Canadian Quantum Technology R&D Partnering Mission to Germany

Request for expression of interest

Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the Embassy of Canada in Berlin and in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), invites you to apply to participate in the upcoming “Canadian Quantum Technology R&D Partnering Mission to Germany”, which will take place from  May 30 to June 3, 2022 *rescheduled* in multiple locations in Germany (possibly Munich, Stuttgart, Aachen and Hannover; exact locations TBD).

Any interested companies and organisations must apply no later than February 15, 2022. *rescheduled*

Note: This mission is being planned as an in-person event requiring travel to Germany.  However, travel must be consistent with Canada’s travel advice and advisories and those of Germany. If these advisories recommend against travel to Germany at the time the mission, the mission may have to take place virtually. This means that B2B meetings and speaking opportunities would be held virtually and some elements of the program may have to be cancelled. Additionally, any funding approved for participant travel to the mission would be rescinded.

Mission Objectives

The focus of the mission will be on establishing industrial R&D collaborations between Canadian and German organisations, with the purpose of future commercialization. The Quantum Technology sectors are promising economic drivers in Canada and Germany.  With strong R&D expertise and capacity in these sectors, Canadian companies are well suited to partnership opportunities with leading German companies and R&D centers that increase their global competitiveness and access to new markets. Examples of R&D collaboration include:

• Joint development of new products or services by combining Canadian and German research and technology
• Validation of Canadian technologies in the German markets; and/or,
• Adaptation of Canadian technologies to meet German market characteristics.

Canadian Delegation Profile

This mission is targeting Canadian companies working on quantum technologies for the following applications:

• Computing & Simulation
• Communications
• Sensing & Timing; and/or,
• Imaging

Canadian participants should meet the requirements below in order to participate in this initiative:

• Profit-oriented Small to Medium Size Enterprise (SME) incorporated in Canada
• Previous experience in commercializing technology for domestic and/or international markets
• Capacity and interest to co-develop technology with German partners
• Committed to expansion to the German and European market
• Sufficient working capital and human resources to undertake a multi-year R&D collaboration and commercialize results

Mission Description

The mission will take place in May and June 2022 *rescheduled* to represent the German market.  The mission will include:

• Pre-mission briefing and pitch training
• Information sessions on the German landscape for quantum technologies, including introductions to key stakeholders and national innovation centres and infrastructure
• Partnering events providing the opportunity to pitch company activities and R&D project ideas
• Tailored B2B meetings with German & companies and/or research centres to identify similar interests, potential partners and consortia

The partnering event will provide a platform for Canadian and German SMEs and researchers to identify project ideas, as well as initiate the development of project proposals and consortia for new cooperative R&D activities with commercial relevance. This event will allow participants to increase their knowledge of relevant R&D activities, programs, and funding opportunities in the respective other country and it will provide companies with opportunities for networking; and provides insights in national and international market opportunities.

Why Germany?

There are promising Science, Technology and Innovation targets and partnership opportunities within Germany as it has major research institutions (Fraunhofer, MaxPlanck, Helmholtz, Leibniz, etc.) and universities, an impressive innovation culture and high-skilled workers. The initiative aims to focus on a number of activities to identify opportunities for collaboration. Canadian companies can then develop a deeper understanding of the quantum technologies landscape in Germany and gauge priorities in terms of: R&D, its industry, supply-chain, end-user and technology exploitation priorities.

The country just kicked off its “Roadmap Quantencomputing” to lay the groundwork for a German-based quantum computing ecosystem and has earmarked two billion euros in order to see the vision through. Quantum research is underway at many of the country’s universities, companies, and research institutes under the umbrella of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, DLR, the Max Planck Society, the Helmholtz Association institutes, and others. The “Roadmap Quantencomputing” provides a core goal for the country’s quantum research: build a German quantum computer in the next five years. Meanwhile, Fraunhofer has recently purchased exclusive access to Europe’s first IBM Quantum System One, providing quantum hardware access to thousands across the country. You can also find the “Quantum Valley” in Munich where science, research, start-ups and industry can develop quantum technologies and quantum computing. A Centre for Quantum Computing and Quantum Technologies (ZQQ) is established and a technology park or cluster is to be created.

How to Apply for Participation

1. Interested companies and organisations should request an application from Olivier Roy (olivier.roy@international.gc.ca), Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Germany.
2. A full application form requesting additional information on your company, your technology and your interest in discussing possible R&D opportunities will be sent to you. In your request, please respond to every question in detail and provide a brief summary of your company.
3. Completed application forms are due no later than  February 15, 2022 *rescheduled* to Olivier Roy (olivier.roy@international.gc.ca).
4. The Embassy of Canada in Berlin and NRC-IRAP will select companies to participate in the mission. Selected applicants can expect to be notified no later than March 1st, 2022.
5. Companies formally selected to participate in the mission will be invited to apply for travel funding support. Interested participants should request a travel funding form from Olivier Roy (olivier.roy@international.gc.ca).
6. Companies who have applied for travel support will be notified of the funding decision no later than March 31, 2022.

Important notes:

The primary purpose of this program is to support SMEs to bring new products and services to markets.  Academia, Research Technology Organisations (RTOs), Incubators, Industry Associations, etc. supporting this mandate are welcomed to submit an application for the mission.

Participation is limited. Applications submitted will be assessed to determine the applicant’s eligibility to participate in this R&D mission, based on the quality of the information on the company, the company’s technology and the appropriateness of the technology for the CIIP target market.

Canadian International Innovation Program

Global Affairs Canada in collaboration with the National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) delivers the Canadian International Innovation program (CIIP) in Germany. CIIP supports industrial R&D partnership development activities between Canadian SMEs and companies in key markets, including Germany.