The Canada-G7-Nordic Call for Proposals on Quantum Technologies supports international collaborative research in quantum science and technologies, bringing together researchers from the UK, Canada, G7 nations, and Nordic countries to develop world-leading partnerships and advance quantum innovation.

Overview

This funding opportunity is led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in partnership with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), NordForsk, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The programme aims to strengthen international cooperation and accelerate the development of quantum technologies that can drive economic growth, enhance security, and deliver societal benefits.

Proposals must include researchers from both the UK and Canada as a minimum and may also involve researchers from the US, Japan, Germany, and the Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway).

Funding and Benefits

• Total fund: £3,000,000
• Maximum award: £500,000 (full economic costing) for the UK project component
• Funding rate: EPSRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC)
• Duration: Up to 36 months
• Number of awards: Six to seven collaborations are expected to be funded
• Start date: Projects must start by 31 March 2027

Eligibility

UK applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. Standard UKRI eligibility rules apply. UK-based researchers can apply for up to £500,000 FEC for the UK component of the application.

The Canadian principal applicant will submit a single collaborative proposal on behalf of the Canadian and international research teams. Each Canadian research team can submit only one application to this funding opportunity. Canadian researchers may participate as an applicant on only one application but may be a co-applicant or collaborator on multiple applications.

The UKRI-RCN Money Follows Cooperation Agreement and the UKRI-IIASA agreement do not apply to this funding opportunity. International collaborators who are not eligible to receive funding through this opportunity may be included as project partners if applicable.

Uninvited resubmissions of projects that have been submitted to UKRI or any other funder will not be accepted.

Research Areas

Proposals must focus on advancing one or more of the following key areas:

• Quantum algorithms and encryption (including post-quantum cryptography)
• Quantum communications
• Quantum computing
• Quantum materials
• Quantum sensing

Proposals may integrate these thematic areas with broader topics in the natural sciences and engineering. Projects that do not address at least one of these areas are out of scope. The funding opportunity supports non-confidential, unclassified, university-based research, including work with potential dual-use applications.

The following will not be funded:

• Equipment above £25,000 per item
• Doctoral studentships

Application Process

Canadian principal applicants must submit a complete application through NSERC’s online system. EPSRC does not require UK-based researchers to submit a copy of the proposal in parallel.

To apply, the Canadian principal applicant should:

• Log in to NSERC’s online system and choose Create a new Form 101
• Select ‘Research partnerships programs’, then ‘Alliance Grants’
• For the Proposal type field, select ‘Full proposal’
• For the Type of call field, select ‘International-Collaboration-G7-Nordic-Quantum’ from the drop-down menu
• Follow the instructions for completing a grant application specific to this funding opportunity

All documents in the application should follow NSERC’s online presentation and attachment standards. NSERC will screen all applications to ensure they are complete and adhere to the program requirements and objectives.

NSERC will conduct the merit review of proposals via an expert panel. With input from participating funders, the panel will assess applications according to the NSERC merit evaluation criteria and make funding recommendations. NSERC, DFG, JST, EPSRC, and NordForsk will jointly determine funding recommendation outcomes. After these awards are made, NSF will make its funding decisions on supplementary US components.

Projects with UK participants recommended for funding will be invited to submit their application through the UKRI Funding Service. This step is procedural only and will not involve further scientific assessment.

Deadline and Timeline

• Publication date: 27 July 2026
• Opening date: 27 July 2026, 2:00pm UK time
• Webinar: 19 August 2026, 4:00pm UK time (register via the NSERC funding opportunity page)
• Closing date: 24 September 2026, 1:00am UK time (8:00pm Eastern Time)
• Assessment timeline: Approximately three months
• Invitations for UK teams: Expected in January 2027
• Project start: By 31 March 2027

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Institutions may set an earlier internal deadline; applicants should contact their research grants office to confirm.

Contact Information

For questions about the funding opportunity, remit, or eligibility criteria for UK-based applicants, contact: quantumtechnologies@epsrc.ukri.org

For further information on the scope of the opportunity, eligibility requirements, participating countries, and application process, visit the NSERC funding opportunity page for the Canada-G7-Nordic call for proposals on quantum technologies.