreed-upon actions to tackle the challenges, gaps and opportunities the roadmaps identified for each mission.

Eligibility

Research Team Eligibility

Canadian university researchers eligible to receive NSERC funds can apply on their own or as a team with co-applicants who are also eligible academic researchers.

Adjunct professors whose primary place of employment is in Canada while outside the university sector (e.g., government, industry or not-for-profit) may apply as co-applicants. College faculty can participate as co-applicants.

NSERC encourages the participation of early career researchers (ECRs) as applicants or co-applicants on Alliance Quantum grant applications. While applications led by ECRs are assessed using the same evaluation criteria, the merit indicators used for the assessment consider whether the expertise of the entire team (academic and partner organization participants) is appropriate for carrying out the planned research activities, as well as for managing the project and providing training.

Partner Eligibility

Partner organizations can be from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. 

Each partner organization must actively play a role in the project and support it through in-kind contributions. Such involvement must be achieved by doing at least one of the following:

• play an active role in the project’s research activities
• use the project’s research results to help achieve its desired outcomes
• play an active role in translating or mobilizing knowledge to ensure that the research results have an impact

Even though NSERC will cover 100% of the project’s eligible costs, applicants must have at least one partner organization whose cash contributions would be recognized for cost sharing, had there been any required. Consult the Partner organizations section of the Alliance Advantage web page for complete guidelines for partner organizations, including requirements related to the recognition of cash contributions for cost-sharing purposes with NSERC. The section also provides guidelines on conflict of interest for collaborations with partner organizations.

At least one of the partner organizations must have a demonstrated ability to exploit the project’s research results, while other partners may be chosen for their ability to generate and mobilize knowledge.

Partner organizations may include Canadian federal departments or organizations that perform R&D, as well as anticipated end users of the project’s targeted quantum technologies. Other funding organizations (e.g., other provincial or federal funding agencies) may participate as financial partners and provide support to the project in addition to NSERC.

Various in-kind contributions could be made toward the project, such as the time of the partner organization’s scientific, engineering or technical staff to provide direction and participate in the project; provision of equipment, materials or services; and provision of access to special equipment or data.

In-kind contributions are important for the success of the project. They are considered in the merit assessment of a proposal.

Maximum Project Value

Grant support ranges from $100,000 to $650,000 per year, for up to two years. NSERC provides support for 100% of the eligible costs of research

Indirect Costs

0%

Project Duration

Up to two (2) years

How to Apply

Applicant may apply for multiple grants as the principal applicant or as a co-applicant to support separate projects. The grants must cover distinct expenses; there must be no duplication of funding.

Step 1 – Letter of Intent (Due to NSERC July 27, 2026 at 8pm EST)

The LOI must:

• Provide an outline of the proposed research and the anticipated outcomes, and explain how the project will aim to advance one or more of the NQS missions through the development of any of the areas of quantum technologies listed in the Description section, or a combination thereof.
• List the partner organizations that intend to participate in the project (consult the Eligibility for partnership section for the requirements).
  No addition of partner organizations will be allowed at the full application stage.
• List the co-applicants who intend to participate in the project.
  Additional co-applicants may be added to the project at the full application stage.

In addition to the completed LOI template, applicants must provide:

• A completed personal data form with CCV attachment (NSERC Form 100A) for the applicant and all co-applicants (if any).
  The applicant’s and co-applicants’ NSERC Form 100A can be updated at the full application stage.

To submit an LOI:

• Log in to NSERC’s online system and choose 'Create a new Form 101'.
• Select 'Research Partnerships Programs', then 'Alliance Grants'.
• For the Proposal type field, select 'Letter of intent'.
• For the Type of call field, select 'Quantum - Technology development and adoption' from the drop-down menu.
• Complete the required sections, provide the NSERC Form 100A for the applicant and all co-applicants, and attach the completed Alliance Quantum grants LOI template (refer to the instructions for completing an Alliance Quantum grant application specific to this call for proposals).

NSERC will communicate with an applicant directly to acknowledge receipt of an LOI.

The LOI is a mandatory step in the application process. It allows NSERC to start its administrative assessment process (e.g., alignment of the projects with the NQS missions, eligibility of applicants and co-applicants and eligibility of partner organizations). If an LOI is not complete or does not satisfy NSERC’s requirements, it will not be accepted, in which a full application cannot be submitted.

Unless an applicant is informed that their LOI is not accepted by NSERC, applicants must then complete and submit an application by the full application deadline date. NSERC will not accept applications for which an LOI has not been first submitted.

Step 2 – Full Application (Due to NSERC October 5, 2026 by 8pm EST)

If the LOI is accepted by NSERC, it will be converted to a full Form 101 application and will be available in an applicant's portfolio in NSERC’s online system by August 19, 2026.

To submit a full application:

1. Log in to NSERC’s online system.
2. Select the appropriate Form 101 from the portfolio (Form: 101; Program: Alliance Grants; Application Title: Application title created at the LOI stage).
3. Following the instructions for completing an Alliance Quantum grant application specific to this call for proposals, applicants must complete the Alliance Quantum grants proposal template and the other sections of an application. 
   Important: Applicants must use the Alliance Quantum grants proposal template specific to this call for proposals.
4. If the application involves one or more partner organizations from the private sector, including when they participate alongside other partner organizations from the public or not-for-profit sectors, complete the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships’ Risk Assessment form.
5. In accordance with the Tri-agency guidance on the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy), since these application aims to advance one of the listed sensitive technology research areas, the applicant, any co-applicant(s) and  collaborator(s) must each complete the STRAC Attestation form.
6. Submit the completed application and supporting documents, including the personal data form with CCV attachment for the applicant and all co-applicants, through NSERC’s online system.
7. The partner organization’s contact person will provide the required organizational information by following the partner organization instructions.

Information For Co-applicants

If you need to meet a deadline set by the lead institution for this opportunity, please ensure that you provide the Office of Research with at least five days notice in advance of the lead institution’s deadline to review the application, or your proposed component of the project. Please be in touch with the Office of Research (contact information below) ahead of the deadline if it looks like it will be difficult for you to submit all the required documentation on time (i.e. budget, proposal, OR-5 Form).