The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supports the implementation of the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) and the development of quantum technologies 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.

Building on the Government of Canada’s recent commitment to further invest in strengthening the country’s quantum ecosystem through the Defence Industrial Strategy, new funding is now available to 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.

Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, but the proposals’ thrust must aim to advance one or more of the three 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

Applicants are encouraged to consult the mission roadmaps, developed in close consultation with Canada’s quantum community, and to align their proposed research projects with the agreed-upon actions to tackle the challenges, gaps and opportunities the roadmaps identify for each mission.

Please refer to the Alliance Quantum grants call for proposals: Advancing the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Canada for more information.

Letters of intent are mandatory and must be submitted by July 27, 2026, before 8 pm (ET). Full applications are due by October 5, 2026, before 8 pm (ET).

NSERC will host information webinars on how to submit your application for this call. If you have any questions, please contact alliance_quantumquantique@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.