2026 Korea-Canada Joint Call for Proposals in Quantum Science and Technology

Deadline: 07-Oct-2026

The Korea-Canada Joint Quantum Science and Technology Program 2026 supports collaborative research between Korean and Canadian researchers to strengthen the competitiveness of quantum science and technology in both countries. The program provides up to KRW 300 million per year for Korean researchers and CAD 250,000 per year for Canadian researchers, with projects funded for three years from December 2026 to November 2029. What Is the Korea-Canada Joint Quantum Science and Technology Program? The program is a bilateral research initiative announced by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) to strengthen international cooperation between Korea and Canada in quantum science and technology. It is designed to bring together the complementary capabilities of Korean and Canadian research communities. The program supports collaborative projects that: - Combine Korean and Canadian research expertise. - Share complementary research capabilities and resources. - Advance quantum science and technology. - Strengthen international research networks. - Improve the competitiveness of both countries. - Generate meaningful scientific and technological outcomes. A strong proposal should therefore demonstrate a genuine bilateral research synergy, rather than simply involving researchers from both countries. What Research Areas Are Supported? The 2026 call covers several major areas of quantum science and technology. Quantum Algorithms and Encryption

Projects may address:

- Quantum algorithms. - Quantum cryptography. - Encryption technologies. - Post-quantum cryptography. - Security challenges associated with emerging quantum technologies. Quantum Communications Research can focus on technologies and systems that enable secure or advanced communication using quantum principles. Quantum Computing Projects may investigate areas related to: - Quantum computing systems. - Quantum computational methods. - Quantum algorithms. - Quantum hardware or related technologies. - Applications of quantum computing. Quantum Materials Research may focus on the development, characterization, and application of materials with properties relevant to quantum technologies. Quantum Sensing Projects may explore advanced sensing technologies that use quantum phenomena to achieve improved sensitivity, accuracy, or performance. What Makes a Strong Quantum Research Proposal? The program emphasizes clear synergies and impactful bilateral cooperation.

A strong proposal should demonstrate:

- Complementary expertise between Korean and Canadian researchers. - A clearly defined quantum research problem. - A strong scientific rationale. - Specific contributions from both countries. - Meaningful sharing of expertise or resources. - Clearly defined research objectives. - Potential scientific or technological impact. - A realistic three-year research plan. - Strong potential for continued Korea-Canada collaboration. How Much Funding Is Available? Funding is provided separately by the Korean and Canadian sides. Korean Research Funding

Korean researchers can receive up to:

KRW 300 million per year Canadian Research Funding

Canadian researchers can receive up to:

CAD 250,000 per year This is approximately US$185,000 per year for Canadian participants based on the information provided. Project Duration

Projects will run for three years:

December 2026 to November 2029 The funding structure means that researchers on each side receive support through their respective national funding mechanisms. Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility applies to researchers and institutions in both participating countries

Korean Lead Institutions For the Korean side, domestic universities in Korea can serve as lead institutions.

Collaboration may also involve:

- National research institutes. - Public research institutes. - Government-funded research institutes. Principal Investigators Principal investigators must be affiliated with organizations that are eligible to conduct national R&D programs in their respective countries. Applicants should therefore confirm that both the Korean and Canadian institutions meet the relevant national eligibility requirements before preparing the final proposal. What Is Expected From the Korea-Canada Partnership? The program is based on international research cooperation. The Korean and Canadian teams should bring complementary capabilities to the project. For example, a collaboration could combine: - Different technical expertise. - Complementary research facilities. - Specialized quantum research capabilities. - Different approaches to solving a common research challenge. - Research resources available in each country. The proposal should clearly explain why the research needs both Korean and Canadian participation. Why Does This Program Matter? Quantum technologies are developing rapidly across areas such as computing, communications, cybersecurity, materials, and sensing. International collaboration can accelerate research by allowing scientists to combine specialized expertise, infrastructure, knowledge, and resources.

The Korea-Canada program can help:

- Strengthen quantum research capabilities. - Expand international research networks. - Support advanced quantum technologies. - Encourage knowledge exchange. - Develop long-term research partnerships. - Increase the competitiveness of Korean and Canadian quantum research communities. How to Develop a Competitive Proposal Applicants should build the proposal around a clearly defined bilateral research opportunity.

Step 1: Identify a Relevant Quantum Research Area

Select a research topic that fits one or more of the eligible areas: - Quantum algorithms and encryption. - Post-quantum cryptography. - Quantum communications. - Quantum computing. - Quantum materials. - Quantum sensing.

Step 2: Establish the Korea-Canada Research Team

Identify researchers with complementary expertise in Korea and Canada.

Clearly define:

- The principal investigators. - Research team me