The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supports the implementation of the NQS through funding opportunities that build on NSERC ’s sustained investments in quantum research. The NQS and the results of the associated consultations held by the Government of Canada informed these funding opportunities.
Alliance International Quantum grants provide support for researchers in Canada to establish and grow international research collaborations that will strengthen research excellence in Canada and abroad, and further develop Canadian research strengths and leadership in quantum science and technology. Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants provide up to $25,000 for one year to support Canadian academic researchers in initiating and developing research collaborations with international researchers from the academic sector in the areas of quantum science and quantum technologies.
Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, but their thrust must aim to advance one or more of the NQS missions by advancing 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
Proposals may also synergistically couple any of these quantum technology thrusts to other research topics in the natural sciences and engineering. Proposals that do not address one or more of the NQS missions may be removed from consideration; see the Important note below for additional information on what to include in your proposal.
The complete program information and guidelines governing Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants are provided on the Alliance International grants web pages. Potential applicants should review this material for details pertaining to the eligibility criteria for applicants, application limits, the review process and merit indicators, award conditions and instructions for preparing your application.
How to apply
You can apply at any time up until March 31, 2024. As this is a continuous intake process, applications will be assessed upon receipt, and funding decisions will be communicated within 5 to 9 weeks from the date NSERC receives the complete application. You and any Canadian co-applicants must hold, as a primary applicant, an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant at the time of application. For this call, you are limited to one application as either applicant or co-applicant. This limit applies to Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants and does not count against application limits for other Alliance International grants or calls.