Deadline Date: May 14, 2026
The Quantum Leap funding program is requesting applications to support the development of innovative technologies, tools, and platforms in collaboration with large biopharmaceutical companies across Canada.
The key priorities of this program include advancing innovation from research centres and businesses, enabling SMEs and university researchers to develop impactful biopharmaceutical platforms, supporting collaboration between academia and industry, and strengthening pathways toward commercialization in the pharmaceutical sector. Projects considered have a varying budget, usually between $500,000 to $1,500,000.
Quantum Leap is designed as a funding initiative that connects Canadian SMEs and university researchers with large biopharmaceutical companies to accelerate innovation in healthcare and pharmaceutical research. The program focuses on supporting the development of solutions that are aligned with industry needs and have strong potential for real-world application.
The main objective of the program is to support the development of innovative technologies, tools, and platforms that are of interest to large pharmaceutical companies. It aims to position researchers and small and medium-sized enterprises advantageously for commercialization by fostering collaboration and applied research.
Eligible applicants include Canadian SMEs, Canadian university researchers, and public or private partnerships, with collaboration between sectors strongly encouraged. The program supports projects with flexible duration ranging from a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years, depending on the nature of the research project.
Funding decisions are based on criteria such as scientific excellence, creativity, the innovative nature of the research, and alignment with industry needs. This ensures that supported projects are both high quality and relevant to biopharmaceutical advancement.
Eligible expenses include research staff salaries, scholarships, laboratory equipment, animal-related research costs, platform development, travel, knowledge dissemination activities, intellectual property costs, and the rental or purchase of equipment under $25,000. However, expenses such as high-cost equipment above $25,000 and salaries of principal or academic co-investigators are not covered.
Overall, the Quantum Leap program plays a significant role in strengthening Canada’s biopharmaceutical innovation ecosystem by supporting research-driven solutions with strong commercial and industrial potential.
For more information, visit CQDM.
