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 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.

NSERC is now launching a call for Alliance International Collaboration Quantum grants proposals. Collaboration Quantum grants support Canadian academic researchers collaborating on research projects with international researchers from the academic sector and can range from $30,000 to $300,000 per year for up to three years.

Alliance International Collaboration Quantum grants are intended to fund joint international projects that have been peer-reviewed and awarded by the national funding agency of the international academic collaborator(s). If the international project has been awarded a four- or five-year grant, it must be made clear in the international proposal, that the Canadian team will only be involved for up to the first three years. Upon receiving an Alliance International Collaboration Quantum grants application, NSERC will undertake an administrative assessment to ensure the application is complete and that it complies with all requirements. Once the administrative assessment is satisfactorily completed, NSERC proceeds with the merit assessment of the application. For this international collaborative call, collaborators and organizations from outside academia are not permitted. For collaborative research projects involving organizations in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors, please refer to the Alliance Quantum grants or the Alliance Consortia Quantum grants.

Proposals may address any challenges 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  may be removed from consideration; see the Important note below for additional information on what to include in your proposal.

Submit your application via NSERC’s online system to the regular Alliance International program but, in the Type of call field, select International - Collaboration - Quantum from the drop-down menu. The complete program information and guidelines governing Alliance International Collaboration grants are provided on the Alliance International grants web pages. Potential Alliance International Collaboration Quantum grants applicants should review this material for details pertaining to the eligibility criteria for applicants, the review process and  merit indicators,  award conditions, and instructions for preparing your application.

You can apply at any time up until January 31, 2024. As this is a continuous intake process, applications will be assessed upon receipt and funding decisions will be communicated within 5 to 9 weeks from the date NSERC receives the complete application. You and any Canadian co-applicants must hold, as a primary applicant, an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant at the time of application. For this call, you are limited to one application as either applicant or co-applicant. This limit applies to Alliance International Collaboration 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 - Collaboration - Quantum from the drop-down menu

Following the instructions for completing an Alliance International grants application, fill out the  undefined and complete the other sections of your application. Submit your application and all other documents as required for an Alliance International Collaboration grants application via NSERC’s online system.

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).

Applicants are encouraged to consider sex, gender and diversity in the project’s research design. Diversity and gender equity should also be considered when developing the research team and considering how to promote and support a variety of forms of mentoring to ensure trainees’ equitable participation and growth. Applicants should refer to the NSERC guide on integrating equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in research for more information.

You will be informed of reporting requirements upon reception of your award letter. You must provide a final report within three months of the end of your project. Please refer to the Alliance International Post-award page for additional information.

At all times, Canadian researchers are encouraged to exercise appropriate levels of due diligence when managing their research and establishing and/or continuing partnerships with national, international and multinational organizations. Resources to do so are provided by the Government of Canada on the   Safeguarding Your Research portal, including the   National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships. NSERC reserves the right to request additional information, as needed, before making a final funding decision.

• Alliance International grants terms and conditions of applying for applicants
• Alliance grants terms and conditions of award
• Presentation on Alliance Quantum grants and Alliance Consortia Quantum grants: slides
• Presentation on Alliance Quantum grants and Alliance Consortia Quantum grants: slides with notes