Canadian Quantum Technology Innovation R&D Partnering Delegation to Japan

Delegation dates: December 7 to 11, 2026

Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the Embassy of Canada to Japan, in collaboration with the National Quantum Strategy Secretariat at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) invites you to apply to participate in the "Canadian Quantum Partnering Delegation to Japan" under the Innovation Partnership Program (IPP).

This Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in person from December 7 to 11, 2026 in Japan.

Please note that interested companies must apply no later than August 23, 2026.

The objective of the delegation is to foster co-innovation partnerships between Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMES) in the quantum sector and Japanese organizations. The delegation will support the development of the following technologies and related areas that could be applied to various sectors:

• Quantum Computing (Hardware, Software, Simulation)
• Quantum Communication (Cryptography, Repeaters, Satellite)
• Quantum Sensing (Temperature, Imaging, Chemical, Gyroscopes, etc.)

Quantum computing

• Hardware
• Software
• Simulation

Quantum communication

• Cryptography
• Repeaters
• Satellite communications

Quantum sensing

• Temperature sensing
• Imaging
• Chemical sensing
• Gyroscopes
• Other sensing technologies

Quantum materials

• Superconductors
• Insulators
• Graphene
• Quantum dots
• Other quantum materials

Examples of co-innovation collaboration include:

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

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

• Profit-oriented, small- or medium-sized enterprise (SME) incorporated in Canada.
• Previous experience in or working towards commercializing technology for domestic or international markets.
• Capacity and interest to co-develop technology with Japanese partners.
• Committed to expanding activities to the Japanese market.
• Sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake a multi-year co-innovation project and commercialize the results.

Note: Participation of Canadian organizations that do not meet the requirements mentioned above may be considered but will not be eligible for financial support.

1. Pre-arranged one-on-one business-to-business (B2B) meetings with Japanese stakeholders.
2. Networking and pitch session with Japanese quantum ecosystem that includes technology developers, quantum technology adopters and tech investors.
3. Pre-departure briefing session on the quantum ecosystem in Japan, program overview and doing business in Japan.
4. Participation in Quantum Innovation 2026 (Nagoya, Japan: December 8 to 11, 2026).: Quantum Innovation is an annual event dedicated to promoting quantum technology and accelerating its application in key industries.
5. Site visits to Japanese companies and/or research centres in the quantum technology field, based on interest.

Japan released its 7^th Science, Technology, and Innovation Basic Plan earlier this year, which formalizes quantum technology as one of Japan’s core National Strategic Technology Fields. One of the main goals of this national framework is to reach 10 million domestic technology users and generate JPY 50 trillion in quantum-related production value by 2030.

In collaboration with the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan has invested heavily in the semiconductor industry, recognizing that semiconductor manufacturing and quantum computing are mutually reinforcing sectors. Japan has updated its Semiconductor and Digital Industry Strategy in a multi-step roadmap that leverages chip fabrication to accelerate quantum hardware.

Japan has also set several goals and timelines for the country. The 2035 Cryptographic Autonomy Mandate, from the Japan’s National Cybersecurity Office (NCO), aims to have all Japanese government agencies and critical infrastructure operators to fully transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) by 2035. In addition, the 2035 Commercial Manufacturing Roadmap includes a group of public and private sector objectives to bring Japanese society into full quantum commercialization during the next decade. This includes:

Quantum computing

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

Quantum communication

• Building High-Qubit hardware (superconducting and optical)
• Creating the “OQTOPUS” operating system (Quantum-HPC Hybrid)
• Deploying national commercial testbeds
• Enterprise Problem Solving (The End-Users)

Quantum sensing

• Solid-State diamond quantum sensors (The Flagship track)
• Micro-medical imaging (replacing heavy medical machinery)
• GPS-independent navigation and defense

Japan is also investing and preparing for the physical rollout of the quantum internet. With the support of the private sector, Japan has successfully deployed a functional quantum key distribution (QKD) grid connecting government offices across Tokyo. And Japan’s ecosystem is already looking into the next 6G Quantum Integration.

To further accelerate market adoption and cross sector collaboration, the government continues to collaborate and engage with the private sector, industry, research institution, and investors. Major industry and research players are expected to play central roles.

To achieve this vision, organizations across Japan’s quantum ecosystem are seeking partnerships in a range of quantum technology fields. These collaborations will bring together different industries and sectors to develop future quantum technology applications and businesses. Participation in the PDA program will give Canadian quantum companies direct access to Japan’s leading innovation ecosystem. Delegates will:

• gain insights into partnership opportunities
• build high value networks with government, industry, and research organizations
• explore tailored collaboration pathways aligned with their commercial and research objectives

The IPP may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs for up to 50% of eligible expenses that include, but are not limited to the following:

• Economy class airfare
• Local transportation
• Accommodation
• Per diem
• Conference registration fees

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 August 23, 2026.
3. Global Affairs Canada, through the Embassy of Canada to Japan and the National Quantum Strategy (NQS) Secretariat will select the Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. We intend to notify selected applicants no later than September 23, 2026.
4. Selection of participants is based on a range of factors, including their alignment with the objectives of the PDA, their potential to translate partnership opportunities into successful co-innovation outcomes, and national security considerations.
5. Selected companies will be invited to apply for financial support for travel expenses.

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 IPP web page  or email the IPP team at innovation@international.gc.ca.