Canadian quantum technology partnering delegation to Japan
Request for expression of interest
Delegation dates: October 21 to 25, 2024
Global Affairs Canada (GAC), through the Embassy of Canada to Japan and in collaboration with the National Research Council of Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), and the National Quantum Strategy Secretariat in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), invites you to apply to participate in the "Canadian quantum technology partnering delegation to Japan" under the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP).
This Partnership Development Activity (PDA) will take place in person from October 21 to 25, 2024, in Japan.
Please note that interested companies must apply no later than June 30, 2024.
Note: This delegation is being planned as an in-person event that requires travel to Japan. However, travel must be consistent with both Japan and Canada's international travel advice and advisories. If these advisories recommend against travel to Japan at the time of the delegation, it may take place virtually. This means that all B2B meetings and speaking opportunities would be held virtually and some elements of the program may have to be cancelled. In addition, any funding approved for participant travel to the delegation would be withdrawn.
Delegation objectives
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, among other things, the development of the following technologies that could be applied to energy, medical, life sciences, financial, chemical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, advanced materials, and transportation sectors:
- Quantum Computing (Hardware, Software, Simulation),
- Quantum Sensing (Temperature, Imaging, Chemical, Gyroscopes, etc.),
- Quantum Communication (Cryptography, Repeaters, Satellite, etc.),
- Quantum Materials (Superconductors, Insulators, Graphene, Quantum Dots, etc.)
Examples of co-innovation collaboration include the following:
- Validation of the suitability of Canadian technology to the Japanese and/or other markets.
- Adaptation of Canadian technology to meet Japanese and/or other market characteristics.
- Joint development of new products and/or services by combining Canadian and Japanese technologies.
Canadian delegation profile
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 commercializing technology for domestic and/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.
Delegation description
The delegation will consist of two (2) virtual seminars and a 5-day in-person program in Tokyo that will take place from October 21 to 25, 2024, aligned with Quantum Innovation 2024. The program will include a market overview of Japan's quantum landscape, pre-arranged B2B meetings, and site visits as follows:
July 9
Pre-PDA webinar to:
- Provide updates on program details.
- Instructions on how to fill out the funding request form.
- Introduction to the PDA pitch coach who will work with companies to develop targeted pitches.
September 24
Virtual seminar organized by the Embassy of Canada to Japan on Canadian quantum capabilities in collaboration with NRC-IRAP and the National Quantum Strategy Secretariat at ISED.
October 20
Arrival of the Canadian participants in Japan
October 21
Welcome and in-person pitch sessions followed by participation in Quantum Innovation 2024 Day 1 plenary session and evening reception.
October 22 to 23
Quantum Innovation 2024 Day 2 and Day 3: quantum subsectors (computing, sensing and cryptography, and communications) breakout sessions + poster session + pre-arranged B2B meetings.
October 24 to 25
Continuation of pre-arranged B2B meetings and site visits.
Why Japan?
Japanese government, academia, and industry, not only established large corporations but also startups, and SMEs, are creating new industries and business opportunities based on quantum technology. Their vision is to incorporate quantum technology into the socio-economic fabric to strengthen industrial competitiveness and solve societal issues in Japan and achieve the following goals by 2030:
- 10 million users of quantum technology
- Creation of a quantum industry worth $CDN 10.47 billion, including $3.23 billion for materials, $2.56 billion for computing, $1.18 billion for physical properties, $959 million for sensing, $957 million for AI applications, $567 million for cryptographic communication, $419 million for simulation, and $279 million for life science.
- Creation of one unicorn company in each of the following areas: quantum computing, quantum cryptographic communications, and quantum measurement/sensing.
To realize this vision, key players in Japan's quantum ecosystem are looking to collaborate with organizations in diverse quantum technology fields, transcending industry, and corporate boundaries, to develop the quantum technology-related businesses of the future.
Financial support to participate in the delegation
The Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) may provide financial support to eligible Canadian SMEs for up to 50% of eligible expenses (see application process below) that include, but are not limited to the following:
- Economy class airfare
- Local transportation
- Accommodation
- Per diem
- Conference registration fees
Consult the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) Applicant Guide for the complete list of eligible expenses. To access the CIIP Applicant Guide contact the CIIP team at innovation@international.gc.ca.
How to Apply for participation
- Interested companies and organizations should request an application form from the CIIP team at Global Affairs Canada: innovation@international.gc.ca.
- Completed forms must be sent by June 30, 2024, to the CIIP team at Global Affairs Canada: innovation@international.gc.ca.
- Global Affairs Canada, the Embassy of Canada to Japan and NRC-IRAP will select Canadian companies that will participate in the delegation. Selected applicants can expect to be notified by July 12, 2024.
- Companies formally selected to participate in the delegation will be provided with the Request for Funding Form.
- Companies who applied for travel support will be notified of the funding decision by July 31, 2024.
Important notes
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 Japanese partners will also be assessed.
If you have any questions concerning the application process, please see the Canadian International Innovation Program (CIIP) webpage and/or email the CIIP team at innovation@international.gc.ca.
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