The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is pleased to announce close to $6 million in funding to support a total of 90 quantum science and engineering projects.

Through the Defence Industrial Strategy, presented in Budget 2025, the Government of Canada committed to investing further in strengthening the country’s quantum ecosystem. NSERC’s new funding advances this aim as well as the implementation of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy (NQS).

The funded projects are aligned with the three missions of the NQS, which aim to advance quantum computing, quantum communications and quantum sensing. They will enable the development of technologies to address Canada’s needs in domains such as medical imaging, monitoring the environment, sensing for security and defence applications and guiding autonomous vehicles. For example, researchers are working on the development of practical room-temperature light sources used in quantum technologies. They are also working on stronger cybersecurity methods that can protect data even in a future where quantum computers are common.

Altogether, the projects will contribute to the advanced training of more than 125 graduates and postdoctoral researchers at post-secondary institutions across Canada.

Canada’s leadership in quantum science is unlocking new opportunities for our economy and national security. With NSERC’s support for talented researchers and transformative projects, we are ensuring Canada remains at the forefront of discoveries that will revolutionize fields from medicine to computing. The government’s commitment to strengthening our quantum ecosystem will have economic and real-world benefits to Canadians for generations to come.

NSERC’s support for quantum research is driving advances in supercomputing and artificial intelligence that will enhance cybersecurity and unlock new capabilities for Canadian industries. By investing in cutting-edge quantum projects, we are empowering researchers to accelerate innovation and position Canada as a leader in digital technology. Together, we are building a resilient and forward-looking quantum ecosystem that protects and propels our nation.

Canada’s quantum researchers are global leaders, shaping cutting‑edge science into practical tools that strengthen Canada’s economic resilience and national security. By supporting these projects, the next generation of researchers gain expertise needed to ensure Canada remains a leader in this rapidly evolving field of quantum science and technologies.

• The awarded projects are supported through the following NSERC funding opportunities:
  • Alliance Quantum and Alliance Consortia Quantum supplements - $3.9M to 9 active projects involving Defence R&D Canada as a partner organisation
  • Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants - $0.8M to 31 collaborative projects
  • G7 Countries Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants - $1.25M to 50 collaborative projects
• The intention to support new quantum research in these areas was announced at the 2025 G7 Summit as well as in Budget 2025 as part of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

• Alliance Quantum recipients
• Alliance Consortia Quantum recipients
• Alliance International Catalyst Quantum recipients
• G7 Countries Alliance International Catalyst Quantum recipients
• NSERC’s Quantum funding opportunities
• Canada’s National Quantum Strategy

Media relations
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
media@nserc-crsng.gc.ca