The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is pleased to launch an international joint call on quantum technologies. The Canada–G7–Nordic call for proposals on quantum technologies aims to leverage complementary interests and research expertise across the participating G7 and Nordic countries to support multilateral or bilateral collaborative research projects in quantum science and technologies. 

Through this new initiative, NSERC plans to invest up to $19.5 million in support of Canadian researchers. The total commitment of over $40 million CAD from all participating funders will support impactful quantum research and strengthen global efforts to achieve the long-term societal benefits outlined in the Kananaskis Common Vision for the Future of Quantum Technologies.

• NordForsk, which acts on behalf of the following Nordic organizations: Innovation Fund Denmark, Research Council of Finland, Research Council of Norway and the Swedish Research Council
• Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, German Research Foundation (DFG) 
• Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
• United Kingdom Research and Innovation - Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UKRI - EPSRC)
• United States National Science Foundation (NSF) *through existing international supplement mechanism

Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, but their thrust must aim to advance 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

They may also couple any of these quantum technology thrusts to other research topics in the natural sciences and engineering.

Canadian principal applicants must submit a complete application through NSERC’s online system by September 24, 2026, before 8:00 pm (ET). International collaborators should consult their respective national funder’s instructions to determine whether they must submit a copy of the proposal or other application materials through their national funder’s process in parallel with the submission to NSERC.

NSERC will host information sessions on August 19, 11:00 am (ET) in English and 2:00 pm (ET) in French, on how Canadian researchers can participate in this funding call.

Please see the Canada–G7–Nordic call for proposals on quantum technologies for more information. For questions, please contact alliance_quantumquantique@nserc-crsng.gc.ca 

“As a world leader in quantum science and technology development, Canada is committed to strengthening its global partnerships and driving innovation that will benefit all Canadians. The launch of this international research call reflects our shared dedication to advancing quantum technologies that have the potential to revolutionize discovery and enhance our economy and security. It also demonstrates Canada’s continuing interest in strategic international partnerships at the cutting edge of quantum science.”

"By bringing together leading funders from G7 and Nordic countries, we are working towards a shared vision for the future of quantum technologies. Collaborative research across borders creates important opportunities for Canadian researchers to work with world-class partners, accelerate scientific breakthroughs and unlock the societal and economic benefits of quantum innovation." 

• In the Kananaskis Common Vision for the Future of Quantum Technologies, G7 Leaders commit to boosting international cooperation between like-minded partners to unlock the full potential of these technologies.
• Canada’s contributions to this call are guided by its National Quantum Strategy (NQS) and funded through its Defence Industrial Strategy early initiatives. The investments of other participating international funders are guided by their own national quantum strategies or priorities, as applicable.