Skip to content Skip to institutional links

Common menu bar links

Alliance International Quantum grants

Please note that the application deadline has been extended to February 15, 2023.

Overview
Value and duration	Up to $25,000 for one year.
Application deadline	Applications will be accepted anytime up until February 15, 2023. Applications will be batched according to when they are received: April 1, 2022 to June 15, 2022 June 16, 2022 to August 31, 2022 September 1, 2022 to November 14, 2022 November 15, 2022 to February 15, 2023 Funding decisions will be communicated on a quarterly basis.
How to apply	Form 101 – Application for a grant Form 100A – Personal data form with CCV attachment The grant application (form 101) and supporting documents, including form 100A for the applicant and all co-applicants, and the international collaborator(s) biosketch(es) must be uploaded through NSERC’s online system. See below for detailed instructions.
For more information	Email alliance_quantumquantique@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.

Background

Quantum science is the study, manipulation and control of systems at the atomic and subatomic level. Quantum technologies are at the leading edge of science and innovation, both in Canada and worldwide. They will support the growth and transformation of key sectors, enable new economic opportunities, and help advance a range of benefits for society. Canada is a leader in quantum research, and Canadian scientists are well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities.

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. The results of the consultations held by the NQS Secretariat informed these funding opportunities.

Alliance International Quantum grants will 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. Using NSERC’s newly launched Alliance International Catalyst grants, Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants will 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. It is expected that approximately 100 Catalyst Quantum grants will be awarded in fiscal year 2022–23. These grants will serve as the foundation for larger partnerships in later years.

Proposals must focus on any of the following areas of quantum technologies:

quantum algorithms/encryption
quantum communications
quantum computing
quantum materials
quantum sensing

Collaborations that synergistically couple any of these quantum technology thrusts to other research topics in the natural sciences and engineering would be accepted.

The complete program information and guidelines governing Catalyst Quantum grants are provided on the Alliance International grants website. 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 February 15, 2023. You and any Canadian co-applicants must hold, as a primary applicant, an active NSERC peer-reviewed grant at the time of application. Under this initiative, you are limited to one application as either applicant or co-applicant.

To start your application

log in to the online system and choose Create a new form 101
select Research partnerships programs, then Alliance grants
for the Proposal type field, select Full proposal
for the Type of call field, select International - Catalyst - Quantum from the drop-down menu

Following the instructions for completing an Alliance International application, fill out the proposal template and complete the other sections of your application.

*Important note:

Under Relevance and expected outcomes in the proposal template, you should

outline the objectives of the proposed international collaboration, and explain the potential outcomes and impacts
explain how the international collaboration will address important research challenges in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE) disciplines as well as in quantum science and/or technologies, and further develop areas of Canadian strength and leadership
describe the global importance of the topic and how the expected outcomes could benefit Canada

Complete the other sections of your proposal as per the instructions and bullets provided in the proposal template.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

NSERC is acting on the evidence that achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential to creating the excellent, innovative and impactful research necessary to advance knowledge and understanding, and to respond to local, national and global challenges. This principle informs the commitments described in the Tri-agency statement on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Applicants are encouraged to consider sex, gender and diversity in the project’s research design. Diversity and gender equity should also be considered when developing the research team and considering how to promote and support a variety of forms of mentoring to ensure trainees’ equitable participation and growth. Applicants should refer to the Guide for applicants: Considering equity, diversity and inclusion in your application for more information.

Reporting

You will be informed of reporting requirements upon reception of your award letter. You must provide a final report within three months of the end of your project. Please refer to the Alliance International Post-award page for additional information.

Terms and conditions

At all times, Canadian researchers are encouraged to exercise appropriate levels of due diligence when managing their research and establishing and/or continuing partnerships with national, international and multinational organizations. Resources to do so are provided by the Government of Canada on the Safeguarding Your Research portal, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships. NSERC reserves the right to request additional information, as needed, before making a final funding decision.