Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

In Budget 2021, Canada committed to launch a National Quantum Strategy (NQS) to amplify Canada's significant strengths in quantum research; grow its quantum-ready technologies, companies and talent; and solidify Canada's global leadership in this area. 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.

Alliance Consortia Quantum grants will support the development of large-scale domestic research collaborations in quantum science and technology by enhancing synergy across Canada's regional quantum research and innovation hubs, with the additional aim to connect with industrial applications and government needs. These grants will enable collaborations between university researchers and partner organizations from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. This funding opportunity will be delivered through calls for proposals, of which Supporting coordinated quantum research and innovation across Canada is the first.

Proposals submitted in response to the present call must be for projects that require a large-scale coordinated approach, beyond any one of Canada's regional quantum hubs, to develop and apply quantum technologies that will benefit Canada. Proposals may focus on areas of sectoral growth, or they may address major national challenges. They may span theory and experiment, and foster collaborations across quantum research areas. 

Eligibility 

If you are a Canadian university researcher who is eligible to receive NSERC funds, you can apply with a team of co-applicants who are also eligible academic researchers.

Your research team must include eligible academic researchers from universities located in two or more of Canada's regional quantum research and innovation hubs. The team may also involve eligible academic researchers from universities outside these hubs.

The regional quantum research and innovation hubs are the following geographic areas:

• Greater Vancouver area, British Columbia
• Calgary-Edmonton corridor, Alberta
• Waterloo-Toronto-Ottawa corridor, Ontario
• Montreal-Sherbrooke-Quebec City corridor, Quebec

While NSERC will cover 100% of the project's eligible costs, you must have at least one partner organization (in the private, public or not-for-profit sector) whose cash contributions would be recognized for cost sharing, had there been any required. You may include other partner organizations that play an important role in your research project, whether or not their cash contributions would be recognized for cost sharing, had there been any required. At least one partner organization must have the ability to exploit the project's research results.

Amount 

$500,000 to $1 million for 3 to 5 years

Website

NSERC - Alliance Consortia Quantum grants (nserc-crsng.gc.ca)

Deadline 

October 16, 2023