Funding opportunity
| 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 deadline | Applications will be accepted until January 8, 2026, 8:00 pm (ET). |
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Description -
How to apply -
Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern -
Equity, diversity and inclusion -
Post Award -
Resources -
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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
At the 2025 G7 Leaders’ summit, members developed the
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
Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, but their thrust must aim to advance one or more of the
- 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
Additional information and guidelines governing Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants are provided on the
All expenditures are subject to the principles and directives governing the appropriate use of grant funds outlined in the
Award decisions will be subject to the availability of funds and may include a random selection process.
You can apply at any time up until January 8, 2026, at 8:00 pm (ET). You and any Canadian co-applicants must hold, as a primary applicant, an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant at the time of application. This funding opportunity is only intended to fund academic-to-academic collaborations. Your international academic collaborator must be the equivalent of an assistant, associate or full professor from an accredited degree-granting postsecondary institution. For this funding opportunity, non-academic collaborators and partner organizations (private, public or not-for-profit sectors) are not permitted.
You are limited to one application as either applicant or co-applicant. This limit only applies to 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
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Consult with your institution’s research office to confirm internal deadlines for the submission of your application.
To ensure that the Canadian research ecosystem is as open as possible and as safeguarded as necessary, the Government of Canada has introduced the
The STRAC Policy addresses risks related to
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
The
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
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
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.
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
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Applications with collaborators from other countries (including other countries of the European Union) must be submitted to the Alliance International Catalyst Quantum funding opportunity.