Updated June 2026 · Verified against National Research Council Canada (NRC) guidelines
▲ Growing Milestone-Based Est. 2022
Grant Federal Active

NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Program

National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Maximum Funding
Grant and contribution funding sized to project scope; exact...
Rolling — contact program team for current call status
Visit Official Program →
Difficulty
Hard
Payment
Milestone-Based
Trend
Growing
First-Timers
—
Co-Funding
Varies
NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Program provides grant and contribution funding sized to project scope; exact per-project ceiling not published. 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. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Eligibility check

Can you win this grant?

Get your instant eligibility verdict plus a head start on the application. Free, no account needed.

Takes about 20 seconds. We use this program’s real eligibility rules.

Want your full match picture across 650+ programs? Take the 2-minute quiz →

Eligibility & Details

What this program funds and who can apply

Free

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
Provinces
All Provinces
Industries
Quantum Technology Research Sciences AI Healthcare +1 more
Business Stage
Startup Growth Established Expansion

Quick Assessment

Difficulty
Hard
Competition
High
First-Timer
Not rated

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

Competition
High
Deadline
Ongoing
Approval
Varies
Accessibility
--/5
Competition
--/5
Approval Rate
--%
Premium See your real odds on this program — and exactly what it takes to win it.
What's in this Playbook

Everything you need to win NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Pr...

Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.

$19 covers this one program. $39/mo covers every program, plus the workspace that walks you through each application.
Get Premium — $39/mo or just this Playbook — $19 one-time

How to Win

Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like

Premium
Insider Tip

NRC challenge programs operate on a relationship-first model — cold applications are rarely successful.

Premium See what trips up most applicants for this program — and how to avoid it.

Success Profile

Premium See what successful applicants for this program actually look like.

Evaluation Criteria

Premium See exactly what reviewers score on — so you know where to focus.
Don’t lose this one to a preventable rejection
Common rejection pitfalls, what winners look like, and exactly what reviewers score on
Paid grant writers quote $2,000–$5,000 per program. Premium covers all 650+ for $39/mo.
Get Premium — $39/mo Every program · Application workspace · 30-day money-back
or just this Playbook — $19 one-time

Application Playbook

Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses

Premium 6 steps 5 docs

Application Steps

1 Reach out to program team Send an initial inquiry to the NRC Applied Quantum Computing program email to introduce your organization and technology focus. NRC will advise on fit and current collaboration opportunities.

Required Documents 5

✓ Initial expression of interest submitted via program contact email
✓ Technical project proposal describing quantum computing research focus and NRC collaboration plan

Eligible Expenses 6

Ineligible Expenses 4

Intake Periods

Deadline Notes

Ineligible Organizations

Premium Get the step-by-step application guide — documents, timeline, and what to prepare.

Applying for NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Program? Our Grant Proposal Template ($19) mirrors the section structure Canadian reviewers actually score on. Or get all 4 templates in the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27) →

Funding Stack Strategy

Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential

Premium 3 partners

Compatible Programs

NSERC Alliance Quantum Grants SR&ED Tax Credits NRC IRAP
Combined Funding Potential See your total funding potential

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Premium See which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get.

How NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Pr... Compares

Side-by-side with similar programs

Free
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 Between intakes for new...
NRC IRAP Clean Technology Program $100,000–$500,000 Hard Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) Ongoing
Strategic Response Fund (formerly Str... Minimum $10 million contribution Hard Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) Ongoing — continuous...
CanExport SMEs Up to $50,000 Moderate Mixed (Advance + Reimb.) Applications accepted...

Related Programs

Other programs you might be eligible for

Free
Forgivable Loan

Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) — Business Projects

Up to 30% of eligible costs as a performance-based loan (up... · Provincial
 Grant

FortisBC Gas Absorption Heat Pump Rebate (Commercial)

Up to $200K equipment/installation rebate + up to $10K... · Provincial
 Program

FounderFuel Accelerator

$120K CAD co-investment (equity); access to 3 VC partner... · Private

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about NRC Applied Quantum Computing Challenge Pr...

Free
Can sole proprietors apply?
No — only incorporated Canadian SMEs, academic institutions, or government partners can apply. Sole proprietors must incorporate to qualify for NRC funding.
What's the realistic funding range?
Most projects receive $100K–$350K annually for multi-year collaborations. Total project funding can exceed $1M over the program term (2022–2028).
How long does approval take?
Rolling applications — no fixed deadline. Contact NRC directly to inquire about current call status; response times vary based on program team workload.
Why do applications fail?
Lack of specific quantum expertise, failure to align with NRC's active research gaps, or proposing pure theory instead of applied quantum computing (e.g., health, climate, materials).
Can I stack with other programs?
Yes — compatible with NSERC Alliance Quantum Grants (different project phases), SR&ED (on unfunded portions), and NRC IRAP (separate R&D activities).

Browse More Funding

Federal Grants Technology Grants Healthcare Grants Clean Technology Grants Explore All Programs Take the Quiz