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Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability
Builds Canadian nitrogen-vacancy diamond production and sensing capabilities
Funding available
$ 2,000,000
Deadline
November 27, 2026
Opened October 30, 2026
Location
Canada
Who can apply
For-profit small businesses incorporated in Canada federally or provincially.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability Challenge offers maximum funding of $300,000 in Phase 1 and $2,000,000 in Phase 2 to Canadian small businesses developing domestic NV-diamond capabilities for quantum sensing. Projects may develop NV-diamond materials for magnetometry or other NV-based sensing, alongside repeatable fabrication capabilities.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- No objectives are currently available
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Establish NV-diamond growth and defect-engineering capabilities in Canada.
- Develop NV-diamond materials and processes for magnetometry or other NV-based sensing applications.
- Develop repeatable fabrication workflows and capabilities for NV-diamond materials.
- Develop compatibility with photonic, microwave, or waveguide structures, including prototype device integration.
Documents Needed
- Challenge Stream Submission Form
- Proposal Submission Form
Sources and recorded changes
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit small businesses incorporated in Canada federally or provincially.
Eligible geographic areas
- Applicants must be incorporated in Canada, and their research and development activities must take place in Canada.
Selection criteria
- Proposals must pass all mandatory criteria, including challenge scope and essential outcomes, innovation, and the applicable TRL requirements: Phase 1 requires TRL 1 to 4; Phase 2 requires TRL 5 to 9 and demonstrated feasibility.
- Advancement over the state of the art is scored at 0, 5, 12, or 20 points; 0 points is a fail.
- Point-rated proposals must achieve at least 65 of 130 possible points (50%) to be deemed responsive.
- Point-rated criteria include additional outcomes (0, 3, 6, or 10 points); risks (0, 5, or 10); project plans (0, 10, or 20); implementation teams (0, 10, or 20); inclusivity (0, 10, or 20); and financial controls, tracking and oversight (0, 5, or 10).
- Phase 1 includes a Phase 2 overview criterion scored at 0, 5, or 10 points; Phase 2 includes a commercialization strategy criterion scored at 0, 5, or 10 points.
How to apply
- Submit a Phase 1 proposal for a solution at TRL 1 to 4, or a Phase 2 proposal for a solution at TRL 5 to 9.
- Submit through the Propose a solution application link; applicants may apply to only one Challenge Stream entry point, and proposals will be considered only for the selected phase.
Additional information
- No travel is anticipated.
- Kick-off, progress review, and final review communications will take place by telephone or videoconference.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability Program
What is the Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability?
The Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability Challenge offers maximum funding of $300,000 in Phase 1 and $2,000,000 in Phase 2 to Canadian small businesses developing domestic NV-diamond capabilities for quantum sensing. Projects may develop NV-diamond materials for magnetometry or other NV-based sensing, alongside repeatable fabrication capabilities.
How much funding can be received?
Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability Funds up to $2,000,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is November 27, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
Who is eligible for the Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability program?
To be eligible for the Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability program, you must:
The applicant must be a for-profit small business incorporated in Canada, with 499 or fewer FTE employees.
The applicant’s research and development activities must take place in Canada.
At least 50% of the applicant’s specified workforce and senior-executive location thresholds must be met.
Who can I contact for more information about the Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability?
You can contact Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Where is the Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability available?
The Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability program is available across Canada.
Is the Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Strengthening Canada’s Nitrogen-Vacancy Diamond Capability is a Grant and Funding