NSERC Alliance Quantum Grants
Sponsor’s Website
Visit the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) website for more information on the Alliance Quantum Grants.
Internal Contacts
Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss this funding opportunity with their Faculty Research Facilitator (FRF).
For projects requesting more than $1 million, please contact Katie Harriman, as well as your FRF.
Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Faculty deadline | Consult your Faculty Research Facilitator |
| Internal cuResearch Approval Form | July 20, 2026 |
| Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline | July 27, 2026 by 8 p.m. (ET) |
| Submission of application to NSERC | October 5, 2026 by 8 p.m. (ET) |
Overview
NSERC has launched the Alliance Quantum Grants call for proposals to support projects that advance the development and adoption of quantum technologies in Canada. Delivered under the Alliance program, this opportunity aims to reinforce and scale Canada’s domestic research capacity in quantum science and technology through multi‑sector partnerships between university researchers and organizations from the private, public or not‑for‑profit sectors.
The program supports the implementation of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy (NQS) and encourages projects that translate academic research into tangible economic, societal and security benefits. Funded projects must align with one or more of the NQS missions and contribute to strengthening Canada’s quantum ecosystem, talent pipeline and innovation capacity.
Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, provided that the project’s primary thrust advances the development or adoption of quantum technologies in one or more of the following areas:
- Quantum algorithms and encryption, including post‑quantum cryptography
- Quantum computing
- Quantum communications
- Quantum sensing
- Quantum materials
Funding Value
Grant support ranges from $100,000 to $650,000 per year for up to two years. Eligible projects may receive up to $1.3 million over the full award period.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be researchers at Canadian universities or other NSERC‑eligible institutions.
Projects must involve at least one partner organization from the private, public or not‑for‑profit sector that is actively involved in the research.
Applications may be submitted by individual researchers or teams, including multi‑institutional collaborations.
While NSERC may fund up to 100% of eligible project costs, partner organizations are required and must meet Alliance program eligibility and research partnership guidelines.
Submitting Your Application
- Submit an internal Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch. Consult the user’s manual for guidance.
- All LOIs and applications will be reviewed and submitted by Industry and Partnership Services (IPS).