NRC Quantum for Defence Program

Insider Tip

The NRC Quantum for Defence program sits within a broader $161M NRC quantum commitment that includes QUIN (internetworking), IoT Quantum Sensors, and Applied Quantum Computing. Defence applicants with dual-use technologies that can also serve the civilian market are reportedly viewed favourably — the mandate emphasizes sovereign capability rather than pure military-only research. Contact NRC's National Program Office early to register interest; CFP notifications can be time-sensitive and the comment-and-connect phase often precedes a formal call.

Success Profile

A Canadian quantum technology company or spinout with TRL 3–6 in quantum sensing, quantum-secured communications, or quantum computing, seeking to co-develop with NRC researchers toward a defence or dual-use deployment. Ideal applicants have existing DND relationships or understanding of defence operational requirements, and can contribute matching resources (personnel, IP, facilities) to the collaboration.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated on: (1) Scientific and technical merit of the quantum approach; (2) Relevance and specificity to Canadian defence and national security needs; (3) Team qualifications combining quantum expertise and defence domain knowledge; (4) Feasibility of proposed milestones and commercialization/deployment pathway; (5) Strength of NRC-industry or NRC-academic partnership structure and matching contributions; (6) Potential for sovereign capability development within Canada.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 8

• Salaries and benefits for research personnel assigned to the project
• Specialized quantum equipment and instrumentation
• Materials and supplies for quantum device fabrication or testing
• Subcontractor fees for specialized technical services
• Intellectual property protection costs
• Travel for collaboration with NRC research teams
• Quantum system prototyping and demonstration costs
• Collaboration and knowledge transfer activities

Ineligible Expenses 5

• General overhead and operating expenses unrelated to the project
• Marketing, sales, or business development activities
• Commercial deployment infrastructure beyond demonstration scale
• Activities completed before project approval
• Lobbying or government relations activities

Intake Periods

Rolling CFP schedule anticipated through 2026-27. No intake has opened as of April 2026. Program was announced March 2026.

Deadline Notes

The program was announced March 2026 as part of Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy. As of April 2026, no specific call for proposals has opened. NRC has indicated a rolling CFP schedule will be released through 2026-27. Monitor NRC's program page and Canada.ca defence announcements for call release dates. Contact NRC directly to register interest and be notified of CFPs.

Ineligible Organizations

• Non-Canadian entities without a Canadian subsidiary
• Organizations with no quantum technology capability

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Standard NRC collaborative R&D clawback provisions apply if project deliverables are not met or if the Canadian industry partner relocates key activities outside Canada during the agreement term.