Quantum science is the study, manipulation and control of systems at the atomic and subatomic level. Quantum technologies are at the leading edge of science and innovation, both in Canada and worldwide. They will support the growth and transformation of key sectors, enable new economic opportunities and help advance a range of benefits for society. Canada is a leader in quantum research, and Canadian scientists are well positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.

Following up on Budget 2021, the Government of Canada 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 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supports the implementation of the NQS through funding opportunities that build on NSERC’s sustained investments in quantum research. The NQS and the results of the associated consultations held by the Government of Canada informed these funding opportunities.

Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants provide support for researchers in Canada to establish and grow international research collaborations that will strengthen research excellence in Canada and abroad, and further develop Canadian research strengths and leadership in quantum science and technology. 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 the academic sector in the areas of quantum science and quantum technologies. It is expected that up to 40 grants will be awarded. Important: For this call, applications including collaborators from G7 member countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom or the United States) are not accepted. A separate funding opportunity has been established to support collaborations exclusively with academic researchers from these countries. Please refer to the G7 Countries Alliance International Catalyst Quantum funding opportunity for more information.

Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, but their thrust must aim to advance one or more of the NQS missions by advancing research in 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 synergistically 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 roadmaps developed in close consultation with Canada’s quantum community. These roadmaps outline challenges, gaps and opportunities related to each mission. By aligning proposed research projects with the identified steps needed to achieve Canada’s quantum missions, researchers can ensure their work contributes to Canada’s continued success in quantum technologies.

Additional information and guidelines governing Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants are provided on the Alliance International grants web pages. Potential applicants should review this material for details pertaining to the eligibility criteria for applicants, eligible expenses, the merit evaluation criteria, award conditions and instructions for preparing your application.

All expenditures are subject to the principles and directives governing the appropriate use of grant funds outlined in the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration. You must only include NSERC-eligible direct costs of research in the budget submitted to NSERC. Your international academic collaborator(s) is (are) expected to bring their own resources to the collaboration. Costs incurred by your international academic collaborator(s) are not eligible, and you do not need to include these in your budget submission to NSERC.

Award decisions will be subject to the availability of funds and may include a random selection process.

You can apply at any time up until January 8, 2026, at 8:00 pm (ET). You and any Canadian co-applicants must hold, as a primary applicant, an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant at the time of application. This funding opportunity is only intended to fund academic-to-academic collaborations. Your international academic collaborator must be the equivalent of an assistant, associate or full professor from an accredited degree-granting postsecondary institution. For this funding opportunity, non-academic collaborators and partner organizations (private, public or not-for-profit sectors) are not permitted.

You are limited to one application as either applicant or co-applicant. This limit only applies to Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants and does not count against application limits for other Alliance International grants or calls.

To start your application:

• log in to the online system and choose Create a new form 101
• select Research partnerships programs, then Alliance grants
• for the Proposal type field, select Full proposal
• for the Type of call field, select International - Catalyst - Quantum from the drop-down menu

You are responsible for providing the following documents and information to NSERC:

• A completed application for a grant (Form 101) completed following the instructions for completing an Alliance International grants application, and containing:
• a summary of your proposed research
• a list of keywords describing your proposed research
• the Alliance International Catalyst Quantum proposal template
• Completed attestation forms for each researcher with a named role (i.e., applicant, co-applicant, collaborator) in the grant application, as this call is directed to technologies listed in the Sensitive Technology Research Areas
• A budget and accompanying justification for the funds you are requesting from NSERC
• A completed and up-to-date personal data form with CCV attachment (Form 100A) for yourself and all Canadian co-applicants. College faculty may submit a CCI format CV; all other co-applicants must submit the CCV in NSERC format
• A two-page bio sketch for each of your collaborators through NSERC’s online system

Submit your application and all other documents as required via NSERC’s online system. Follow the instructions for completing an Alliance International Catalyst grants application for guidance.

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Consult with your institution’s research office to confirm internal deadlines for the submission of your application.

To ensure that the Canadian research ecosystem is as open as possible and as safeguarded as necessary, the Government of Canada has introduced the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy).

The STRAC Policy addresses risks related to sensitive technology research areas conducted with research organizations and institutions that pose the highest risk to Canada’s national security. The STRAC Policy applies to this funding opportunity.

To comply with the policy, applicants must identify whether the grant application aims to advance a sensitive technology research area. If so, the submission of attestation forms will be required from researchers with named roles (applicants, co-applicants, and collaborators) to certify that they are not currently affiliated with, nor are in receipt of funding or in-kind support from, a Named Research Organization (NRO).

The Tri-agency guidance on the STRAC Policy provides more information on applicable procedures and requirements, including new responsibilities of researchers and institutions.

NSERC is acting on the evidence that achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential to creating the excellent, innovative and impactful research necessary to advance knowledge and understanding, and to respond to local, national and global challenges. This principle informs the commitments described in the Tri-agency Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and is aligned with the objectives of the Tri-agency EDI Action Plan.

Excellent research considers EDI both in the research environment (forming a research team, student training) and in the research process. For Alliance grants, EDI considerations are currently evaluated in the training, mentorship and professional development opportunities for students and trainees. The aim is to remove barriers to the recruitment and promote full participation of individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Applicants are encouraged to increase the inclusion and advancement of underrepresented groups as one way to enhance the excellence in research and training. For additional guidance, applicants should refer to Alliance grants: Equity, diversity and inclusion in your training plan; the NSERC guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in research; and our new video series, Strengthening research by integrating EDI considerations in the research process.