Joint call supports multilateral and bilateral university-based research collaborations in quantum science and technologies.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada has launched an international call for proposals along with G7 states (Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States) and Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) to support quantum technology research.

The call aims to leverage complementary interests and expertise across participating G7 and Nordic countries through multilateral or bilateral collaborations. Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, provided they advance research in one or more priority areas:

• Quantum algorithms/encryption, including post-quantum cryptography.
• Quantum communications.
• Quantum computing.
• Quantum materials.
• Quantum sensing.

Applicants may also couple these areas with other topics in the natural sciences and engineering. Across the research and training scope, applicants may explore how quantum technologies can enhance privacy and security in participating countries. Supported projects must be non-confidential, unclassified university-based research. Research on technologies with dual-use applications may be included, but secret or classified research is not eligible.

International collaborators must meet the eligibility requirements of their respective national funder. NSERC will conduct an internal eligibility review for Canadian researchers, while the corresponding national agencies will assess eligibility for their researchers. Partner organisations outside academia, including industry, public sector and not-for-profit bodies are permitted but not required.

Each agency will support its national researchers in accordance with national rules and budget availability. Canadian applicants may receive support only from NSERC, and international researchers only from their own national funder.