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Funding opportunity

NSERC-National Science and Technology Council of Taiwan (NSTC) call for proposals on semiconductors and artificial intelligence

Overview

Open
Value and duration

For this call, NSERC and NSTC will each invest up to CAN$1M, with a maximum of CAN$225,000 per three-year project (annual maximum of CAN$75,000) to support their respective applicants. Applicants must be eligible to receive funds from their respective granting agency (NSERC or NSTC). NSERC will exclusively support eligible Canadian teams, while NSTC will exclusively support teams based in Taiwan. The estimated number of awards is four, and funding will be subject to each agency’s rules and budgetary availability.

Application deadline

LOI: March 25, 2026, before 8:00 p.m. (ET).

Full proposal (by invitation only): July 30, 2026, before 8:00 p.m. (ET).

You must submit your LOI by using the application template. If invited, you will use the second part of the template to submit the full proposal to NSERC.

Who can apply
  • Researcher > University
Eligible institution
  • University

This opportunity is part of the international stream.

Program type
Joint research calls
Summary

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan to develop solutions combining AI and semi-conductors.

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

Canada and Taiwan enjoy long-standing cooperation in science, technology and innovation. Recognizing the importance of international research collaboration in promoting scientific discoveries, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of Taiwan are partnering to fund collaborative research projects to support priority areas identified by the Canada–Taiwan Joint Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation. Semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) were identified among the areas of focus.

Research collaborations leveraging Canada’s AI strengths with Taiwan’s semiconductor expertise present an unprecedented opportunity to co-develop AI-driven semiconductor solutions that advance global innovation, economic growth, and technological leadership. In response to the growing need for responsible AI and resilient supply chains, and to support sustainable growth in emerging technologies, this call for research proposals aims to foster scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange between leading university researchers in Canada and Taiwan to address fundamental challenges and explore cutting-edge applications at the intersection of semiconductors and AI. This includes how AI technologies can advance semiconductor research, and how semiconductor research can advance AI infrastructure.

This call for proposals will be led by NSERC and includes a two-stage application process whereby teams must first submit a letter of intent (LOI) which will be reviewed and evaluated by NSERC. If successful in the first stage, the Canadian principal investigator (PI) will be invited to submit a single collaborative research proposal to NSERC, on behalf of both Canadian and Taiwan-based research teams, which will undergo a scientific review process led by NSERC. Only proposals from teams that have been invited to submit will be accepted. Please refer to the Apply section for more details. The Taiwan-based collaborator(s) are required to meet NSTC eligibility criteria and must submit a copy of the LOI and the full proposal to NSTC for eligibility verification and record keeping. Researchers in Taiwan will need to consult the NSTC website for more information. 

  • Chinese
  • English
Research objective

This call aims to promote collaborative research projects that address fundamental challenges and explore cutting-edge applications at the intersection of semiconductors and artificial intelligence. Through these joint projects, we aim to leverage the unique expertise and resources of both Canadian and Taiwanese academic research excellence. Proposals should focus on at least one of the following areas of research:

  • Embedding AI across design, manufacturing and packaging: research on how AI can support chip design, manufacturing and packaging more efficiently and accurately, while making these processes “smarter” (for example, AI-driven semiconductor design, automation and tooling; the role of packaging in enhancing AI technologies and AI-driven advanced packaging/testing; and the interconnection between quantum photonics and AI). Examples include:
    • edge-AI chip design
    • AI chips for emerging applications, such as robotics/drones/automotive solutions
    • system integration and novel interconnects for advanced packaging in high-performance computing AI chips
    • electronic design automation (EDA), including AI-assisted EDA algorithms and tools
    • technology computer-aided design (TCAD)
  • Compound semiconductors for AI technologies: research on how the role and the design of compound semiconductors can enable AI development (for example, identifying materials that could replace silicon to develop more energy-efficient chips and enable more environmentally sustainable alternatives).
  • AI technologies in semiconductor based Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) sensors: research on how AI can be embedded in MEMS sensors and how improved sensors can enhance AI applications. Research on how further integration of AI technologies in MEMS sensors can potentially enhance the ability and accuracy of semiconductors, or how technological innovation and upgrades in MEMS sensors can improve the performance and use of intelligent applications (for example, smartphone gyroscopes, medical sensors).

Recognizing that publicly available data may be limited, researchers are encouraged to use AI-driven tools to fill the gaps by building upon information already available and to answer questions around building better next-generation chips, leading to efficient, accelerated R&D and knowledge exchange.

Also, researchers are encouraged to co-develop or co-access high‐performance computing (HPC) resources and AI testbeds that enable Canadian and Taiwan-based researchers to run large-scale and efficient AI-based simulations for chip layouts, photonic designs, and sensor models.

Collaborating outside the natural sciences and engineering

Developing and implementing policies or directly applying your research results may depend on socio-economic or other requirements and scientific understanding beyond the natural sciences and engineering (NSE). You are encouraged to collaborate with academic researchers in fields other than the NSE. Such researchers may be co-applicants 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 and must be specifically identified in the budget justification.

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. You must include at least one academic collaborator from Taiwan who meets NSTC eligibility requirements. NSERC will internally review the eligibility of the Canadian researchers, and NSTC will review the eligibility of the Taiwan-based collaborator(s).

You are limited to one LOI and one application as either a Canadian principal applicant or co-applicant. For application limits that apply to Taiwan-based collaborator(s), please consult with NSTC.

Eligibility for partnership

Your Taiwan-based collaborator(s) must be from the academic sector and must meet NSTC eligibility requirements.

  • Chinese
  • English

For this collaborative call for proposals, collaborator(s) and partner organizations (industry, public, not-for-profit) from outside academia are not permitted.

Funding Value and duration

For this call, NSERC and NSTC will each invest up to CAN$1M, with a maximum of CAN$225,000 per three-year project (annual maximum of CAN$75,000) to support their respective applicants. Applicants must be eligible to receive funds from their respective granting agency (NSERC or NSTC). NSERC will exclusively support eligible Canadian teams, while NSTC will exclusively support teams based in Taiwan. The estimated number of awards is four, and funding will be subject to each agency’s rules and budgetary availability.

Eligible expenses
Eligible 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. You must include only NSERC-eligible direct costs of research in the budget submitted to NSERC. 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 your project budget, such as:

  • salary support for research trainees (undergraduates, graduates and postdoctoral trainees) 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 Taiwan-based 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 Taiwan-based collaborator(s)
  • within a total expected equipment cost that does not exceed 30% of the total Canadian grant budget

In addition to the usual description and justification for the funds requested for the research activities in Canada, in the Budget justification section of your proposal (Form 101), you must also include information on the support requested from NSTC by your Taiwan-based collaborator(s) in Canadian dollars, with a breakdown of each category and a detailed justification for spending in each category. Provide sufficient information to allow reviewers to assess whether the resources requested are appropriate. The collaboration should ensure an adequate balance and significance for both research teams, with no more than 75% of the overall project budget contributed by either NSERC or NSTC. Costs incurred by Taiwan-based academic collaborator(s) must meet NSTC eligibility criteria.

Application How to apply

This application process involves two stages: (1) a letter of intent (LOI), and (2) a full proposal, both of which must be prepared by a research team that includes at least one academic applicant in Canada and one in Taiwan. In each stage, the Canadian principal applicant will submit a single proposal on behalf of the Canadian and Taiwan-based research teams using NSERC’s online system.

Canadian applicants can participate in only one LOI and full proposal either as the principal applicant or as a co-applicant. Proposals exceeding this limit will be returned without review in the reverse order received.

Important:

  • All documents must follow NSERC’s online presentation and attachment standards.
  • Institutions may have an earlier internal deadline for applicants to submit their LOI or full proposal in the system before submitting them to NSERC by the official deadline. Applicants should contact their research grants office for that internal deadline to submit their applications.
  • In parallel, the Taiwan-based principal investigator will be required to submit the identical LOI and full proposal to NSTC on behalf of members of the Taiwan-based research team for compliance checking purposes. Detailed instructions will be published on the NSTC website.
    • Chinese
    • English

Stage 1: Letter of intent (LOI)

Canadian principal applicants must submit an LOI via NSERC’s online system by March 25, 2026, before 8:00 p.m. (ET).

Canadian applicants are strongly advised to verify internal deadlines with their university research office. 

A complete LOI application includes:

  • an application for a grant (Form 101)
  • a complete and up-to-date personal data form with a common CV attachment (Form 100A) for each Canadian applicant and co-applicant
  • a proposal template (maximum 3 pages for the LOI section of the combined application template)
  • a preliminary budget (in Canadian dollars) and a budget justification for the direct costs of the proposed research in Canada, in accordance with eligible expenses listed in the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration. The budget justification must also detail a preliminary budget (in Canadian dollars) for the Taiwan-based research team
  • a two-page biosketch for each collaborator from Taiwan, and from Canada if applicable
  • a completed STRAC attestation form for each researcher with a named role, such as the applicant, the co-applicants, and the collaborators, in Canada and in Taiwan; see the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern

Instructions for submitting the LOI to NSERC:

  • Log in to NSERC’s online system and select 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 International-Collaboration-NSTC-Semiconductors and AI from the drop-down menu. 

Stage 2: Full proposal (by invitation only)

Based on the review of the LOI, applicants may be invited to proceed with a full proposal. NSERC will provide a letter of invitation to the Canadian and Taiwan-based research teams (sent to the Canadian applicant) and only applications from those teams that have been invited to submit will be accepted. No changes in the Canadian or Taiwan-based research team composition are permitted after an invitation is issued.

Invited Canadian principal applicants must submit an Alliance International Collaboration proposal on behalf of the Canadian and Taiwan-based research teams via NSERC’s online system by July 30, 2026, before 8:00 p.m. (ET).

Canadian applicants are strongly advised to verify internal deadlines with their university research office. 

A complete full application includes:

  • an application for a grant (Form 101)
  • a complete and up-to-date personal data form with a common CV attachment (Form 100A) for each Canadian applicant and co-applicant
  • a combined proposal (maximum 10 pages), which includes:
    • the original LOI which can be updated (maintaining the maximum of 3 pages)

    • the common research proposal (maximum 7 pages) jointly developed by the Canadian and Taiwan-based researchers using the second part of the template.

      Note: The common research proposal must include the following headers:

      • Background – Relate the proposal to current scientific, technical and commercial developments at the intersection of semiconductors and artificial intelligence, referring to the current literature and market conditions, if applicable. Position the research relative to other efforts and to the state of the art. Describe the background research on which the project is built.
      • Detailed proposal – Specify the research objectives, discuss the scientific issues, research problems or technical complexities, and describe the research methodology and theoretical or experimental design proposed to explain or resolve them. Provide approximate timelines for activities, milestones and deliverables (you may use a Gantt chart, table, or diagram).
      • Team expertise – Describe the appropriateness of the academic researchers’ expertise from Canada and Taiwan for carrying out the planned research activities and mentoring trainees. Explain how their knowledge, expertise, experience and contributions align with the proposed project and describe each researcher’s role in the project. Note that the team members cannot change between the LOI and the full application stage.
      • Research management – Provide a project management plan for day-to-day direction, scientific leadership, and communication between the research groups.
  • a budget and its justification for the research costs planned in Canada by the Canadian team
    • The budget justification must include information on the support requested from NSTC by your Taiwan-based collaborator(s) in Canadian dollars, with a breakdown and a detailed justification for spending in each category
  • a two-page biosketch for each collaborator from Taiwan, and Canada if applicable.
  • a completed STRAC attestation form for each researcher with a named role, such as the applicant, the co-applicants and the collaborators, in Canada and in Taiwan.

Since NSERC is the lead agency for this call, you do not need to attach a copy of the proposal prepared by your Taiwan-based collaborator(s).

Instructions for submitting the full application to NSERC:

  • Log in to NSERC’s online system.
  • Select the appropriate Form 101 from your portfolio. You will reuse the Form 101 International-Collaboration-NSTC-Semiconductors and AI created at the LOI stage.
  • Fill out the combined proposal template (maximum 10 pages, excluding references) as described above.
  • submit a completed STRAC attestation form for each researcher with a named role, such as the applicant, the co-applicants, and the collaborators, in Canada and in Taiwan.

By submitting your application, you and your co-applicants (when applicable) agree to the Terms and conditions of applying for applicants.

If you submit a proposal under this call (in both Stage 1 and Stage 2), you agree that information contained in your proposal will be shared between NSERC and NSTC for purposes consistent with the program objectives. Participants are responsible for ensuring they are aware of NSTC rules concerning the disclosure of information in the proposal. Participants should also ensure that they understand NSTC program and post-award policies.

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.

Application deadline

LOI: March 25, 2026, before 8:00 p.m. (ET).

Full proposal (by invitation only): July 30, 2026, before 8:00 p.m. (ET).

You must submit your LOI by using the application template. If invited, you will use the second part of the template to submit the full proposal to NSERC.

Review
Stage 1: Letter of intent (LOI)

NSERC and NSTC will review eligibility requirements, including the eligibility of the proposed expenses and the eligibility of the applicant and co-applicants to receive funds from NSERC or from NSTC. The NSERC’s eligibility requirements for individuals to apply for or hold grant funds apply to Canadian applicants and co-applicants, NSTC eligibility criteria apply for team members in Taiwan. All NSERC and NSTC eligibility requirements must be met for an LOI to be retained. LOIs that are not deemed eligible will be rejected.

The LOIs will be reviewed by a committee of experts against the criteria listed below and using established merit indicators.

NSTC will use the LOI submitted to NSERC to confirm eligibility only.

  1. Relevance and expected outcomes
    • Alignment of the proposed research with the objectives of the call
    • Relevance and outcomes for Canada and Taiwan
  2. Collaboration
    • Appropriateness of the planned collaboration and synergy between Canadian and Taiwan-based collaborator(s)
  3. Training plan
    • Opportunities for enriched training experiences for research trainees (undergraduates, graduates, postdoctoral trainees)
  4. Equity, diversity and inclusion (NSERC internal assessment)
    • Consideration of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the research and training environment
Stage 2: Full proposal (by invitation only)

NSERC will convene a committee of experts to assist in assessing applications. The selection panel will assess the applications according to the merit evaluation criteria and merit indicators. NSERC will consider equity, diversity and inclusion in the research and training environment, as well as the benefit to Canada, as screening criteria. Only applications that meet these criteria will be retained for assessment by the committee of experts. If your application does not meet all program and eligibility requirements, it will be rejected.

Merit evaluation criteria

NSERC assesses applications using established merit indicators. For this call, there are five equally weighted criteria, with three sub-criteria under Criterion 5 (Quality of the proposal). The proposal must address all criteria and sub-criteria to be considered for funding.

  1. Relevance and expected outcomes
    • Significance of the research and the intended outcomes, and alignment with the objectives of the call, to further develop areas of strength and leadership, and foster expertise in Canada and Taiwan.
  2. Collaboration
    • Added value of the proposed collaboration for Canada and Taiwan.
  3. Training plan
    • Opportunities for enriched training and research experiences in both Canada and Taiwan for undergraduates, graduates and postdoctoral trainees to develop relevant research and professional skills, such as leadership, communication, collaboration and entrepreneurship (where possible and relevant, the creation of exchange internships for trainees between Canada and Taiwan is encouraged).
  4. Equity, diversity and inclusion (assessed by NSERC staff)
    • Consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion in the research and training environment (for guidance, consult the Equity, diversity and inclusion in the training plan document).
  5. Quality of the proposal
    • The need for original research to address the topic and the potential for generating new scientific knowledge.
    • Clarity of the objectives and appropriateness of the proposed research to achieve the objectives and expected outcome(s); justification for the planned expenditures; balance and alignment of research efforts between Canadian and Taiwan-based research teams.
    • Appropriateness of academic researchers’ expertise, and that of the collaborator(s), both for carrying out the planned research activities and in mentoring trainees.
Award

Acknowledging NSERC

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

Notification of results

If your application is approved for funding, you will receive an award letter and must adhere to its terms and conditions. NSTC will inform your Taiwan-based collaborator(s).

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 NSTC intend to coordinate award timing where possible. However, because each agency may have different funding cycles, it is possible that some projects will have different start and end dates.

Conditions

See above

Post-award requirements
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. You must provide a final report within three months of the end of your project. NSTC will communicate reporting requirements to your Taiwan-based 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 Taiwan-based collaborator(s) 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 may be denied.

Extension of grants

These grants will not be automatically extended. If you cannot complete your planned research activities within the specified term of your grant, you must notify NSERC. You may be permitted an additional one-year period to complete your project using existing funds. In this case, your collaborator(s) from Taiwan must inform NSTC.

Results
Funding decisions

NSERC and NSTC will jointly determine recommendation outcomes.

NSERC and NSTC will jointly fund each selected Canada–Taiwan project to support the activities of eligible researchers in Canada and Taiwan. NSERC’s contribution will be awarded as one Alliance International Collaboration grant per successful application, to be administered by the Canadian principal applicant’s institution. NSERC’s funding is intended to support the activities of the eligible Canadian researchers and must be used in accordance with the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration. Only Canadian applicants are eligible to receive funding from NSERC. The Taiwan-based collaborator(s) will be supported by NSTC.

Regulations, policies and guidelines

To ensure that the Canadian research ecosystem is as open as possible and as secure as necessary, the Government of Canada has integrated research security considerations into the development, evaluation and funding of grant applications.

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

The STRAC Policy addresses risks related to 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 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 (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 (NRO).

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

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
  • Information sessions for the NSERC-NSTC call on semiconductors and artificial intelligence
  • How to apply - Information for Taiwanese researchers (NSTC Taiwan)
Contact

Taiwan@nserc-crsng.gc.ca

Apply now