NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Program
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
A collaborative R&D challenge program run by the National Research Council of Canada from 2022 to 2028, funding applied quantum computing research in partnership with industry and academia. The program supports the development and adoption of quantum computing algorithms, hardware, and applications across sectors including human health, climate science, and advanced materials. Eligible collaborators — including SMEs, academic institutions, and other government partners — can access grant and contribution funding to defray research costs in joint projects with NRC researchers. The program is part of NRC's $161 million quantum commitment and is housed within the Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre.
Eligibility Requirements
- Canadian SMEs, academic institutions, and other eligible organizations
- Must be willing to collaborate with NRC researchers on applied quantum computing projects
- Projects must address applied quantum computing (algorithms, hardware, applications) rather than pure quantum physics theory
- Government agencies and Crown corporations may also participate as collaborating partners
- Project must align with program focus areas: human health, climate change, advanced materials, and other quantum application domains
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- Grant and contribution funding sized to project scope; exact per-project ceiling not published
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Federal
- Deadline
- Rolling — contact program team for current call status
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Everything you need to win NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Pr... — $19
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 5-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 6-step application timeline with prep hours per step
- Insider tip from program officers on what separates winners
- 3-program stacking strategy to combine with compatible funding
- Success profile + evaluation criteria — exactly what reviewers score on
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipNRC challenge programs operate on a relationship-first model — cold applications are rarely successful. Start with an email to the NRC program contact listed on the challenge program page to introduce your organization and technology. NRC researchers have specific gaps they need to fill through industry collaboration; the best applications are those that directly complement an active NRC research agenda. If you are also working with a university, a joint proposal with an academic partner strengthens the application significantly.
Success Profile
A Canadian quantum computing startup or scaleup with specific expertise in quantum algorithms, error correction, photonic hardware, or quantum application development, seeking co-development access to NRC lab infrastructure and researcher expertise. Also suits university spinouts and established deep-tech firms with a quantum product roadmap.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals are assessed on technical merit and novelty of the quantum computing research, the strength of the proposed collaboration with NRC researchers, the applicant's quantum expertise and track record, the potential for commercialization or application of outcomes, and alignment with NRC's program focus areas (health, climate, materials). National benefit and Canadian IP development are secondary criteria.
Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 5
Eligible Expenses 6
- Salaries and benefits for researchers working on the quantum computing project
- Research materials and consumables
- Specialized quantum computing equipment or access costs
- Travel related to collaboration with NRC researchers
- Knowledge translation and commercialization activities
- Subcontracting to qualified research partners
Ineligible Expenses 4
- Purely theoretical physics research without applied computing outcomes
- General business operating expenses unrelated to the project
- Capital infrastructure not directly tied to the research project
- Expenses duplicated by SR&ED claims on the same activity
Intake Periods
No fixed intake periods. The program runs 2022–2028 with ongoing opportunities for collaboration. Contact the program team to learn about current collaboration openings.
Deadline Notes
The program runs 2022–2028 with episodic calls for collaboration. There is no fixed annual deadline. Interested organizations should contact the program team directly to inquire about current and upcoming collaboration opportunities.
Ineligible Organizations
- For-profit companies without genuine applied quantum computing expertise
- Non-Canadian entities
Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskNRC collaboration agreements typically include provisions for recovery of funds if project milestones are not met, IP obligations are breached, or the organization fails to maintain eligibility. Terms vary by agreement.
How NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Pr... Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challen... | Grant and contribution funding... | Hard | Milestone-Based | Rolling — contact... |
| NSERC Alliance Quantum Grants — SME P... | $100K–$650K | Hard | Milestone-Based | LOI due July 27, 2026;... |
| NRC IRAP Clean Technology Program | $100,000–$500,000 | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing |
| Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... | Up to $50 million | Hard | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Ongoing — continuous... |
| CanExport SMEs | Up to $50,000 | Moderate | Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) | Next deadline: May 29,... |
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