Updated April 2026 · Verified against PacifiCan guidelines
✨ New Program ✓ First-Timer Friendly Milestone-Based Est. 2024
Forgivable Loan Federal Active

Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI) — British Columbia

PacifiCan
Maximum Funding
$500,000 to $5,000,000 (interest-free...
Continuous intake until March 31, 2028 or funds allocated
Visit Official Program →
Difficulty
Hard
Payment
Milestone-Based
Trend
New Program
First-Timers
Friendly ✓
Co-Funding
50%
Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI) — British Columbia provides up to $500,000 to $5,000,000 (interest-free repayable contribution, up to 50% of eligible costs). Interest-free repayable contributions of $500,000 to $5,000,000 for BC businesses commercializing or adopting quantum technologies — quantum computing, sensors, and communications. The program covers up to 50% of eligible costs. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. (As of April 2026, verified against PacifiCan program guidelines)

Eligibility & Details

What this program funds and who can apply

Free

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
Provinces
British Columbia
Industries
Technology Quantum Innovation Research
Business Stage
Startup Growth Established

Quick Assessment

Difficulty
Hard
Competition
Moderate
Est. Hours
25h
First-Timer
Friendly

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

Hybrid
Competition
Moderate
Effort
~25 hours
Approval
Moderate
Accessibility
--/5
Competition
--/5
Approval Rate
--%
Premium See how this program compares on approval odds, difficulty, and competition — so you know if it’s worth your time.
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Approval likelihood, realistic amounts, competition level, and what winners look like
Consultants charge $500–$2,000 per program. This Playbook is $19.
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What's in this Playbook

Everything you need to win RQI — $19

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

Consultants charge $2,000–$5,000 per program. This Playbook is $19. Yours forever.
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Applying for RQI? Most founders end up needing more than one template — grab the Founder Pack ($59 · saves $27 vs separate) →

How to Win

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

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Insider Tip

One 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.

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

Success Profile

BC-based quantum computing startups, quantum sensor developers, and companies adopting quantum solutions for logistics, materials science, or cybersecurity applications.

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

Evaluation Criteria

Assessed on quantum technology focus, commercial viability, BC economic impact, team capability, and project feasibility.

Premium See exactly what reviewers score on — so you know where to focus.
Don’t waste 25 hours on 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. Start with the $19 Playbook first.
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Application Playbook

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

Premium 5 steps 5 docs

Application Steps

1 Confirm quantum focus Ensure project involves quantum technology commercialization or adoption.
2 Secure 50% match Confirm non-government funding sources for at least 50% of costs.
3 Apply to PacifiCan Submit application with business plan and technology assessment.
4 Assessment PacifiCan evaluates over 8-12 weeks.
5 Execute and repay Complete project; repayment begins 2 years after completion.

Required Documents 5

✓ PacifiCan application form
✓ Business plan
✓ Financial statements
✓ Technology readiness assessment
✓ Project budget with 50% non-government match

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

Funding Stack Strategy

Compatible programs, clawback risk, and combined funding potential

Premium 3 partners

Compatible Programs

IRAP SR&ED Tax Credit Innovate BC
Combined Funding Potential See your total funding potential

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

Repayable contribution — full repayment required per terms regardless of project outcome.

Premium See which programs combine with this one — and how much more you could get.
See your total funding potential across 3 programs
Stacking amounts, clawback details, government stacking limits, and tax implications
One avoided clawback typically outweighs the $19 Playbook cost by 50–100×.
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How RQI Compares

Side-by-side with similar programs

Free
Program Amount Difficulty Payment Deadline
Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI) — B... $500,000 to $5,000,000 Hard Milestone-Based Continuous intake until...
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,...
Innovative Solutions Canada up to $150,000 Hard Milestone-Based Challenge-specific — new...

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Other programs you might be eligible for

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Ontario Innovation Tax Credit

Up to 8% tax credit · Provincial

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about RQI

Free
Can sole proprietors apply?
No. Must be a for-profit company incorporated in Canada with BC operations. Sole proprietors and unincorporated entities are ineligible.
What's the typical award amount?
Most projects receive $500,000–$3,000,000. The maximum is $5M, but most grants fall below $3M for quantum tech projects.
When are decisions made?
Continuous intake with decisions made within 60–90 days of submission. Funding available until March 31, 2028 or until allocated.
Is matching funding required?
Yes, minimum 50% non-government funding. Must show at least $500k in non-government funds for a $1M project.
Why do applications fail?
Common rejections: not operating in BC, not working with quantum tech, or failing to meet 50% non-government match requirement.

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