Quantum Quest Seed Fund
Just as we could only imagine the impact of the transistor in 1947, we can only imagine the future opportunities quantum technologies will reveal. The Quantum Quest Seed Fund (QQSF) is designed to broadly encourage quantum exploration and innovation across TQT’s grand challenges and beyond.
The QQSF promotes the development of new ideas and applications for quantum devices. This fund is intended to encourage ideas and uncover opportunities from diverse fields outside the scope of researchers working day-to-day with quantum devices.
QQSF Round 7 is now open and will close November 2 at 3pm ET. You may submit your application to tqt@uwaterloo.ca during this period. For additional information, see Q&A. For details relating to previous awards, you may refer to the following articles:
- Round 1 and 2 – $900K in seed funding supports new quantum projects;
- Round 3 and 4 – New quantum technology projects receive funding boost; and
- Round 5 and 6 – Seed fund backs $2.8M in new quantum ideas at the University of Waterloo.
Guidelines
We encourage proposals from any faculty member at UW both established and new to the quantum community. Proposals that particularly interest us articulate the use of quantum properties in existing systems including superposition, tunneling, entanglement in applications, and the development of new systems that display quantum properties. For Round 7 we encourage proposals that seek to advance quantum applications in the Faculties of Arts, Applied Health Studies, and Environment. Topics might include for example: effective transition to new technology and adoption of disruptive technology; quantum for logistics; quantum labour force; quantum for health diagnostics and monitoring; and quantum for climate.
The QQSF provides funding in the amount of $25,000 to $50,000 per year for a two-year period. Projects funded under QQSF are expected to lead to other sources of follow-on external funding. We encourage proposals that consider measures to improve equity performance. Note that QQSF supports only new activities.
Each project must have only one Lead Principal Investigator (PI). The PI shall have an existing tenure-track appointment within one of the faculties.
To comply with Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) award administration, QQSF will only accept applications that do not replace or displace the funding that is available through Tri-Council agency’s regular programming.
Investigators may explore collaborations with the three quantum programs supported by CFREF (UW TQT, Universite de Sherbrooke Institut Quantique and UBC Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute). Applicants have the option of selecting “joint CFREF project” in the application form, and completing the requisite details. For joint projects, preference will be given to proposals that effectively combine the complementary strengths from the different programs. UW Principal Investigators shall complete the application and budget for the research activities they are responsible for on the joint project; these activities will be funded directly by TQT.
The Principal Investigator of the joint project from the other institution is responsible for covering any activities and expenses on their side. By supporting joint projects we aim to deepen connections with other centres and enhance the value of the seed investment.*Note that Round 7 of QQSF is not a simultaneous call with the other centres. Joint proposals originating at other centres may be reviewed on a case by case basis.*
The application process involves the completion of the following:
- Application Form (includes Budget Justification);
- Budget Worksheet;
- Acknowledgement;
- NSERC Form 100 Appendix D Consent Form for each HQP identified on the Application Form;
- UW Coversheet for Sponsored Research (Information for completing the UW Coversheet); and
- Principal Investigator’s CV.
Please submit your application to tqt@uwaterloo.ca.
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