NSERC Funding opportunities
Funding Prizes About Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Funding opportunity

Canada–G7–Nordic call for proposals on quantum technologies

Overview

Open
Value and duration

Each funding agency will provide funding to its national researchers, subject to its national rules and budgetary availability. Canadian applicants are only eligible to receive funding from NSERC, and international researchers are only eligible for funding from their respective national funder.

See Eligible Expenses for funding information for each participating country.  

Application deadline

September 24, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET)

Consult with your institution’s research office to confirm internal deadlines for submitting your application.

Who can apply
  • Researcher
Eligible institution
  • University

This opportunity is part of the international stream.

Program type
Partnerships
Summary

A joint initiative between Canada, other G7 countries (Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States) and Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden) to support quantum technology research.

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

This is a joint initiative between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the German Research Foundation (DFG), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), United Kingdom Research and Innovation  Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UKRI-EPSRC), U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and NordForsk on behalf of the Innovation Fund Denmark, the Research Council of Finland, the Research Council of Norway and the Swedish Research Council.

This funding opportunity will support multilateral or bilateral collaborative research projects on quantum science and technologies. The Canadian principal applicant will submit a single collaborative proposal on behalf of the Canadian and international research teams. NSERC, as the lead agency, will conduct the merit review of the proposal.

Research objective

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 security and help advance a range of benefits for society.

At the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit, under Canada’s presidency, G7 leaders agreed to the Kananaskis Common Vision for the Future of Quantum Technologies, recognizing quantum technologies’ potential to bring transformative benefits to societies and committing to boosting international cooperation between like-minded partners to unlock the full potential of these technologies.

Research cooperation is a key element of this vision. As such, this funding opportunity aims to leverage the complementary interests and research expertise found across the participating G7 and Nordic countries to support multilateral or bilateral collaborative research projects in quantum science and technologies.

Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, but their thrust must aim to advance 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 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 quantum technology areas listed will not be considered. To identify challenges, gaps and opportunities related to quantum technologies from a Canadian perspective, Canadian lead applicants are encouraged to consult the quantum missions and roadmaps developed in close consultation with Canada’s quantum community.

Across the research and training areas in scope for this call, there are opportunities to explore how quantum technologies can enhance the privacy and security of the participating countries. Grants will support non-confidential, unclassified university-based research on quantum technologies, which may include research on technologies with dual-use applications. Grants cannot support secret or classified research.

Canada’s quantum investments are guided by the National Quantum Strategy (NQS), as well as the Defence Industrial Strategy presented in Budget 2025. In Japan, quantum technology has been designated as a national strategic technology area under the 7th Science, Technology, and Innovation Basic Plan. The UK’s quantum investments are guided by its National Quantum Strategy. The investments of other participating international funders are guided by their own national quantum strategies or priorities, as applicable.

All participating funders are committed to ensuring the security and integrity of the funded projects, in alignment with the G7 Common Values and Principles on Research Security and Integrity. Canadian and international research teams are expected to respect these values and principles in the conduct of their research and adhere to all applicable domestic policies and best practices related to research integrity and security.

Eligibility

If you are a Canadian university researcher eligible to receive NSERC funds, you can apply independently or as a team with co-applicants who are also eligible academic researchers.

Each Canadian research team can submit only one application to this call. You may participate as an applicant on only one application, but you may be a co-applicant or collaborator on multiple applications. 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.

Your project must include at least one international collaborator who is eligible for funding from Germany (DFG), Japan (JST), the United Kingdom (UKRI EPSRC) or Nordic countries (NordForsk). Multilateral collaborations (i.e., involving Canada and two or more other countries) are encouraged, but bilateral collaborations (i.e., Canada and one other country) are also allowed.

U.S. collaborators may also be part of the proposed international teams, supported by existing resources or NSF’s existing mechanism for international supplements.

All international collaborators must meet their respective national funder’s eligibility requirements (see the Funding section for details by country). NSERC will internally review the eligibility of Canadian researchers, and the corresponding national funders will assess the eligibility of their respective researchers.

Eligibility for partnership

Collaborators and partner organizations from outside academia (industry, public, not-for-profit) are permitted but not required. You may involve whichever partner organizations you need to achieve your research goals and successfully mobilize your research results for the desired impact and benefits for Canada and other participating countries. Cash contributions from partner organizations are not required, but active support through in-kind contributions is expected if partner organizations are included in the application.

See NSERC policy guidance below on Research agreements and intellectual property and National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships. 

If a private sector partner organization is included in the proposal, the relevant national funders may have specific requirements:

  • For NSERC, the Risk Assessment Form is required.
  • For DFG, researchers must follow the Guidelines on the Participation of Commercial Enterprises in Research Projects and a cooperation agreement must be in place before DFG’s funding decision is made.
  • For UKRI EPSRC, expectations are set out in standard grant terms and conditions: UKRI terms and conditions of FEC grants.
Funding Value and duration

Each funding agency will provide funding to its national researchers, subject to its national rules and budgetary availability. Canadian applicants are only eligible to receive funding from NSERC, and international researchers are only eligible for funding from their respective national funder.

See Eligible Expenses for funding information for each participating country.  

Eligible expenses

The following sections provide country-specific funding information, including any additional requirements established by participating funders. International collaborators should carefully read the eligibility criteria and consult the relevant national funder to confirm the requirements that apply to their participation in this call.

Information for each participating country
Canada (NSERC)
Grant value:Maximum $750,000 CAD per project ($250,000 per year)
Grant duration: Up to 3 years
Total investment:Approx. $19.5M CAD (26 projects)
Eligibility: NSERC eligibility webpage and Eligibility section
Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden (NordForsk)
Grant value:Maximum NOK 7,000,000 per project.
Grant duration: 3 years
Total investment:NOK 84 million (12 projects)
Eligibility and additional information for NordForsk applicants:NordForsk country annex
Germany (DFG)
Grant value:Maximum not specified
Grant duration: Up to 3 years
Total investment:Approx. EUR 2 million
Eligibility and additional information for DFG applicants:DFG country annex
Japan (JST)
Grant value:Maximum 60,000,000 JPY per project.
Grant duration: Up to 2 years (without no-cost extension)
Total investment:Maximum 300,000,000 JPY (5 projects)
List of researchers eligible to apply to JST JST country annex

The JST applicant must be a Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator of a JST CREST project, with the research period extending through March 31, 2029, or later.
UK (UKRI EPSRC)
Grant value:Maximum full economic cost (FEC) of £500,000. UKRI will fund 80% of this cost, with the remaining 20% to be provided by the UK applicant’s institution.
Grant duration: Up to 3 years
Total investment:Up to £3,000,000
Eligibility and additional information for UKRI applicants:UKRI EPSRC country annex
U.S. (NSF) 
Grant value:See NSF guidance.
Grant duration: See NSF guidance.
Total investment:See NSF guidance.
Eligibility and additional information for NSF applicants:NSF country annex

Current U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) grantees are eligible to apply for supplemental funding to collaborate with awardees of this Canada-G7-Nordic funding opportunity by following the guidelines in NSF 22-108.

Note: The details above are indicative and may change. Consult the relevant national funder for further details. Each award is contingent upon formal funding approval from each of the participating national funders.

Canadian expenses

All Canadian expenditures are subject to the principles and directives governing the appropriate use of grant funds outlined in the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration. The funds from NSERC must be paid to eligible Canadian universities and cannot be used to buy equipment, products or services from, or on behalf of, any collaborating organization.

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

  • salary support for research trainees (undergraduates, graduates and postdoctoral researchers) to perform research and related training
  • salary support for technicians and research professional personnel
  • materials and supplies
  • activities that support collaborations and knowledge mobilization related to the project
  • activities to develop and grow the research collaborations with the international collaborator(s)

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

  • essential to achieving the objectives of the research project
  • incremental to the equipment already available at the university or to your international collaborator(s)
  • within a total expected equipment cost that does not exceed 30% of the total Canadian grant budget

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.

International expenses

At the end of the Budget justification section of your application (Form 101), you must also include information on the budget requested by your international collaborator(s) from their national funder(s). Provide a breakdown of annual funding requested from each international funder (in their national currency and in Canadian dollars) and a justification for spending in each category, with sufficient detail to allow reviewers to assess whether the resources requested by the Canadian and international research teams are appropriate. The collaboration must demonstrate a meaningful and balanced contribution from all participating research teams.

Each funding agency will provide funding to its national researchers. Expenses incurred by international collaborators must comply with their respective national funder’s eligible expense requirements. 

Application How to apply

Canadian principal applicants must submit a complete application through NSERC’s online system. International collaborators should consult their respective national funder’s instructions to determine whether they must submit a copy of the proposal or other application materials through their national funder’s process in parallel with the submission to NSERC.

Applications must be submitted through NSERC’s online system by September 24, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET). Note that institutions may set an earlier internal deadline for applicants to submit their application in the system so that the research grants office can finalize the submission to NSERC by the official deadline. Applicants should contact their research grants office to confirm the internal deadline for submitting their application.

All documents in the application should follow NSERC’s online presentation and attachment standards. NSERC will screen all applications to ensure they are complete and adhere to the program requirements and objectives. If your application does not meet all program requirements, it will be rejected. 

Each Canadian research team can submit only one application to this call. You may participate as an applicant on only one application, but you may be a co-applicant or collaborator on multiple applications.

To start your application:

  • 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 Full proposal 
  • For the Type of call field, select International-Collaboration-G7-Nordic-Quantum from the drop-down menu 
  • Follow the instructions for completing a grant application specific to this call for proposals

A complete application must include:

  1. An application for a grant (Form 101)
  2. A collaborative proposal
    1. You must use the collaborative proposal template specific to this call for proposals. The proposal must be developed jointly by the Canadian and international research teams
    2. The proposal page limit is 10 pages if written in English or 12 pages if written in French
  3. A completed personal data form with CCV attachment (Form 100A) for the Canadian principal applicant and each Canadian co-applicant
  4. A biosketch or CV for each international collaborator, each Canadian collaborator, and key staff of partner organizations (if applicable) whose role in the project is similar to that of a collaborator (maximum two pages if written in English or 2.4 pages if written in French)
  5. A budget and justification for the research costs planned in Canada, as well as a budget and justification from each international collaborator (in their national currency and in Canadian dollars) showing the support requested from their national funder. Include sufficient information to allow reviewers to assess whether the resources requested by the Canadian and international research teams are appropriate. Append this information to the end of your NSERC budget justification and submit it as a single PDF document
  6. In accordance with the Tri-agency guidance on the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy), applications submitted under this funding opportunity are considered to aim to advance a sensitive technology research area. Therefore, you, your co-applicant(s) and your collaborator(s) must each complete the STRAC Attestation form.
  7. If your application involves one or more partner organizations from the private sector, you must complete the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships’ Risk Assessment form

    Note: If your application involves partner organizations, your partner organization’s contact person will be invited through NSERC’s online system to provide information about the organization following the Partner organization instructions

By submitting your application, you and any co-applicant(s) agree to the terms and conditions of applying for applicants. Your international collaborator(s) will agree to the terms and conditions of their respective funder. If your application involves partner organizations, they agree to the terms and conditions of applying for partner organizations. 

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

For submissions under this call, you agree that information in your application will be shared between NSERC and the participating international funding agencies for purposes consistent with the program objectives.

The information you provide in your application is collected under the authority of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act. NSERC is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. The information you provide is stored in a series of NSERC data banks as described in Information about programs and information holdings. You must ensure that others listed in the application have agreed to be included. International collaborators are responsible for ensuring they are aware of their own national funding agency rules concerning the disclosure of information in the application and any relevant policies.

Application deadline

September 24, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET)

Consult with your institution’s research office to confirm internal deadlines for submitting your application.

Review

NSERC first conducts an administrative assessment to ensure the application is complete and complies with all requirements. This step includes all participating funders’ eligibility assessments.

Once the administrative assessment is complete, NSERC proceeds with the merit assessment of the application. With input from participating funders, NSERC will convene a peer review committee of scientific experts to assist in assessing applications. The committee will assess the applications according to the merit evaluation criteria and merit indicators.

Note: NSERC will assess equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in the Canadian training plan through a separate administrative process. NSERC staff will contact the Canadian principal applicant for additional information if required.

Merit evaluation criteria

The merit of your application is evaluated using the following four criteria (five equally weighted sub-criteria). The proposal must address all criteria and sub-criteria to be considered for funding. NSERC uses established merit indicators to rate each evaluation sub-criterion/criterion.

  1. Research plan
    1. Clarity of the research objectives and expected results, appropriateness and feasibility of the research plan, and suitability of the budget
    2. Innovativeness of the proposed research and its potential to lead to advancements or new knowledge in quantum technologies
  2. Research team and collaboration
    1. Appropriateness of the expertise of the research team for carrying out the planned research activities, managing the project and providing training
      Added value of the proposed international collaboration and the rationale for the selected international collaborator(s)
      Where applicable, added value and appropriateness of partner organizations’ involvement
  3. Training 
    1. Opportunities for enriched learning experiences for research trainees (undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers) to develop relevant research skills and professional skills, and where applicable, other opportunities for development and support provided to researchers early in their careers
  4. Impact and benefits to Canada and all participating countries
    1. Significance of the outcomes and the economic, environmental and/or other societal benefits for Canada and all participating countries involved in the project
Funding recommendations

Once the merit assessment process is complete, NSERC and the participating international funders DFG, JST, UKRI EPSRC and NordForsk will jointly determine funding recommendation outcomes and fund selected projects to support the activities of eligible researchers in their respective countries.

After these awards are made, NSF will make its funding decisions on the supplementary U.S. components, following its existing processes for international supplements as outlined in NSF 22-108.

Award

NSERC’s funding will be awarded as an Alliance grant and be administered by the Canadian principal applicant’s institution. NSERC’s funding is intended to support the activities of eligible Canadian researchers and must be used in accordance with the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration.

Participating international funders will inform your international collaborator(s) of their award information.

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 that start date. NSERC and the participating international funders intend to coordinate award timing where possible. However, because each funder may have different funding cycles, it is possible that some projects will have different start and end dates.

Notification of results

If your application is approved for funding by NSERC, you will receive an award letter and must adhere to its terms and conditions.

Participating international funders will inform your international collaborator(s) of their terms and conditions.

Post-award requirements
Acknowledging NSERC

You must acknowledge NSERC and any other participating funder support in any communications or presentations about your research supported by this initiative.

Reporting progress

You must report regularly on how you use the funds from your grant, the activities you carry out during your funded project, and the project’s outcomes. You will be informed of reporting requirements upon receiving your award letter. For NSERC, you must provide a final report within three months of the end of your project.

Participating international funders will communicate reporting requirements to your international collaborator(s).

Notifying NSERC about changes

Subsequent instalments of your grant depend on (1) a demonstrated need for NSERC funds and (2) adherence to all other conditions specified in the terms and conditions of an award.

You must notify NSERC of any changes to the Canadian research team or if any of your international collaborators leave the project. In this case, you should discuss with NSERC the impact on your ability to achieve the project's original goals and whether the project may need to be amended or terminated.

If you fail to provide the requested feedback, your subsequent applications or instalments may be denied.

Participating international funders will communicate change notification requirements to your international collaborator(s).

Extension of grants

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.

Participating international funders will communicate their rules about extensions to your international collaborator(s).

Regulations, policies and guidelines

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.

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.

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.
Resources
  • NordForsk country annex
  • DFG country annex
  • JST country annex
  • UKRI EPSRC country annex
  • NSF country annex
Contact

Canada (NSERC)
Email: alliance_quantumquantique@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Phone: 1-855-275-2861

Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden (NordForsk)
Email: bjornar.komissar@nordforsk.org

Germany (DFG)
Email: ina.strauss@dfg.de
Phone : +49 228 885-2523

Email: andreas.deschner@dfg.de
Phone: +49 228 885-2959

Japan (JST)
Email:  t2usami@jst.go.jp, gaku.iwamura@jst.go.jp
Phone: +1-202-728-0007

Email: hiroshi.katsuta@jst.go.jp
Phone: +81-3-3512-3531

UK (UKRI EPSRC)
Email: QuantumTechnologies@epsrc.ukri.org

U.S. (NSF) 
Email: oise_info@nsf.gov