NSERC – NRF Quantum Technologies Bilateral Research Call (Canada)

Deadline: 07-Oct-2026

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) are inviting Canadian and Korean academic researchers to submit collaborative proposals for bilateral research projects in quantum science and technologies. The initiative provides up to $750,000 per project from NSERC for eligible Canadian researchers, supporting three-year projects that strengthen international research collaboration and advance quantum technology. What Is the NSERC–NRF Joint Quantum Research Program? The NSERC–NRF Joint Quantum Science and Technology Research Program is designed to bring together research expertise from Canada and Korea to address important challenges in quantum science. The program recognizes the complementary strengths of both countries and encourages researchers to work collaboratively on emerging quantum technologies with strong potential for scientific and technological advancement. Projects may focus on a single quantum research area or combine multiple areas where interdisciplinary collaboration can strengthen the proposed research. What Research Areas Are Supported? Proposals may address challenges across a broad range of quantum science and technology fields.

Eligible research areas include:

- Quantum algorithms and encryption - Post-quantum cryptography - Quantum communications - Quantum computing - Quantum materials - Quantum sensing Applicants may develop projects around one research area or integrate several areas into a collaborative research program. How Much Funding Is Available? NSERC will provide up to $750,000 per project, equivalent to $250,000 per year for three years, to support eligible Canadian applicants. The overall NSERC budget for the call is up to $3 million. It is anticipated that approximately four projects will be funded. However, the final number of awards and funding amounts will depend on the availability of funds. What Is the Project Duration? Successful bilateral research projects are expected to run for three years. The three-year structure is intended to provide Canadian and Korean research teams with sufficient time to develop collaborative research, conduct investigations, exchange expertise, and advance research outcomes in quantum science and technologies. Who Can Apply? The program is intended for academic researchers in Canada and Korea working together on a joint quantum science and technology research project.

Canadian applicants must:

- Be researchers affiliated with an eligible Canadian institution or university. - Develop the project collaboratively with a Korean research team. - Meet the applicable NSERC eligibility requirements. - Participate in a genuine bilateral research collaboration. The Korean research team must work with an eligible Korean project lead under the requirements established by NRF. How Does the Canada–Korea Collaboration Work? A key feature of the program is its bilateral research structure. Canadian and Korean researchers are expected to develop a joint project that demonstrates meaningful collaboration between the two research teams. The research should make use of complementary expertise, facilities, methodologies, or capabilities available in the two countries. A strong proposal should therefore demonstrate why the project is best conducted through Canada–Korea collaboration rather than by researchers working independently. What Is the Lead Agency Model? The application process uses a lead agency model. Under this arrangement, the Korean project lead submits a single collaborative proposal on behalf of both the Canadian and Korean research teams. This approach is intended to simplify the process of submitting a bilateral research proposal while allowing the participating funding agencies to evaluate the project according to their respective requirements. Canadian researchers should therefore coordinate closely with their Korean collaborators when preparing the joint proposal. What Should a Strong Research Proposal Demonstrate? A competitive proposal should clearly explain: - The quantum science or technology challenge being addressed. - The scientific objectives of the project. - The research methodology. - The expected contribution to quantum science. - The expertise of the Canadian and Korean research teams. - Why collaboration between the two countries is important. - How the researchers’ complementary capabilities will be used. - The expected research outcomes and potential impact. - How the project will progress over the three-year period. The proposal should present a coherent research program rather than simply combining two independent national projects. Why Is Quantum Research Important? Quantum science and technology is an emerging field with applications across computing, communications, cybersecurity, materials science, and sensing. Research in areas such as quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing, quantum materials, and post-quantum cryptography can contribute to the development of new scientific capabilities and future technologies. International collaboration can further strengthen this research by allowing scientists to combine specialized knowledge, infrastructure, research methods, and technical expertise. Why the Canada–Korea Partnership Matters The program is designed around the complementary research strengths of Canada and Korea. Collaborative projects can help researchers: - Exchange specialized knowledge. - Develop new international research partnerships. - Combine complementary research capabilities. - Advance innovative quantum technologies. - Strengthen international research networks. - Produce new scientific knowledge. - Build foundations for future research and innovation. The bilateral model can also create opportunities for longer-term cooperation between Canadian and Korean research institutions. How to Prepare an Application

1. Identify a Relevant Quantum Research Challenge

Select