The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has posted a $5 million funding opportunity to develop a secure transatlantic quantum communications network. Interested companies must submit their applications by July 15, 2026.
This program stems directly from the June 2025 joint commitment between the Prime Ministers of Canada and the United Kingdom. The shared goal is to build a next-generation communications network using Quantum Key Distribution technology. QKD creates virtually unbreakable encryption codes but faces severe range limitations on the ground. Terrestrial fibre-optic cables degrade quantum signals over long distances. To bypass this hurdle, the CSA wants to integrate satellites with ground links to create an end-to-end secure communication loop.
The successful company will coordinate directly with a UK counterpart. Together, they will demonstrate encrypted communication between end users spread geographically across both nations. The specific objectives dictate that the project must share secure quantum keys via satellite between at least two ground stations. This transatlantic demonstration builds on the momentum of the Canadian Space Agency’s Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat) mission, which is expected to launch later this year to test quantum encryption in space.
The CSA will award a single non-repayable contribution of up to $5 million. This envelope covers up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs. Projects are expected to run between 24 and 36 months starting in September 2026.
The CSA has set stringent criteria that exclude early-stage ventures. Only for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada are eligible. Applicants must have more than 100 employees in Canada and demonstrate over $5 million in annual revenue for the past three years. The winning company must also assemble a commercial consortium. The project requires the integration of at least three distinct Canadian technologies from three different non-academic organizations.
The CSA is restricting funding to projects aiming at Technology Readiness Level 6 or lower, focusing on system prototypes tested in relevant environments.