Quantum Internetworking Challenge Program
Funds quantum networking initiatives through NRC with Canadian partners, advancing quantum materials, interconnects, and demonstration systems for future secure networks.
The Quantum Internetworking Challenge Program is an NRC Challenge stream under CSTIP focused on the building blocks of a future Canadian quantum internet. It supports work that links quantum sensing, computing, and communications technologies across scales from on-chip systems to metropolitan and national networks. The program can fund up to $500,000 per project and uses annual calls. It is open to Canadian SMEs, universities, research institutions, and not-for-profit organisations, with international collaborators allowed when their participation clearly benefits Canada. Projects must include NRC researchers, are expected to use a consortium approach, and are aimed at applied research in quantum materials, components, transducers, interconnects, and network demonstrations. The program is not aimed at exploratory or purely fundamental research without a clear connection to quantum networking. The strongest applications show why the work matters for downstream network systems, why the chosen materials or components are the right bottleneck to solve, and how the project will move from device-level progress to a credible network demonstration or capability that matters to Canada.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Annual.