Regional Quantum Initiative (RQI) — British Columbia
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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
- Financing share
- 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
Everything you need to secure RQI
Not a marketing summary. The actual checklist, intel, and stack strategy reviewers look for.
- 5-document checklist with what each reviewer is actually checking
- 5-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 lenders look for
How to qualify
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.
Success Profile
BC-based quantum computing startups, quantum sensor developers, and companies adopting quantum solutions for logistics, materials science, or cybersecurity applications.
Evaluation Criteria
Assessed on quantum technology focus, commercial viability, BC economic impact, team capability, and project feasibility.
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
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
Compatible Programs
Clawback Risk
Medium RiskRepayable contribution — full repayment required per terms regardless of project outcome.
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... |
| 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... |
| Innovative Solutions Canada | up to $150,000 | Hard | Milestone-Based | Challenge-specific — new... |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions founders most often ask about RQI