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NSERC and the NRC launch a collaborative funding opportunity to advance the industrial readiness of quantum sensing technologies

Program news Professors Students Alliance

January 10, 2024

Canada’s National Quantum Strategy (NQS) aims 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. It guides investments along three pillars − quantum research, talent and commercialization − toward achieving three key missions, in quantum computers and software, communications and sensors.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supports the implementation of the NQS through funding opportunities that advance domestic multisectoral partnerships, the development of talent, and international collaborations in quantum research and innovation. The National Research Council Canada (NRC) supports the NQS through internal programs, interdepartmental projects and collaborative research Challenge Programs, including the Internet of Things: Quantum Sensors Challenge program (QSP), which received NQS funding under the commercialization pillar through the Collaborative Science and Technology Innovation Program (CSTIP).

NSERC and the NRC are partnering through Alliance Quantum grants to launch a call for proposals to strengthen Canada's quantum research and innovation capacity in quantum sensing and advance the development and application of technologies in this domain for the benefit of Canadians. Alberta Innovates and the Canada Foundation for Innovation are also participating in this call for proposals through the provision of additional support toward projects.

Funding will support R&D partnerships among university researchers, NRC researchers and for-profit small- or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which are federally and/or provincially/territorially incorporated in Canada. Other organizations from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors may join such partnerships.

NSERC will provide support toward eligible research costs incurred by the academic team. Through CSTIP, the NRC will provide contribution funding to the participating Canadian SME(s). Together, the two agencies will provide an envelope of up to $12 million over three years.

Please refer to the call for proposals for more information. Applications will be accepted until 8 pm (Eastern Time) on June 14, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact alliance_quantumquantique@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.

Information webinars

Information webinars on this call for proposals will be held on the dates and at the times listed below. Sessions will be available in both English and French.

• English sessions

  Webinar ME1: February 1, 2024, from 1 pm to 3 pm (ET)
  Join meeting; Meeting number: 2771 086 7775; Password: tjKrvPfy338

  Webinar ME2: February 9, 2024, from 1 pm to 3 pm (ET)
  Join meeting; Meeting number: 2774 080 2745; Password: teXp3a2ND7e

• French sessions

  Webinar MF1: February 2, 2024, from 1 pm to 3 pm (ET)
  Join meeting; Meeting number: 2771 739 5474; Password: 92nVcV3mUmW

  Webinar MF2: February 8, 2024, from 1 pm to 3 pm (ET)
  Join meeting; Meeting number: 2771 330 3138; Password: F9f3kDjNWe9