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

Eligibility

Eligibility
If you are a Canadian university researcher eligible to receive NSERC funds, you can apply independently or as a team with co-applicants who are also eligible academic researchers.

You may participate as the NSERC principal applicant (i.e., the Canadian project lead in the Korean application) on only one application; however, you may participate as a co-applicant or collaborator on multiple applications. Adjunct professors whose primary place of employment is in Canada while outside the university sector (e.g., government, industry or not-for-profit) may apply as co-applicants. College faculty can participate as co-applicants.

Your project must include at least one collaborator based at a Korean academic research organisation eligible to receive funding from the NRF.

NSERC will internally review the eligibility of Canadian researchers and the NRF will assess the eligibility of Korean researchers.

Eligibility for partnership
For this collaborative call for proposals, non-academic collaborators and partner organizations are not permitted.

Summary

Summary
A joint initiative between Canada and the Republic of Korea to support quantum technology research.

Description
This is a joint initiative between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF).

This funding opportunity will support bilateral research projects on quantum science and technologies to strengthen collaboration between Canadian and Korean academic researchers. Through a lead agency model, the Korean project lead will submit a single collaborative proposal on behalf of the Canadian and Korean research teams. The proposal will undergo a merit review process by the NRF, the lead agency. The Canadian project lead must submit a simplified application to NSERC on behalf of the Canadian research team.

Research objective
Quantum science is the study, manipulation and control of systems at the atomic and subatomic levels. Quantum technologies are at the leading edge of science and innovation, both in Canada and worldwide. They will support the growth and transformation of key sectors, enable new economic opportunities, revolutionize defence and security and help advance a range of benefits for society.

This funding opportunity aims to leverage the complementary interests and research expertise of Canadian and Korean academic researchers to support bilateral research projects in quantum science and technologies.
Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, but their thrust must aim to advance research in any of the following areas of quantum technologies, or a combination thereof:

• quantum algorithms/encryption, including post-quantum cryptography
• quantum communications
• quantum computing
• quantum materials
• quantum sensing

Proposals may also couple any of these quantum technology thrusts to other research topics in the natural sciences and engineering.

Proposals that do not address one or more of the quantum technology areas listed will not be considered. To identify challenges, gaps and opportunities related to quantum technologies from a Canadian perspective, Canadian applicants should consult the quantum missions and roadmaps developed in close consultation with Canada's quantum community. Korean applicants are encouraged to consult Korea's National Quantum Strategy.

Across the research and training areas in scope for this call, there are opportunities to explore how quantum technologies can enhance the privacy, security and defence of the participating countries. Grants will support non-confidential, unclassified university-based research on quantum technologies, which may include research on technologies with dual-use applications. Grants cannot support secret or classified research.

Overhead

NA

Application deadlines

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

Additional application deadlines

Full application (Korean lead) to NRF: October 7, 2026, at 18:00 (KST). Simplified application (Canadian PI) to NSERC by Program Application Deadline. This is an international call, so the internal review deadline is 10 business days before the agency.

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

RESOURCES

Reminder: The sooner the researcher engages with Research Services, the more help we can be!

Contact the following Research Service units for support with:

Projects Involving Indigenous Research:

Support with incorporating wise practices in Indigenous research, community engagement, and Indigenous data management is available through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST).

Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact Assessment, DORA:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation, community partnerships, research impact, responsible research assessment (DORA), and open science, is available through the Knowledge to Impact team.

Applicants can reach out by email to the KI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca.

For more information and access to resource archives, please visit the KI team webpage.

Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@ucalgary.ca.

EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice.

Contact edi.rso@ucalgary.ca for more information.

Research Security:

The Research Security Division is available to ensure researchers adhere to research security guidelines and policies, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) and the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).

Visit the Research Security website to learn more or contact researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.

Pre-Award Submissions:

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI
RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application