OTTAWA — Several Canadian quantum technology funding opportunities reached key application deadlines this week, marking the close of one of the country's latest rounds of government-backed support for quantum innovation as officials continue efforts to expand Canada's research and commercialization capacity in the sector.
Among the programs closing on June 17 was a quantum-focused funding call under the federal government's Innovative Solutions Canada initiative. The program sought proposals for late-stage, pre-commercial quantum technology prototypes with potential applications in areas including sensing, communications and computing, according to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The solicitation opened on May 27 and closed at 2 p.m. Eastern Time on June 17.
Government officials said the initiative was designed to help federal departments assess, test and potentially adopt emerging quantum technologies. The program forms part of broader efforts under Canada's National Quantum Strategy to support domestic innovation and accelerate commercialization of research outcomes.
"The Testing Stream aims to procure, test and evaluate innovative late-stage pre-commercial prototypes," the program documentation stated. Federal officials said successful applicants could be selected for testing and evaluation opportunities within government organizations.
The deadline followed several other recent quantum-related funding initiatives launched by the federal government. Earlier this year, the Department of National Defence opened a call for proposals to establish Defence Innovation Secure Hubs focused on quantum technologies and uncrewed systems. The competition, which closed in April, offered up to C$50 million in non-repayable contributions over two years, according to the department.
At the same time, additional quantum funding programs remain open. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada announced Alliance Quantum grants aimed at supporting partnerships between universities and organizations in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Letters of intent for that program are due in late July, while full applications are scheduled for October.
The Canadian Space Agency also recently launched a funding opportunity related to secure transatlantic quantum communications, with applications due in July. The agency said the initiative is intended to support the development of next-generation communications infrastructure based on quantum technologies.
Canada has identified quantum computing, communications and sensing as priority areas under its National Quantum Strategy, which seeks to strengthen research, talent development and industrial growth. Federal agencies have stated that continued investment is intended to help maintain Canada's position within the global quantum technology sector.
As of Wednesday, the federal government had not announced the number of submissions received under the quantum funding call that closed this week. Details regarding successful applicants are expected to be released following the evaluation process, officials said.
