Canadian Quantum Technology Innovation R&D Partnering Delegation to South Korea

Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the Embassy of Canada to the Republic of Korea, and in collaboration with the National Quantum Strategy Secretariat in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), invites you to apply to participate in the "Canadian quantum technology innovation R&D partnering delegation to South Korea" under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP).

This Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in person from June 29 to July 4, 2026, in South Korea.

Interested companies must apply no later than April 12, 2026.

The objective of the delegation is to develop co-innovation partnerships between Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) in the quantum sector, and South Korean organizations. The delegation will support the development of the following technologies:

• quantum computers and software
• quantum communications
• quantum sensors 
• quantum materials

• validation of the suitability of Canadian technology to the South Korean market
• adaptation of Canadian technology to meet the South Korean market characteristics
• joint development of new products and/or services by combining Canadian and South Korean technologies

Canadian companies applying to take part in the delegation should meet the following requirements:

• be profit-oriented, SMEs incorporated in Canada
• have previous experience in commercializing technology for domestic and/or international markets
• have the capacity and interest to co-develop technology with South Korean partners
• be committed to expanding activities to the South Korean markets
• have sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake a multi-year co-innovation project and commercialize the results

• Pre-arranged one-on-one B2B meetings between Canadian quantum companies and:
  • Korean companies
  • research centres
  • venture capitals and other innovation players
• Networking opportunities with Korean quantum ecosystem players, including technology developers, quantum technology adopters and tech investor
• Pre-departure briefing session on the Korean quantum ecosystem, program overview and doing business in Korea
• Site visits to Korean companies and/or research centres in the quantum technology field
• Participation in Quantum Korea, an annual event dedicated to promoting the quantum technology and accelerating its application in key industries

• June 29: Group briefing (program update and presentation on IP protection)
• June 30: Canada-Korea Quantum Innovation Forum (with pre-arranged B2Bs)
• July 1: Site visits, networking activities
• July 2 to 4: Participation at Quantum Korea  

South Korea released its first comprehensive national plan for quantum science and industry in January 2026, building on the Quantum Technology Industry Act (2025) and the National Quantum Strategy (2023). The Plan leverages Korea’s globally recognized strengths in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and telecommunications to position the country as a leading hub in the rapidly evolving quantum innovation landscape.

South Korea aims to become the world’s top quantum chip manufacturing nation by 2035. The Korean government will launch a national Quantum Technology Council, with major Korean industry leaders expected to play central roles. The government has also launched several initiatives focused on key areas of quantum technology:

• Creating a national Grand Challenge to accelerate quantum processor development
• Encouraging innovation through industry-led use case competitions that integrate quantum and AI to tackle complex problems in the following sectors:
  • automotive
  • pharmaceuticals
  • finance
• Establishing a hybrid research infrastructure that connects quantum computers with supercomputers and AI platforms

• Building a nation-wide quantum encrypted communication network
• Prioritizing early deployment in high security sectors such as defense and finance

• Driving rapid commercialization of sensing technologies with applications in:
  • medical diagnostics
  • defense
  • other high impact fields

The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs for up to 50% of eligible expenses that include, but are not limited to:

• economy class airfare
• local transportation
• accommodation
• per diem
• conference registration fees

Non-profits are not eligible for CIIP financial support.

1. Click the “Apply" button to access the online application form. Select the official language of your choice and the delegation you want to apply to, then complete all questions.
2. Completed applications must be submitted online no later than April 12, 2026. 
3. Global Affairs Canada, through the Embassy of Canada to South Korea and the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) Secretariat will select the Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants will be notified no later than April 21.
4. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses.

Participation is limited. Applications submitted will be assessed and vetted to determine eligibility based on the quality of the information provided. In addition to the technical merits of the proposed technology, the company's internal capacity to adequately support and manage an international R&D project with South Korean partners will also be assessed.

Universities, research technology organizations (RTOs), incubators and industry associations are invited to apply for the delegation but will not be eligible for financial support for travel or participation costs.

If you have any questions concerning the application process, please see the CIIP web page  or email CIIP at innovation@international.gc.ca.