Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI) — British Columbia
Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
Program Description
Interest-free repayable contributions of $500,000 to $5,000,000 for BC businesses commercializing or adopting quantum technologies — quantum computing, sensors, and communications. Repayment begins 2 years after project completion over 8 years monthly, no collateral required. Continuous intake through March 2028.
Eligibility Requirements
- For-profit company incorporated to conduct business in Canada
- Operates staffed facilities in British Columbia
- Commercializing or adopting quantum technologies or quantum-based solutions
- SMEs (under 500 FTE) preferred
- At least 50% of project funding from non-government sources
- Project must focus on productivity, business scale-up, technology commercialization (TRL 7-9), or ecosystem capacity building
Quick Assessment
Funding Details
- Amount
- $500,000 to $5,000,000 (interest-free repayable contribution, up to 50% of eligible costs)
- Type
- Forgivable Loan
- Level
- Federal
- Co-Funding
- Up to 50% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Continuous intake until March 31, 2028 or funds allocated
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time. Try Free for 7 Days →
How to Win
Insider tips, common pitfalls, and what successful applicants look like
Insider TipOne of very few programs globally specifically targeting quantum technology businesses. The interest-free repayable structure (2-year grace + 8-year monthly repayment, no collateral) is extremely favourable. BC's quantum ecosystem includes D-Wave, Photon Commerce, and SFU's quantum computing programs — being part of this ecosystem strengthens applications. NPOs can access non-repayable contributions for non-commercial projects.
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Success Profile
BC-based quantum computing startups, quantum sensor developers, and companies adopting quantum solutions for logistics, materials science, or cybersecurity applications.
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Evaluation Criteria
Assessed on quantum technology focus, commercial viability, BC economic impact, team capability, and project feasibility.
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
Application Steps
Required Documents 5
Eligible Expenses 4
- Quantum technology development and commercialization
- Equipment for quantum computing/sensing
- Personnel costs for quantum R&D
- Technology adoption and integration
Ineligible Expenses 3
- Land and buildings
- General operating costs
- Non-quantum technology
Intake Periods
Continuous until March 31, 2028.
Deadline Notes
Applications accepted continuously until March 31, 2028 or until all funding is allocated. Non-repayable contributions also available for non-commercial projects by NPOs.
Open Application Portal →Ineligible Organizations
- Companies outside BC
- Non-quantum technology businesses
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Funding Stack Strategy
Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential
Stacking partner data not yet available.
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskRepayable contribution — full repayment required per terms regardless of project outcome.
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How RQI Compares
Side-by-side with similar programs
| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI) — B... | $500,000 to $5,000,000 | Hard | Milestone-Based | Continuous intake until... |
| 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,... |
| Innovative Solutions Canada | up to $150,000 | Hard | Milestone-Based | Challenge-specific — new... |
| Ocean Supercluster | Up to $5 million | Hard | Reimbursement | Call-specific — no open... |
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