We are seeking pre-commercial innovative prototypes that can advance the Government of Canada's readiness to assess, test, and adopt emerging quantum technologies with potential applications across sensing, communications, and computing in support of public safety, security, and prosperity.
Funding opportunity sponsor:
Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC)
Funding mechanism:
Contract
Opening date:
May 27, 2026
Closing date:
June 17, 2026, 14:00 Eastern Time
Before submitting a proposal, please read the following solicitation documents.
Overview
The Testing Stream aims to procure, test and evaluate innovative late stage pre-commercial prototypes.
The purpose of these solicitation of offers (SoOs) is to create pools of conditionally qualified innovations that Canada may select from to address a broad range of the Government of Canada organizations' requirements.
Contracts under this call for proposals can be awarded up to $2,300,000 CAD
If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a prototype that can respond to one of the problems below, apply now!
Problem statements
Quantum technologies are a growing priority for the Government of Canada (GC), with applications spanning a wide range of domains—from military and secure communications, to uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), to quantum information distribution and management, to satellite communications, and to broader public safety and security uses. Together, these applications have the potential to reinforce a safe, secure, and prosperous Canada. More information on how the GC plans to prepare for emerging quantum technologies can be found in the National Quantum Strategy, the Department of National Defence (DND), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Quantum Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy, Quantum 2030: the DND/CAF Quantum S&T Strategy Implementation Plan and Defence Innovation Secure Hubs.
The Government of Canada (GC) is soliciting proposals seeking a variety of quantum solutions that can assist the GC in the development and eventual application of quantum technologies across the fields of sensing, communication and computing. These technologies could support the growth of key sectors such as advanced materials (novel catalysts for industry, semiconductors, superconductors), photonics, computing, communications, health care (drug discovery molecular folding, imaging, disease modeling), agriculture (remote sensing, crop modeling), transportation logistics (supply chain management), finance (portfolio optimization), risk analysis, decision support, navigation, cybersecurity and more.
Although quantum computing, sensing, and communication are often treated as separate and distinct fields, it's important to recognize how deeply interconnected they are. Advances in one area frequently drive progress in the others. Quantum computing, for example, depends on precise control of quantum states—control that relies on many of the same materials and techniques used in advanced quantum sensing. Likewise, breakthroughs in sensing can directly benefit computing; methods that improve the stability of quantum sensors can also enhance qubit performance.
Quantum communication, which enables secure transmission of information over long distances, is similarly intertwined with the technologies that support quantum computing and sensing. The development of quantum networks, for instance, would make it possible to distribute quantum computing resources across vast distances.
The synergy among these three domains also opens the door to innovative applications that were previously unimaginable. Quantum sensors could increase the sensitivity of quantum communication systems, while quantum computers could strengthen quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols.
In short, the boundaries between quantum computing, sensing, and communication are increasingly blurred. Understanding their interconnected nature is essential for appreciating the full potential of quantum technologies.
Definition
Quantum sensors: A quantum sensor is a type of sensor that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to detect and measure physical parameters such as magnetic fields, temperature, pressure, gravity, and RF energy. A quantum-enabled technology used to measure a physical quantity, relying on either:
- quantum-level measurement (e.g. single-photon detection, measurement of discrete energy levels of atoms, molecules or quantum systems)
- quantized systems, (e.g. as atomic energy levels, molecular vibrations, photon energy, spin systems, quantized dots, superconducting circuits)
- quantum coherence (e.g. quantum interference) or
- quantum entanglement (the correlation of two or more particles in a manner that the state of one particle cannot be described independently of the others. Then can be "linked" in such a manner that allows for long distance correlations)
Quantum-enhanced radar: Technologies that leverage quantum effects to provide advantages in imaging over traditional radar in high noise or stealth environments. The Government is setting the definition for an effective quantum radar range from 1km to 10km to detect a variety of objects. If proposing a quantum-enhanced radar technology or component, it is not necessary for suppliers to propose a complete quantum radar system.
Quantum-enhanced LiDAR: Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing method used to examine the surface of the Earth. Quantum-enhanced LiDAR operates at the single photon level over a broad frequency range. The Government is setting the definition for an effective range from 100m to 1km to detect a variety of hidden objects. If proposing a quantum-enhanced LiDAR technology or component, it is not necessary for suppliers to propose a complete quantum LiDAR system.
Quantum magnetometers: An instrument for measuring the intensity, vector, and/or full tensor information of magnetic fields, by utilizing quantum phenomena. Quantum magnetometers are used primarily to measure the intensity and/or direction of weak magnetic fields, particularly the earth's magnetic field and its anomalies, both on the surface and at great altitudes, and also to measure the magnetic fields of planets within our solar system and in outer space. They are also used in prospecting for minerals, for magnetic core sampling, and in searching for sunken vessels. They can be used in industrial, research, healthcare, military, and security applications.
Quantum repeater: Quantum repeaters overcome the photon loss inherent to any optical communications channel and the no-cloning theorem which says that quantum information cannot be copied. A quantum repeater allows for the end-to-end transmission of qubits and entanglement.
Quantum key distribution (QKD): QKD is a protocol for creating a shared secret between two parties known only to them, which can be used for encryption and secure messaging. The communication method uses properties found in quantum physics to exchange cryptographic keys in such a way that is provable and theoretically secure.
Alternative position, navigation and timing (aPNT): aPNT refers to a suite of solutions that includes environmental sensors (external fields like magnetic and gravitational fields), inertial sensors and gyroscopes, and accompanying data fusion algorithms that enable navigation without reliance on global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as the Global Positioning System (GPS). There are commercial, military, and security applications for this technology.
Quantum computing stack: The quantum computing stack encompasses everything that lies between a user and the physical qubits. The stack performs essential functions; for instance, it facilitates user interaction, turns inputs into hardware manipulation, and corrects for numerous error sources.
Quantum computer: A quantum computer is any device for computation that makes direct use of distinctively quantum mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform operations on data. A functional quantum computer requires the holding of an object in a superposition state long enough to carry out various processes on it.
Quantum software: Any programs or applications capable of running on a quantum computer.
Outcomes
Innovations must meet at least one or more of the following outcomes to fulfill the requirements of the 4 Screening criteria evaluation grids:
Quantum sensing and quantum enabling technologies:
- Quantum sensing technologies or components with potential for application in any one or all of the following fields: defence, public safety, semiconductor quality assurance, navigation, or weather forecasting and environmental management.
- Quantum sensing hardware, software or supporting equipment that is in the prototype stage and ready for operational testing using commercially available infrastructure.
- Quantum hardware solutions including but not limited to quantum sensors; superconducting quantum circuits and circuit quantum electrodynamics solutions.
- Quantum magnetometers to detect underwater objects from the air or underwater, and to map surface magnetic fields at macroscopic and microscopic levels. This includes technologies for submarine detection, underwater warfare using magnetic sensing. Could also include magnetometers for measurement of magnetic field signals from electronics. Mixing quantum with classical sensors supported with artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) for sensing, recognizing and identifying magnetic anomalies through barriers.
- Quantum-enabled PNT using quantum magnetometry or quantum gravimetry, to lower the cost, size, weight and power and increase performance. Could include quantum technology with classical i.e. AI and ML to assist in aPNT.
- Quantum enabling technologies such as cryogenic refrigeration technology and single-photon spectrometers, atom-scale fabrication systems/components, laser cooling technologies, quantum clocks.
- Individual or collections of quantum network sensors to perform distributed quantum sensing.
Quantum-enhanced sensing technologies:
- Quantum-enhanced active or passive radar hardware components or systems including, but not limited to, quantum radio-frequency (RF) receivers, entangled RF photon sources
- Quantum-enhanced LiDAR including, but not limited to, quantum-enhanced range finding and 2D and 3D photon imaging. Could include non-line-of-sight detection, recognition, and identification.
Quantum and quantum-safe communication technologies:
- Quantum communications technologies or components with the potential for eventual application in any of the following fields: defence, telecom, aviation, or advanced manufacturing.
- Quantum communications hardware, software or supporting equipment that is in the prototype stage and ready for testing, using commercially available infrastructure.
- Quantum communications hardware with high-rate quantum light sources such as weak coherent pulsed sources, entangled photon sources, or single photon sources.
- Hardware solutions including quantum transducers (frequency converters that preserve quantum coherence).
- Secure communications solutions.
- Quantum repeaters or quantum memory solutions.
- Error correction solutions that account for both loss and operational errors in quantum communications.
- Quantum enhanced clocks, timing (time distribution).
- Transduction technology for quantum communication
Quantum computing technologies:
- Quantum technologies or components with the potential for eventual application in any one or all of the following fields: defence, energy, pharmaceutical, chemical, advanced industries (automotive, aerospace, electronics, superconductors), finance, or transport and logistics.
- Deployable quantum computing hardware, software, or supporting equipment that is in the prototype stage and ready for operational testing using commercially available infrastructure.
- Hardware solutions including but not limited to qubit hardware and gating technology; quantum firmware; hardware-aware quantum compilers/transpilers; multi-quantum computing hardware platforms; and logical-level compilation and circuit optimization technologies.
- Software solutions including but not limited to quantum algorithms and quantum error correction applications; user interface solutions; quantum-as-a-service (QAAS); and operating systems.
- Quantum resource estimation (QRE) solutions to assess the size and type of a quantum computer that would be needed with specified performance criteria (run-time).
- Solutions that account for part or all of the quantum computing stack such as environmental and qubit control.
- Quantum enabling technologies such as quantum random number generators and components to support in the fabrication and deployment of quantum technologies.
Eligibility and evaluation
Certifications
Canadian offeror
The offeror must be a Canadian offeror. A Canadian offeror is defined as a Canadian person or entity submitting an offer on its own behalf and having a place of business in Canada where the person or entity conducts activities on a permanent basis that is clearly identified by name and accessible during normal working hours.
Canadian content
At least 80% of the financial proposal costs, the total proposal price to Canada stated in "Section G – Financial Proposal," must be Canadian goods or Canadian services. For the complete definition of "Canadian goods" and "Canadian services," please refer to Annex Solicitation of Offers Definitions of the solicitation number EN578-26ISC1 on the Canada Buys Website.
Note: Canadian content compliance will also be verified and confirmed during contract negotiations.
Ownership
The offeror must be the owner of the intellectual property (IP) for the proposed innovation or hold a valid exclusive licence for the IP rights from a Canadian licensor for the proposed innovation. The offeror must also ensure that the proposed innovation does not infringe on any existing IP rights.
Pre-commercial status
The proposed innovation must not be openly available in the marketplace and must not have been previously sold on a commercial basis as of the date of the submission of the offer. Refer to the definitions of pre-commercial innovation and commercial sales at Annex Contract Definitions of the solicitation number EN578-26ISC1 on the Canada Buys website.
Note: Pre-commercial status can include the significant modification of an existing technology or processes applied in a government setting for which current applications are not possible or feasible.
Offeror presence in Canada
The offeror must meet the following minimum requirements:
- 50% or more of the offeror's full time equivalent employees must have Canada as their ordinary place of work;
- 50% or more of the offeror's annual wages, salaries and fees must be paid to employees and contractors who spend the majority of their time working in Canada;
- and 50% or more of the offeror's senior executives (Vice President and above) must have their principal residence in Canada.
These calculations must take into account affiliated businesses, such as parent companies and subsidiaries that are either in or outside of Canada.
Stage 1 – Mandatory technical criteria (MC)
MC1: Previously conditionally qualified innovation
The proposed innovation or any other versions of the proposed innovation must not have been previously awarded a contract under the Build in Canada Innovation Program (BCIP) or its predecessor, the Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program (CICP), nor under the ISC Testing Stream.
The proposed innovation or any other versions of the proposed innovation must not currently be active in a pool of conditionally qualified innovations. A proposed innovation that is currently active in a pool will be considered only if the offer validity period for that offer has expired or the offeror has withdrawn their innovation from the relevant pool, prior to the solicitation closing date and time.
Offerors are limited to submit only one (1) offer per problem statement. If the proposed innovation is similar or identical to an innovation previously submitted by the offeror that is currently active in a pool and has not been withdrawn prior to solicitation closing, the following assessment will be used to determine sufficient difference to proceed.
| Pass |
Sufficiently different
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|---|---|
| Fail |
Not sufficiently different
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Stage 2 – Screening criteria (SC)
SC1: Innovation
The offeror must demonstrate that the proposed innovation aligns with Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) definition of innovation.
The proposed innovation must meet one or more of the ISC definitions of innovation below:
- An inventionFootnote 1 , new technology or new process that is not currently available in the marketplace.
- Significant modifications to the application of existing technologies/components/processes that are applied in a setting or condition for which current applications are not possible or feasible, including government applications.
- An improvement in functionality, cost or performance over an existing technology/process that is considered state-of-the-art or the current industry best practice.
| Pass |
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|---|---|
| Fail |
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SC2: Operational readiness validation
The offeror must demonstrate that, at the time of offer submission, the proposed innovation is feasibly ready for testing in an operational environment. In other words, the proposed innovation should be at TRL 7 or above according to the ISC TRL scale
Technology Readiness Level Scale (TRL) 7 definition: Prototype system ready (form, fit, and function) for testing in an appropriate operational environment.
| Pass |
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|---|---|
| Fail |
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SC3: Risks considerations
The offeror must demonstrate that they have obtained or possess, at the time of offer submission, the certifications, the licences, and approvals required to safely deploy the proposed innovation, and that it poses no risks to individuals or the potential test partner involved in an operational test.
This is to ensure that the potential test partner is not exposed to safety or privacy risks during the conduct of the operational test.
| Pass |
At the time of offer submission:
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|---|---|
| Fail |
At the time of offer submission:
The mitigation strategies are inadequate, and significant risks remain to the test partner during the operational test. |
SC4: Scope – outcomes
The offeror must demonstrate that the proposed innovation provides a solution to the problem statement and meets one or more of the outcomes selected by the offeror.
| Pass |
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|---|---|
| Fail |
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Stage 3 – Point-rated screening criteria (PS)
PS1: Advance on state of the art
The offeror must demonstrate that the proposed innovation improves upon current approaches and state of the art, or current practices relevant to its purpose or application, in a manner that yields competitive advantages.
| 2 points |
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|---|---|
| 12 points |
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| 24 points minimum |
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| 40 points |
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PS2: Intellectual property (IP) strategy
The offeror must demonstrate a suitable IP strategy, relevant to protect IP generated by the proposed innovation and to protect the offeror. This criterion also assesses the degree to which the strategy is appropriate to support successful commercialization.
| 0 points |
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|---|---|
| 8 points minimum |
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| 12 points |
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Stage 4 – Point-rated criteria (PR)
PR1: Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) benefits
This criterion is intended to assess the degree to which the offeror has sufficient measures to effectively achieve and maintain diversity, inclusivity and gender equity within; their business, supply chain, or business ecosystem.
Score levels reflect the number of the following elements the offeror addressed in their answer:
- anti-discrimination policies
- recruitment strategy and hiring process
- training available to educate the offeror's workforce on diversity and inclusion
- how diversity and inclusion are factored into offeror's supplier selection methods
| 0 points |
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|---|---|
| 4 points |
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| 8 points |
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| 12 points |
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PR 2: Commercialization strategy
This criterion is intended for the offeror to demonstrate that they have a credible strategy to commercialize the proposed innovation.
| 0 points |
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|---|---|
| 8 points |
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| 24 points |
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| 32 points |
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In order to conditionally-qualify an offer must score a minimum of 60 points out of 96 points as a sum of all points from Stage 3 and Stage 4 criteria.
Pathway to commercialization (PTC)
Enabling the Government of Canada to buy what it tries – a Pathway to Commercialization (PTC) for eligible Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
Our new pilot project gives SMEs the opportunity to sell your innovation directly to the Government of Canada.
Through the PTC under ISC's Testing Stream, eligible SMEs can receive commercial contracts based on the successful testing and market-readiness of your pre-commercial prototype. It is important to note that this pathway will only be available to eligible Canadian SMEs, which represent over 97% of all businesses in Canada, a percentage that mirrors past participation in the program.
How will it work?
Once your initial ISC testing contract is completed, you may be eligible for PTC if your innovation is market-ready above technology readiness level (TRL 9).
You will have up to 12 months following the end of your initial ISC Testing Stream contract to apply to the PTC, at which time you will be assessed against the PTC entry criteria to determine if your innovation will be placed on a PTC source list where government departments can browse and purchase your successfully-tested innovations for up to three years
Important considerations
You must be selling the same innovation from your initial Testing Stream contract.
If you participate in the PTC, you will no longer be eligible for additional testing through the Testing Stream. Unlike PTC contracts, additional testing contracts are still considered R&D contracts, similar to the initial Testing Stream contract. Additional testing opportunities are open to all program participants, SMEs and non-SMEs.
The requirements for commercial contracts will reflect the operational needs of client departments, the nature of the innovation, as well as input from Public Services and Procurement Canada, the program's Contracting Authority.
How will SMEs be assessed?
A number of criteria will be used as part of the assessment process, including:
- financial capacity
- technology readiness
- certifications
- IP strategy
- company size
- scalability
- innovation test performance
Please read the call for proposals (CFP) for more information on the PTC.
Questions
All incoming questions regarding this specific call for proposals should be addressed to TPSGC.PASICVoletessai-APISCTestingStream.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.
A glossary is also available.