Deadline Date: July 02, 2026
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) is seeking innovative solutions to advance quantum repeater technologies that support long-distance quantum communication and multi-node quantum networks, helping to build future quantum networking infrastructure in Canada.
The opportunity focuses on demonstrating the potential to surpass the direct-transmission limit for a chosen quantum channel, developing or modeling viable heralded quantum memory systems, demonstrating or planning entanglement-swapping capability through Bell-state measurements or equivalent processes, and establishing practical channel-compatible interfaces that support wavelength compatibility, coupling strategies, emission and detection pathways, and mitigation of channel loss.
Quantum repeaters are considered a critical component of future quantum networks because they enable entanglement distribution over distances where direct quantum transmission becomes impractical due to channel loss. While significant advancements have been achieved in individual technologies such as quantum memories, entangled photon generation, and entanglement-swapping protocols, achieving complete repeater-level performance remains a major challenge globally. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of quantum repeater architectures and prototypes that build upon Canada’s strengths in academic research, photonics, quantum hardware, and networked quantum systems.
The challenge is structured in two phases. Phase 1 supports early-stage feasibility studies with funding of up to CAD 250,000 for projects lasting up to six months, with an estimated two grants expected to be awarded. Phase 2 supports the development of integrated prototype systems with funding of up to CAD 3,000,000 for projects of up to twenty-four months, with an estimated one grant anticipated.
Eligible applicants must be for-profit small businesses incorporated in Canada, either federally or provincially, with 499 or fewer full-time equivalent employees. Research and development activities must take place in Canada, and applicants must satisfy requirements related to Canadian employment, compensation, workforce presence, and executive residency.
Multiple grants may be awarded through this challenge to support the advancement of quantum repeater technologies and contribute to the development of scalable quantum networks and distributed sensing capabilities.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
