Quantum science is at the leading edge of research and innovation. This emerging field will transform how we develop and design everything from life-saving drugs to next-generation batteries, and Canadian scientists and entrepreneurs are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.
The National Quantum Strategy will support Canada’s quantum sector and solidify Canada’s position among leaders in this fast-growing field.
The Strategy will guide investments along three pillars − quantum research, talent and commercialization − toward achieving three key missions, in quantum computers and software, communications and sensors. To learn more, please read Canada’s National Quantum Strategy.
Pillars
The National Quantum Strategy is underpinned by three interrelated pillars that will strengthen Canada’s quantum advantage.
Research pillar
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is offering three quantum streams of Alliance grants, supporting consortia, international and domestic quantum research.
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is launching a new program, the Quantum Research and Development Initiative (QRDI), to advance shared quantum priorities of federal departments and agencies.
Talent pillar
NSERC’s Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program is developing diverse research trainees ready to transition to Canada’s quantum workforce, with three CREATE initiatives.
New quantum work placements through Mitacs are building bridges between academia and industry, and helping develop, attract and retain quantum talent in Canada.
Commercialization pillar
Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters are furthering the adoption of made-in-Canada quantum technologies by businesses in key industries, and by public and not-for-profit entities.
Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) is moving quantum solutions toward the marketplace by matching Government of Canada clients with Canadian SMEs that are developing early stage research and development (R&D), or testing late-stage R&D.
The NRC is also advancing two quantum technology domains under the collaborative R&D model of its Challenges Program, the Quantum Sensors Challenge and the new Applied Quantum Computing Challenge.
Regional Development Agencies are supporting high-potential quantum projects and activities. Through these efforts, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Prairies Economic Development Canada and Pacific Economic Development Canada are helping Canadian quantum companies scale-up.
Missions
The National Quantum Strategy sets out three key missions to ensure Canada stays on the path of quantum innovation and leadership.
Mission: Quantum computers and software
The Quantum Computers and Software mission aims to make Canada a world leader in the continued development, deployment and use of quantum computing hardware and software to the benefit of Canadian industry, governments and citizens.
Mission: Quantum communications
The Quantum Communications mission intends to ensure the privacy and cyber-security of Canadians in a quantum-enabled world through a national secure quantum communications network and a post-quantum cryptography initiative.
Mission: Quantum sensors
The Quantum Sensors mission seeks to enable the Government of Canada and key industries to be developers and early adopters of new quantum sensing technologies.
Other Government of Canada programs
Other programs also support quantum research, talent and commercialization, including:
- Canada’s Granting Agencies: Pushing the frontiers of research, funding research excellence and fostering discovery research.
- Canada 150 and Canada Excellence Research Chair programs: Enhancing Canada’s reputation as a global leader in research and innovation.
- Canadian International Innovation Program: Supporting Canadian companies in international R&D collaborations.
- Trade Commissioner Service: Advancing international business, exports, innovation partnerships and foreign direct investment.
- Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS): Fostering innovation to solve some of Canada’s toughest defence and security challenges.
- Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP): Advising, connecting and funding Canadian SMEs as they innovate and take ideas to market.
- Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI): Investing in infrastructure across the full spectrum of research, and helping institutions attract and retain top researchers.
- Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF): Funding large projects and national innovation ecosystems to spur innovation for a better Canada.
- Express Entry and the Global Talent Stream: Helping firms secure highly skilled workers from abroad.
- Space Technology Development Program and Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission: Supporting innovative space-based technologies.
- Research Affiliate; Postdoctoral Research and Postdoctoral Fellowship programs: Enabling early-career researchers to contribute to Government of Canada priorities.
- BDC Deep Tech Venture Fund: Investing in Canadian companies working in deep tech verticals.