NRC Quantum Internetworking (QUIN) Challenge Program

Following the highly successful NRC–Waterloo Workshop on Quantum and Nanotechnologies held in November 2025, we are pleased to share an exciting next step in our growing collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC).

As a direct outcome of the strong engagement and research alignment demonstrated during the workshop, the NRC has launched a new Call for Proposals under the Quantum Internetworking (QUIN) Challenge Program. This national program aims to advance Canada’s capabilities in networked quantum devices and to foster deep, mission‑driven collaboration between NRC researchers, academia, and industry partners.

We strongly encourage WIN members, particularly those who participated in the November workshop, as well as other interested researchers, to consider submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a collaborative project with NRC colleagues. This call represents an excellent opportunity to build on the momentum established through recent joint activities and to further strengthen Waterloo’s leadership in quantum and nanotechnology research.

About the QUIN Challenge Program

The QUIN Challenge Program seeks to overcome key scientific and engineering barriers to building robust, scalable quantum networks. Its mission is to make quantum networking a practical reality by:

• Linking quantum devices through entanglement
• Integrating quantum technologies with telecommunications infrastructure
• Enabling new capabilities in quantum computing, sensing, and communication

Over the next seven years, QUIN will support collaborative research advancing the materials, components, interconnects, and systems needed for the future quantum internet. The program aligns closely with Canada’s National Quantum Strategy and supports international collaboration with G7, NATO, and FVEY partners.

Scientific Themes in Scope

• Applied Quantum Materials and Integration
• Quantum Components and Devices (e.g., photon sources, detectors, repeaters)
• Interfaces, Transducers, and Interconnects
• Systems Integration and Network Demonstrations

Submission Details

• EOI Deadline: April 2, 2026
• Selected EOIs will be invited to submit full proposals for external peer review
• Project start: anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027

Full call details, including objectives, priority areas, and performance benchmarks, are available through the NRC.

Information Sessions & NRC Showcase

To support potential applicants, the QUIN team will host several virtual events, registration will happen by Zoom:

• QUIN Information Session:

  • February 4, 2026
  • February 5, 2026

• NRC QUIN Showcase:

  • February 12–13, 2026
    NRC researchers will present program-aligned research directions, facilities, and capabilities.

• Additional QUIN Sessions (if required):

  • March 11 and March 18, 2026

If you have questions or require clarification, please contact:
NRC.QuantumInternetworking-Interreseautagequantique.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

We look forward to seeing innovative and impactful proposals that will continue to advance Canada’s quantum ecosystem.