Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) – Quantum Communications and Networking Demonstrator
Issued by: Canadian Space Agency (CSA)
Publication date:
Deadline to Express Interest:
Background
At the G7 Summit in , the Prime Ministers of Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) announced a joint commitment to develop secure, transatlantic communications based on quantum technologies, allowing to connect national systems and lay the groundwork to create a truly global, next-generation network, and to support innovation in critical digital infrastructure.
As part of this bilateral initiative, the CSA is exploring solutions to ensure secure communications in a future where quantum computing will render current encryption methods obsolete. Canada is investing in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and quantum networking technologies to safeguard data confidentiality and national sovereignty.
In support of this bilateral collaboration and the implementation of Canada's National Quantum Strategy, the CSA is inviting eligible respondents to submit non-committal project ideas that will contribute to build preparedness for an in-orbit quantum communications demonstration, establishing secure links between a satellite and ground networks in Canada and the UK. The desired demonstration should be carried out by integrating potential end users for this capacity in both countries.
Innovate UK has launched a call for terrestrial demonstrations of quantum communications or networking, and to build preparedness for a demonstration with a satellite mission alongside Canada.
This approach aims to identify promising project ideas that directly advance the goals of the G7 Summit announcement. The outcome of this call for expression of interest will guide the CSA on the recommended approach for enabling the selection and execution of a project. The selected project could receive funding of up to $5 million.
Objectives
- Develop and demonstrate quantum communication and networking capabilities (ground and space).
- Strengthen Canada–UK partnerships in preparation for operationalization and future commercialization of quantum communication technologies.
- Prepare for integration of these technologies into a potential future joint satellite mission.
Scope of Activities
Interested organizations should consider contributions in the following areas:
Space Demonstration:
- Design and implementation of a satellite-based quantum communication link enabling secure connectivity between end users located in Canada and the UK.
- Integration or use of quantum communication technologies (e.g., Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), quantum networking protocols) into space payloads and ground infrastructure.
- Coordination with UK and Canadian partners to ensure interoperability and compliance with project objectives.
Ground Segment and End-User Integration:
- Development of ground stations and optical interfaces to support transatlantic quantum-secured communication.
- Validation of end-to-end security architecture involving real-world end users in both countries.
- Performance testing to advance the current state of the art in Canada and the UK for quantum-secured transatlantic communications.
For planning purposes, respondents can expect the satellite mission to launch in early , with operational readiness for a demonstration from mid-. These dates are preliminary and not yet committed.
Eligibility and Interest Criteria
- Eligible respondents are limited to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada that have demonstrated expertise in photonics, optics, cybersecurity, or quantum technologies. Academic institutions are not eligible to submit responses but may participate as partners in projects led by eligible organizations.
- Demonstrated interest in collaborating on a Canada–UK joint initiative in quantum communications, including a brief description of technical capabilities and available resources.
- Demonstrated experience in collaborative projects and in technology development for space applications.
How to Submit an Expression of Interest
Expression of interest can be sent to innovationspatiale-spaceinnovation@asc-csa.gc.ca on your preferred template in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
Should an electronic submission not be possible, please contact innovationspatiale-spaceinnovation@asc-csa.gc.ca to receive assistance on how to submit a paper copy by mail.
Applications submitted by mail or using a recognized courier service must be received at the CSA no later than .
Responses are to be submitted in one of the two Official Languages of Canada (English or French).
Expression of interest should include:
- Organization name and contact details;
- Brief description of relevant competencies and technologies;
- Brief description of the proposed project and alignment with the scope and objectives; and
- Description of UK organizations cooperating to deliver the project.
Deadline
Expression of interest must be received by .
General Terms and Conditions
Responding to this call for expression of interest does not guarantee or confer any right to receive or participate in future announcements of opportunities, grants, contributions, Request for Proposals (RFP) or any other agreement from the CSA. All the information provided in response to this call for expression of interest is non-binding.
This call for expression of interest must in no way be considered as authorization by the CSA for respondents to undertake any work that could be charged to the CSA. Respondents are fully responsible for all, and any expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and submission of their response to this call for expression of interest.
Information collected by the CSA in this process will be treated in accordance with applicable legislation, including the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act.
Respondents agree to hold harmless and discharge the CSA and the Government of Canada from any and all liability for claims, losses, damages or expenses arising from their response to this call for expression of interest, as well as personal injury or death, loss or damage to property, or allegedly caused by a respondent, its shareholders, members, directors, officers, employees, contractors or volunteers, as applicable, when carrying out work related to their project ideas.
The CSA and the Government of Canada will not be liable to the respondents, their shareholders, members, directors, officers, employees, contractors or volunteers, as applicable, for any third-party claims, lawsuits, demands, or actions.
Respondents must own all intellectual property rights required for their project proposal, or be authorized to use them in connection with their project proposal.
CSA shall not be bound by anything stated in this call for expression of interest. CSA reserves the right to delay, cancel or change all or any part of its requirements. CSA also reserves the right to finalize and implement any approach it considers appropriate, either based on information submitted in response to this call for expression of interest or any other reason whatsoever.
Contact
For any question about this call for expression of interest, please contact us at innovationspatiale-spaceinnovation@asc-csa.gc.ca.