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

Funding opportunity

G7 Countries Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants
Overview
Who?Canadian university researchers working in partnership with international1 collaborators from the academic sector from G7 member countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States)
How much?$20,000 to $25,000
How long?1 year
Application deadlineApplications will be accepted until January 8, 2026, 8:00 pm (ET).
On this page
  • Description
  • How to apply
  • Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern
  • Equity, diversity and inclusion
  • Post Award
  • Resources
  • Apply now
  • Contact
  • Results
Back to top Description

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.

At the 2025 G7 Leaders’ summit, members developed the Kananaskis Common Vision for the Future of Quantum Technologies, committing to boost cooperation to unlock the full potential of quantum technology to grow economies, solve global challenges and keep communities secure. Canada holds the 2025 G7 Presidency and has committed to building a new era of collaboration with G7 partners. To support these commitments, the Government announced investments to build stronger economies and international systems, including the establishment of a quantum research fund to accelerate the development and use of quantum technologies.

The G7 Countries 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 G7 member countries in the areas of quantum science and quantum technologies. It is expected that 25 to 40 grants will be awarded. Important: For this call, applications including collaborators outside of G7 member countries are not accepted. A separate funding opportunity has been established to support collaborations exclusively with academic researchers from other countries. Please refer to the 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.

Back to top How to apply

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 the G7 Countries 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-G7 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 G7 Countries 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.

Back to top Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern

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.

Back to top Equity, diversity and inclusion

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.

Back to top Post Award

Acknowledging NSERC

You must acknowledge NSERC support in any communications or presentations about your research supported by this funding opportunity.

Reporting progress

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.

Notifying NSERC about changes

You must notify NSERC 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 original goals of the project and whether the project may need to be amended or terminated.

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

Extension of grants

NSERC automatically provides an extension period of one year for using the grant funds. This extension period allows you to complete your research activities planned for within the specified term of your grant.

Back to top Resources
  • Alliance International grants funding opportunity
  • Alliance International grants terms and conditions of applying for applicants
  • Alliance International 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
Back to top Apply now

Apply now

Back to top Contact
Email: alliance_quantumquantique@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Toll free: 1-855-275-2861
Back to top Results
Results

The table below shows the last 5 years of funding recipients by the year they applied.

You can find older results by searching NSERC’s Awards Database.

For more detailed breakdowns and data visualizations, visit the Alliance dashboard.

Funding decisions
Year Researcher Project Title Institution Partner(s) Area(s) of Application Funding Amount Type of Call
2025 Karatas, Ahmet Scalable Flame-Derived Quantum Dots for Next-Generation Photonic and Quantum Technologies Toronto Metropolitan University Materials sciences; Materials performance 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Ikki, Salama Quantum Communication and OTFS Integration for 6G Wireless Networks Lakehead University Communications technologies (satellites, radar, etc.); Computer communications 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Ahamed, Mohammed Development of MEMS-Quantum Silicon Spin-Photon Qubits for Tunable, Chip-Scale Quantum Sensing University of Windsor Electrical and electronic machinery and equipment (including computer hardware) 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Barzanjeh, Shabir Quantum Sensing for Inertial Navigation with a Squeezed-Light Optomechanical Accelerometer University of Calgary Physical sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Gao, Jianbo Ultrafast photophysics of electron spin in biological DNA Qubit Brock University Biomedical engineering; Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Kang, Kang Coordinated experimental-computational engineering of biomass-derived quantum carbon dots for critical mineral sensing Lakehead University Alternative energy resources; Energy resources (including production, exploration, processing, distribution and use) 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Rondeau-Gagné, Simon Engineering Conjugated Polymers for Room-Temperature Spin-Selective Transport University of Windsor Information, computer and communication technologies; Materials sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Adesina, Adeyemi Quantum Layered Materials for Early-Stage Sensing and Durability Monitoring in Low-Carbon Cementitious Systems University of Windsor Construction, urban and rural planning 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 He, Quan Doped Carbon Quantum Dots decorated photocatalysts for enhancing photocatalytic H2 generation Dalhousie University Materials sciences; Materials performance 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Rochefort, Alain Caractérisation de commutateurs optomagnétiques organiques pour la spintronique École Polytechnique de Montréal Physical sciences; Materials sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Taghipour, Sharareh Mission reliability for quantum systems under operational states using benchmarking and telemetry Toronto Metropolitan University Physical sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Anpalagan, Alagan QML-enabled Digital Twin for Ubiquitous Intelligence of Things Toronto Metropolitan University Communications technologies (satellites, radar, etc.); Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Dagdeviren, Omur Erdinc Triangulene Quantum Materials: Stability, Assembly, and Measurement École de technologie supérieure Materials sciences; Instrumentation technology 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Dudding, Travis Beating "the Big C" though Quantum Computing Brock University Human health (including medically-related psychological research); Medical and health sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Brannan, Michael Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Communication University of Waterloo Computer communications; Mathematical sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Kim, Seonghwan Quantum-Enabled 0D/2D Fluorophore Heterostructures for Ultra-Trace Heavy-Metal Monitoring in Water University of Calgary Water; Materials performance 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Zhang, Yizhou Verified Noise-Aware Quantum Circuit Cutting University of Waterloo Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Das, Gautam Quantum gas sensor: Generation of entangled photons in near infrared and mid-infrared regions and building a Nonlinear Interferometer Lakehead University Agricultural chemicals (fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides); Climate and atmosphere 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Bardouille, Timothy Improving quantum sensor performance for magnetic imaging: Magnetic field compensation in a cylindrical shield Dalhousie University Medical and health sciences; Physical sciences 24998 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Zhang, Jin Hybrid Opto-Spintronic Quantum Materials for Self-Powered Magnetic Sensing Western University Materials performance; Manufacturing processes and products 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Mehta, Arthur On the complexity of quantum channel capacities University of Ottawa Advancement of knowledge; Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Lantagne-Hurtubise, Etienne Orbital magnetism in two-dimensional van der Waals materials Université de Sherbrooke Advancement of knowledge 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Kiani, Amirkianoosh Quantum-Enhanced Modeling and Optimization of Nano-Engineered Energy Materials via Nanophotonic-Inspired Feature Maps Ontario Tech University Energy storage and conversion; Manufacturing processes and products 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Ménard, Jean-Michel Quantum-enabled THz polarimetry University of Ottawa Instrumentation technology; Medical and health sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Li, Heng Leveraging Quantum State Invariants for Enhanced Quantum Error Correction École Polytechnique de Montréal Information, computer and communication technologies; Computer software 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Shastri, Bhavin Quantum-photonic-enhanced sensing platform Queen's University Information systems and technology; Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Clancy, Patrick Exploring Quantum Materials with Tailored Neutron Beams McMaster University Materials sciences; Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Lei, Antonio Towers of isogeny graphs and modular curves in the context of post-quantum cryptography University of Ottawa Computer communications 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Kavanagh, Ryan Reliable foundations for hybrid quantum-classical languages Université du Québec à Montréal Computer software; Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Lu, Tao Feasibility study of cavity quantum optomechanical magnetometry at Ga2O3 defect centre University of Victoria Materials sciences; Life sciences (including biotechnology) 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Rayan, Steven Frustrated Quantum Magnets and Topological Qubits University of Saskatchewan Materials sciences; Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Lagos, Maureen Mapping oxygen isotopes at Josephson junctions in high temperature superconductor-based SQUIDs McMaster University Materials performance; Instrumentation technology 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Huang, Kai Size-Tunable Lanthanide Quantum Nanocrystals for Enhanced, Multicolor Upconverted Superfluorescence University of Toronto Materials sciences; Physical sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Jian, Cuiying Hybrid Multiscale Simulations of Quantum Electronic Response in Electrolyte-Gated Graphene Electrodes York University Engineering; Physical sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Feng, Chen Efficient Multi-Mode GKP Codes for Photonic Quantum Computing The University of British Columbia Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Rubel, Oleg Advancing altermagnetic quantum materials for next-generation spintronic applications McMaster University Physical sciences; Instrumentation technology 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Chi, Hang Topological Semimetals for Quantum Applications University of Ottawa Physical sciences; Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Islam, Kazi Rajibul Simulating high energy physics models with a trapped ion quantum simulator University of Waterloo Modelling and mathematical simulation of natural processes; Physical sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Zhang, Lihong Quantum Electronic Design Automation for Automated Synthesis of Delta-Sigma Modulators Memorial University of Nfld Computer software; Electrical and electronic machinery and equipment (including computer hardware) 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Pope, Michael Scalable Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Inks for Quantum-Enabled Sensing Applications University of Waterloo Materials sciences; Physical sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Langar, Rami Trust-Fed-QGAN: Reliable Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks for Anomaly and Attack Detection in Next-Generation Mobile Networks École de technologie supérieure Information systems and technology; Communication systems and services (planning, organization, services) 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Ameli, Amir Quantum-Enabled Cybersecurity for Communication-Assisted Protection Systems in Power Grids Lakehead University Electrical energy; Energy resources (including production, exploration, processing, distribution and use) 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Bryce, David Development and Application of Multinuclear Magnetic Resonance NV Quantum Sensing University of Ottawa Instrumentation technology; Advancement of knowledge 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Bassim, Nabil Advanced Fabrication and Correlative Characterization of Quantum Materials using Electron Microscopy McMaster University Materials sciences; Information, computer and communication technologies 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Mandal, Kalikinkar Quantum-Safe and Byzantine-Resilient Cryptographic Protocols for Privacy-Preserving Machine Learning University of New Brunswick Information and communication services; Information systems and technology 24500 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 St-Jean, Philippe Nonreciprocal light amplification in Er-doped photonic crystals Université de Montréal Information systems and technology; Communications technologies (satellites, radar, etc.) 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Broadbent, Anne Reusable Quantum Proof Systems University of Ottawa Advancement of knowledge; Information and communication services 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Ebrahimi, Maryam Nanoscale formation and chemical analysis of quantum materials: From low-dimensional metal-organic frameworks to 1D/2D covalent nanostructures with one atom thickness Lakehead University Physical sciences; Materials sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Kim, Young-June Piezomagnetism and Domain Control in Altermagnets for Quantum Technologies University of Toronto Information, computer and communication technologies; Materials sciences 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7
2025 Wei, John Raising the Quantum Efficiency of High-Tc Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detectors University of Toronto Information, computer and communication technologies; Aerospace 25000 International - Catalyst - Quantum - G7