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Funding Prizes About Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Funding opportunity

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

Overview

Open
Value and duration

Grant support ranges from $100,000 to $650,000 per year, for up to two years.

Application deadline
  • Letter of intent: You must submit your letter of intent using NSERC’s online system by July 27, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET)
  • Full application: You must submit your full application using NSERC’s online system by October 5, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET)

All applications will be reviewed through a competitive process following the full application deadline.

Who can apply
  • Researcher > University
Eligible institution
  • University
Program type
National Quantum Strategy 
Summary

Alliance Quantum grants delivered through this call for proposals will support projects that advance the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Canada through partnerships between university researchers and organizations from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. These projects will generate new knowledge and further the translation of research results into tangible benefits for Canada.

On this page
  • Description
  • Eligibility
  • Funding
  • Application
  • Review
  • Award
  • Post-award requirements
  • Results
  • Regulations, policies and guidelines
  • Resources
Description

Quantum science is the study, manipulation and control of systems at the atomic and subatomic levels. 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, revolutionize defence and security, and help advance a range of benefits for society. Canada is a leader in quantum research and innovation, and Canadian scientists are well positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.

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. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (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. You are encouraged to consult the mission roadmaps developed in close consultation with Canada’s quantum community and align your proposed research project with the agreed-upon actions to tackle the challenges, gaps and opportunities the roadmaps identified for each mission.

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. Although partner organizations do not need to provide cash contributions to participate, they must actively play a role in the project and support it through in-kind contributions. A broad range of in-kind contributions could be made toward a project; refer to the Eligibility of partnership section for additional information.

Refer to the Regulations, policies and guidelines section for important information pertaining to requirements for your application.

Research objective

Your proposal may address any challenges in quantum science, but the proposal’s thrust must aim to advance one or more of the NQS missions through the development of any of the areas of quantum technologies listed above or a combination thereof. It should align with the action plans set out in the NQS mission roadmaps.

It is not required for your project to aim to develop a technology for defence application purposes. However, although your project may aim to develop a technology for application purposes other than defence, you are encouraged to assess the potential for such an application and briefly discuss it, when applicable, in your proposal. This should be done even if such an application purpose is not addressing the needs of the organizations you are partnering with. The fact that your project may not have a potential defence application will have no bearing on its merit assessment.

As the development of quantum technologies may require coupling to other areas of research in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE), you may collaborate with academic researchers to this end. Such researchers may be co-applicants on your application if they meet NSERC’s eligibility requirements for individuals to apply for or hold grant funds. Research costs for these collaborations can represent up to 30% of the project costs covered by NSERC and must be specifically identified in the project budget justification.

You cannot use an Alliance Quantum grant to support secret or contract research.

Eligibility

If you are a Canadian university researcher who is eligible to receive NSERC funds, you can apply on your 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. For more information on how NSERC categorizes an applicant as an ECR, refer to the Discovery Grants: applicant categories.

Grants awarded for this call may support proposals of varying scale and complexity, from projects involving one researcher to projects involving researchers across several universities, and from one-on-one collaborations with one partner organization directly involved in the research to collaborations involving many partner organizations across multiple sectors.

Eligibility for partnership

Your partner organizations can be from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. You may involve whichever partner organizations you need to achieve the project’s research goals and successfully mobilize the research results to achieve the desired impact. Even though NSERC will cover 100% of the project’s eligible costs, you 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.

Funding Value and duration

Grant support ranges from $100,000 to $650,000 per year, for up to two years.

Required partner contribution

Cash contributions from partner organizations are not required. While NSERC will cover 100% of the project’s eligible costs, your project must involve at least one partner organization whose cash contributions would be recognized, had there been any required.

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

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 your proposal (see the Review section).

You and your co-applicants may receive funds from other sources to cover direct costs of your project, such as cash contributions provided by the university or by other funding agencies. These funds would add to and complement those requested from NSERC. You must include all direct costs of the project funded by sources other than NSERC in the budget table. All costs must be explained in the proposal and are considered in the merit assessment.

Active participation in the project and in-kind contributions are not required from funding organizations that may provide financial support to the project alongside NSERC.

Through its Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) program, Alberta Innovates may leverage NSERC Alliance Quantum grants to provide additional support toward projects led by NSERC-eligible researchers from Alberta universities and involving a for-profit small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) incorporated or registered in Alberta. Alberta Innovates’ CASBE program will leverage NSERC’s award up to $150,000 per year for up to two years. CASBE support may be provided during the duration of NSERC’s award or in the immediate subsequent one or two years. For additional information and application instructions, refer to Alberta Innovates’ CASBE program guide. You may also consult the How to apply section.

Eligible expenses

Alliance Quantum grant funds cover the direct costs of the research. NSERC funds and cash contributions (if any; not required) from partner organizations are paid to eligible universities and cannot be used to buy equipment, products or services from any partner organization, or to cover any part of the travel and travel-related subsistence expenditures for partner organization personnel. Expenses that are direct costs of research, essential for the success of the project, and incurred by partners that are Indigenous organizations in the public or not-for-profit sectors may be included in the application budget. Please consult with NSERC before submitting your application.

NSERC funds can only be applied to expenses incurred after an award is approved.

You can only include NSERC-eligible direct costs of research in your project budget, such as:

  • salary support for undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral researchers to perform research and related training
  • salary support for technicians and research professionals 
  • materials and supplies
  • activities that support collaborations and knowledge mobilization related to the project
  • activities to develop and grow the research collaborations with the partner organizations

Refer to the guidelines on the use of grant funds in the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration. Note that your application must include a training component primarily for undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral trainees. Research professionals alone do not meet this requirement.

You can also include the costs of equipment, provided that the equipment is

  • essential to achieving the objectives of the research project
  • incremental to equipment already available at the university or at the partner organization’s location

If your total expected equipment costs (including operation and maintenance for new and already available equipment) exceed $400,000 over your project’s duration, you must secure an alternate source of funding to complement NSERC’s support. Note that the joint application and review procedure NSERC and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) have established for associated Alliance and the CFI’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund applications does not apply to this call for proposals.

Alliance Quantum grants are not infrastructure grants. They are primarily intended to support collaborative research and training activities through partnerships between universities and partner organizations, with the aim of generating new knowledge and applying it for the benefit of Canada. The costs of equipment in your application must be consistent with this purpose.

Project management costs may be an eligible expense, up to 10% of the total direct research costs (see the Guidelines for research partnerships programs project management expenses). The need for project management expenses must be explained in the budget justification section.

You may incorporate national or international collaborators in your research team. Collaborators do not have access to grant funds as recipients. NSERC funds also do not cover expenses (including travel and travel-related subsistence expenses) that collaborators incur in the conduct of research or research-related activities.

Application How to apply

You 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

You must first submit a letter of intent (LOI) using NSERC’s online system by July 27, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET). You must complete and include the Alliance Quantum grants LOI template.

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, you 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 your 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 LOI template (refer to the instructions for completing an Alliance Quantum grant application specific to this call for proposals).

NSERC will communicate with you to acknowledge receipt of your 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 your LOI is not complete or does not satisfy NSERC’s requirements, it will not be accepted, in which case you cannot submit a full application.

Unless you are informed that your LOI is not accepted by NSERC, you must then complete and submit your 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

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

You must submit your full application using NSERC’s online system by October 5, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET).

To submit your full application:

  1. Log in to NSERC’s online system.
  2. Select the appropriate Form 101 from your portfolio (Form: 101; Program: Alliance Grants; Application Title: Application title you created at the LOI stage).
  3. Following the instructions for completing an Alliance Quantum grant application specific to this call for proposals, you must complete the Alliance Quantum grants proposal template and the other sections of your application. Note that Alliance Quantum grants allow 20% more space for French content in application sections that have a page or character limit.
    Important: You must use the Alliance Quantum grants proposal template specific to this call for proposals.
  4. If your 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 your application aims to advance one of the listed sensitive technology research areas, you (as the applicant), your co-applicant(s), and your collaborator(s) must each complete the STRAC Attestation form.
  6. Submit your 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. Your partner organization’s contact person will already have provided the required organizational information by following the partner organization instructions.

By submitting your application, you and your co-applicants (when applicable) agree to the terms and conditions of applying for applicants. By participating in your application, your partner organizations agree to the terms and conditions of applying for partner organizations.

If you are an NSERC-eligible researcher at a university located in Alberta and you intend to submit your Alliance Quantum grant application in response to this call for proposals in conjunction with an application to the Alberta Innovates Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) program (see the Required partner contribution section), follow the instructions provided in Alberta Innovates’ CASBE program guide. In NSERC’s online system, you must:

  • for the Type of call field, select Quantum - Technology development and adoption from the drop-down menu
  • in the Contributions section of Form 101, add Alberta Innovates as Other funder (not involved in the research)
  • attach Alberta Innovates’ conditional approval using the Other documents section of Form 101

By submitting your CASBE application to Alberta Innovates and the related Alliance Quantum grant application to NSERC, you, your co-applicants and your partner organizations agree to the sharing between Alberta Innovates and NSERC of any and all information, including personal information, in any way related to the applications, to their adjudication and to the awards.

Application deadline
  • Letter of intent: You must submit your letter of intent using NSERC’s online system by July 27, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET)
  • Full application: You must submit your full application using NSERC’s online system by October 5, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET)

All applications will be reviewed through a competitive process following the full application deadline.

Review

When NSERC receives a full Alliance Quantum grant application, it first conducts an administrative assessment to ensure the application is complete and complies with all requirements. Once the administrative assessment is complete, NSERC proceeds with the merit assessment of the application.

All proposals will undergo peer review. A committee of national and international peer reviewers will assess the merit of applications. Committee members will be drawn from universities as well as public, private or not-for-profit organizations. The members may be informed in their assessment by reports from external reviewers. NSERC reserves the right to select the most appropriate review process.

The merit of your application is evaluated using the following four equally weighted criteria. The proposal must address all the listed points (criteria and sub-criteria) to be considered for funding.

  1. Partnership
    1. Partner organizations’ roles in the project and value of their involvement and any other in-kind contributions
    2. Relevance of the partnership and capacity of the partner organizations to translate, mobilize and/or apply the research results
  2. Research plan and team
    1. Clarity of the research objectives and expected results, appropriateness of the research plan, and suitability of the budget
    2. Appropriateness of the expertise of the team (academic and partner organization participants) for carrying out the planned research activities, as well as for managing the project and providing training
  3. Training
    1. Opportunities for enriched learning experiences for research trainees (undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows) to develop relevant research skills, as well as professional skills (e.g., leadership, communication, collaboration, and entrepreneurship)
    2. Consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion in the project’s training plan
  4. Impact and benefits to Canada
    1. Innovativeness of the proposed research and its potential to lead to advancements or new knowledge in the natural sciences or engineering disciplines
    2. Significance of the outcomes and of the economic, environmental and/or other societal benefits for Canada and Canadians

NSERC uses established merit indicators to rate each evaluation sub-criterion/criterion.

If your proposal 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, NSERC reviews the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships’ Risk Assessment form that you provide with your application (including the risk mitigation plan, when applicable) following the risk assessment review process. When additional expertise is required, NSERC seeks further national security assessment and advice from Canada’s national security departments and agencies.

NSERC’s funding decision will take into consideration the merit evaluation as well as the assessment of potential risks for Canada’s national security, when applicable. NSERC will use the merit indicator ratings assigned to applications to select proposals for funding on a competitive basis. Where applicable, NSERC will also consider the results of the risk assessment review process to ensure that any identified risks are appropriately mitigated. Following the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships, applications where risks cannot be appropriately mitigated will not be funded.

Expected assessment time

All applications will be assessed following the submission deadline, and the assessment will be completed within 24 weeks. Some proposals may require additional time.

Award

If your application is approved for funding, you will receive an award letter providing information about your grant, and you must adhere to the terms and conditions set out in the award letter.

NSERC recommends that you and your university follow best practices by signing a research agreement that defines the intellectual property rights and obligations of all the partner organizations involved in your research project. The agreement must be aligned with NSERC’s Policy on Intellectual Property, which promotes the use and/or exploitation of knowledge and open access to results of research funded by NSERC.

Note:

  • NSERC claims no rights of ownership to any intellectual property generated by Alliance grant projects.
  • NSERC’s Policy on Intellectual Property stipulates that each of your students must maintain their right to defend their thesis without delays or impediments.
  • All participants, including any trainees, should consult this policy to ensure that they are aware of their rights and obligations.
Payment

Your award letter will indicate the start date of your project. NSERC will normally transfer your grant funds to your university within 30 days of the start date.

Notification of results

Funding decisions should be communicated to applicants by the end of March 2027.

Post-award requirements

You must acknowledge NSERC support in any communications or presentations about the research supported by your Alliance Quantum grant.

You must report regularly on how you use the funds from your grant, the activities you carry out during your funded project and the outcomes of the project. You will be informed of reporting requirements upon receiving your award letter.

Subsequent instalments of your grant depend on (i) a demonstrated need for NSERC funds and (ii) adherence to all other conditions specified in the terms and conditions of the award.

You must notify NSERC:

  • if any of your partner organizations no longer play an active role in the project and support it through in-kind contributions, as committed to in the application
  • if any of your partner organizations leave the project—in this respect, during the entire project, you must have at least one partner organization whose cash contributions would be recognized for cost-sharing, had there been any required
  • if any of your partner organizations, including participating post-secondary institutions or other funding agencies, do not fulfill its commitment to support the project through cash contributions

If you and your partner organizations fail to provide NSERC with requested information, your subsequent applications may be denied.

Extension of grants

If you need to extend your grant:

  • You can take advantage, as required, of two types of extensions: an automatic one-year extension without additional funding or an additional one-year extension without additional funding for extenuating circumstances. These extensions can be combined.
  • Following the initial period of your grant, NSERC will automatically extend your grant for one year to allow you to complete your planned activities. No additional funding is provided for this automatic one-year extension.
  • If you need an additional extension due to justifiable extenuating circumstances, you can apply for it using a grant amendment form. Such extensions are up to one year at a time and do not include additional funding.
Results

The successful applications submitted to this call for proposals will be listed in this section once the funding decisions are made and communicated to the applicants.

The results will also be integrated into the Alliance dashboard, which provides a breakdown of where Alliance invests its funding, partner types, areas of application and more.

Regulations, policies and guidelines

NSERC supports excellent, innovative, and impactful research that advances knowledge and understanding and responds to local, national and global challenges. NSERC   recognizes that equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles are foundational to research quality and impact. It is essential to recognize and remove systemic barriers that limit the full participation of all individuals and communities, and to integrate EDI considerations in all aspects of research. These principles are integral to the Tri-agency statement on EDI and the Tri-agency EDI Action Plan. For more information, consult the NSERC EDI webpage.

To ensure the Canadian research ecosystem is as open as possible and as secure as necessary, the Government of Canada has provided clear information on research security considerations for the development, evaluation and funding of grant applications.

For more information on the granting agencies’ implementation of harmonized research security measures, as well as further guidance and resources on how to safeguard your research, please refer to the Tri-agency guidance on research security.

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

Applicants must identify whether their proposed research aims to advance a sensitive technology research area. If so, the submission of attestation forms will be required from researchers with named roles in the grant application (see the list of named roles specific to this funding opportunity) to certify that they are not currently affiliated with, nor are in receipt of funding or in-kind support from, a named research organization.

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

The National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships provide clear information on national security considerations for the development, evaluation and funding of research partnerships. They enable researchers, research institutions and federal funding organizations to consistently perform risk-targeted due diligence—identifying and mitigating national security risks linked to research partnerships.

The National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships apply to grant applications involving one or more partner organizations from the private sector, including when those organizations participate alongside other partner organizations from the public and/or not-for-profit sectors. For such partnerships, you and your postsecondary institution are required to complete a risk assessment form for your research project and submit it as an integral part of your grant application.

The Tri-agency guidance on the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships provides more information on applicable procedures and requirements.
Resources
  • Partner organization self-assessment tool
  • Partner organization form instructions
  • Partner organization supplemental information questionnaire
  • Instructions for completing an Alliance Quantum grant application – Form 101
  • Alliance Quantum grants LOI template
  • Alliance Quantum grants proposal template
  • National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships’ Risk Assessment Form
  • Attestation for Research Aiming to Advance Sensitive Technology Research Areas form
  • Personal data form with CCV attachment — Form 100A instructions
  • Canadian Common CV — How to complete NSERC’s version
  • Information webinars for the call for proposals Advancing the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Canada
  • Alliance grants: Equity, diversity and inclusion in your training plan
  • Tri-agency Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Tri-agency guidance on research security
  • Tri-agency guidance on the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP)
  • Tri-agency guidance on the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy)
  • Safeguarding your research portal
  • Terms and conditions of applying for applicants
  • Terms and conditions of applying for partner organizations
  • Alliance Advantage merit indicators
  • Instructions for external reviewers
  • Terms and conditions of award
  • NSERC’s Policy on Intellectual Property
  • Eligibility
  • Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration
  • Tri-agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research (2021)
  • Professors frequently asked questions
  • Appeals of NSERC funding decisions
Frequently asked questions

Yes. You can participate as a co-applicant in more than one Alliance Quantum grant application in response to this call for proposals.

Yes. While participating as an applicant or co-applicant in an active Alliance Quantum or an Alliance Consortia Quantum grant, you can participate as an applicant or co-applicant on an Alliance Quantum grant application in response to this call for proposals.

Yes. You can hold, as applicant or co-applicant, an Alliance Quantum grant awarded through this call for proposals in addition to other Alliance grants, including grants supporting quantum research and innovation.
Contact

Email: alliance_quantumquantique@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Toll free: 1-855-275-2861