Mitacs Globalink Research Award 2026/27: Funded Quantum AI Research Exchange at Algoma University, Canada

A funded international research exchange opportunity is available at Algoma University in Canada for Master’s students, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows interested in Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence (Quantum AI).

The opportunity is being offered through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) – Quantum Stream, with the research exchange expected to begin toward the end of Fall 2026 or at the beginning of Winter 2027.

The project will explore emerging research at the intersection of quantum computing and artificial intelligence, including quantum–classical systems, quantum machine learning, intelligent optimization, and related areas.

Quick Overview

Opportunity	Mitacs Globalink Research Award – Quantum Stream
Host University	Algoma University, Canada
Research Area	Quantum Computing, Quantum AI, Artificial Intelligence
Opportunity Type	Funded International Research Exchange
Eligible Applicants	Master’s students, PhD students, Postdoctoral Fellows
Duration	12–24 weeks per internship unit
Funding	CAD $6,000 per internship unit
Maximum Funding	CAD $12,000 for two internship units
Expected Start	Late Fall 2026 / Early Winter 2027
Host Supervisors	Dr. Syed Danish and Dr. Arghavan Asad
Application Method	Email application to the host researchers
Application Deadline	No specific deadline stated in the announcement
Location	Algoma University, Canada

About the Research Opportunity

Researchers at Algoma University, Canada, are seeking motivated Master’s students, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows with a background in, or strong interest in, Quantum Computing and Artificial Intelligence.

Successful candidates will be jointly supervised by Dr. Syed Danish and Dr. Arghavan Asad at Algoma University, together with a professor at the candidate’s home institution.

The proposed research will focus on emerging topics at the intersection of quantum computing and AI, with potential research directions including:

Quantum–classical computing systems
Quantum machine learning
Quantum algorithms
Intelligent optimization
Quantum computing software and related technologies
Other emerging areas connecting quantum technologies and artificial intelligence

Applicants with previous research experience in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, or related fields are particularly encouraged to apply.

Who Can Apply?

The specific Algoma University call is aimed at:

Master’s students
PhD students
Postdoctoral fellows
Researchers with a background or strong interest in Quantum Computing and/or Artificial Intelligence
Candidates with knowledge or experience in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, or related fields

For the broader Mitacs GRA program, applicants must generally maintain full-time senior undergraduate, graduate-student, or postdoctoral status at an eligible Canadian or international institution throughout the award. Postdoctoral fellows may apply if their PhD was completed no more than five years before the proposed project start date and they retain postdoctoral status at an eligible institution.

Applicants should also note that GRA eligibility has additional requirements concerning previous degrees, citizenship, travel, and previous Mitacs awards. Therefore, candidates should verify their individual eligibility before preparing the application.

Mitacs Globalink Research Award: What Is It?

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award (GRA) supports international research collaborations between Canada and eligible countries and regions.

Under the program, researchers can undertake a research project under the joint supervision of a home-institution professor and a host professor. The current GRA structure allows one or two internship units, with each unit representing a 12–24 week research project.

The program has two main streams:

1. Allocation Stream

Under the Allocation Stream, participating Canadian universities receive a set number of internship units and manage their institutional allocation.

2. Quantum Stream

The Quantum Stream is specifically designed for projects in the quantum sector and is open to Canadian universities.

Eligible research can include areas such as:

Quantum computation
Quantum algorithms and software
Quantum communication
Quantum networks
Quantum cryptography
Quantum metrology
Quantum sensing
Quantum imaging
Quantum materials

Importantly, Quantum Stream projects do not count toward a Canadian university’s regular GRA allocation.

Funding Amount

The Mitacs GRA provides:

CAD $6,000 for one internship unit

This supports one research project lasting 12–24 weeks.

Applicants may also receive:

CAD $12,000 for two internship units

This can support either:

One research project lasting 24–48 weeks, or
Two separate 12–24 week research projects.

Mitacs states that awards are subject to available funding. Applicants are also encouraged to seek additional funding where necessary to cover the full costs associated with travel and accommodation.

What Can the Funding Support?

Mitacs funds can support eligible expenses associated with the research exchange, including:

Travel
Accommodation
Research-related expenses
Stipend

Funding is administered through the Canadian host institution’s research administration system.

Important: The CAD $6,000 or CAD $12,000 should not automatically be interpreted as a guaranteed personal stipend. The funds are administered as a research award and are used according to the approved budget and institutional policies.

Research Areas

This opportunity may be particularly suitable for applicants interested in:

Quantum Computing

Quantum algorithms
Quantum software
Quantum–classical systems

Quantum AI

Quantum machine learning
AI-enhanced quantum systems
Hybrid quantum–classical approaches

Optimization

Intelligent optimization
Quantum optimization
AI-driven computational methods

Candidates from closely related computational, mathematical, engineering, physics, computer science, or AI backgrounds may also find the opportunity relevant if they can demonstrate a strong research interest in the proposed area.

Expected Research Period

According to the specific Algoma University announcement, the research exchange is expected to begin:

Toward the end of Fall 2026 or at the beginning of Winter 2027.

The exact project dates will depend on the final research proposal, host institution requirements, Mitacs approval, and arrangements between the home and host supervisors.

How to Apply

The Algoma University researchers have requested that interested candidates submit their application materials directly by email.

Application Materials

Prepare:

Updated CV
Relevant quantum-related publications, if applicable
Brief description of your research interests

Email

Send your application to:

[email protected]

Email Subject

Mitacs GRA – Quantum AI Application

Candidates should clearly explain their research background and how their interests align with quantum computing, artificial intelligence, quantum machine learning, or related areas.

Important Mitacs Application Requirements

The email application to the host researchers is the first step for this particular opportunity. However, the formal Mitacs GRA application involves additional requirements.

Applicants and supervisors need to establish the research collaboration and complete the official GRA application process. Mitacs does not match students with supervisors, so applicants are responsible for identifying and contacting suitable host and home supervisors.

The formal application generally involves:

Checking Mitacs and institutional eligibility.
Establishing contact between the intern and home/host supervisors.
Developing the research project.
Obtaining the required Canadian university endorsement.
Completing the Mitacs application portal.
Submitting the research proposal and required forms.
Obtaining institutional signatures.
Submitting the completed application to Mitacs.

Mitacs recommends submitting a GRA application at least 16 weeks before the planned project start date. Institutional signatures may also require additional processing time.

Important: Applicants Must Not Travel Before Approval

Applicants should not make travel arrangements or begin the research exchange before receiving the required Mitacs outcome and award documentation.

Mitacs states that interns cannot travel until Mitacs has issued both an outcome letter and an award letter.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Algoma University researchers have stated their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates, with particular encouragement for women and members of groups traditionally underrepresented in quantum computing and related fields.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This research exchange could be particularly valuable for students and researchers who want to:

Gain international research experience in Canada
Work with researchers at a Canadian university
Develop expertise in quantum computing and AI
Explore quantum machine learning
Build international academic collaborations
Strengthen their research profile
Develop experience working across quantum and AI disciplines
Establish collaborations with researchers outside their home institution

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a fully funded opportunity?

The Mitacs GRA provides CAD $6,000 per internship unit, or up to CAD $12,000 for two internship units. The award supports eligible research-exchange expenses, including travel, accommodation, research expenses and stipend. However, applicants should not assume that the award will necessarily cover every expense associated with the exchange.

Can PhD students apply?

Yes. PhD students who meet the broader Mitacs GRA eligibility requirements can apply.

Can postdoctoral researchers apply?

Yes. Postdoctoral fellows are eligible if they meet Mitacs requirements, including the requirement that their PhD was completed no more than five years before the proposed project start date.

Do I need previous quantum computing publications?

Not necessarily for the specific Algoma call. The announcement says that candidates with experience or knowledge in quantum computing, quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, or related areas are encouraged to apply. Relevant publications can be submitted if available.

What is the duration?

One GRA internship unit covers 12–24 weeks. Two units can support one 24–48 week project or two 12–24 week projects.

Is there a fixed application deadline?

The Algoma University announcement does not specify a fixed application deadline. Interested applicants should therefore contact the researchers as soon as possible and allow sufficient time for the formal Mitacs application process.

Mitacs recommends submitting applications at least 16 weeks before the planned project start date.

Can Mitacs find a supervisor for me?

No. Mitacs states that students and postdoctoral fellows are responsible for identifying their home and host academic supervisors.

Final Advice for Applicants

If you are interested in this opportunity, do not send a generic CV alone.

Your email should make it immediately clear:

What your current degree or research position is
Your research background
Your computational/AI/quantum experience
Relevant programming or technical skills
Any quantum-related publications or projects
Which Quantum AI research directions interest you
Why you would be a good fit for the proposed research

Even if you do not have extensive quantum experience, a strong background in AI, machine learning, optimization, computer science, mathematics, physics, or related computational research may provide a useful foundation, provided your research interests align with the project.

Official Information

For the most up-to-date eligibility requirements, funding rules and application procedures, applicants should consult the official Mitacs Globalink Research Award information before applying.

Official Mitacs Globalink Research Award:
Mitacs Globalink Research Award – Official Program Page

Application contact for the Algoma University Quantum AI opportunity:
[email protected]

Email subject:
Mitacs GRA – Quantum AI Application

Key Takeaway

Master’s students, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers interested in Quantum Computing and AI can apply for a funded research exchange at Algoma University in Canada through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award Quantum Stream. The opportunity is expected to begin in late Fall 2026 or early Winter 2027, with Mitacs funding of CAD $6,000 per internship unit and up to CAD $12,000 for two units.

This opportunity is subject to Mitacs eligibility requirements, institutional approval and available funding. Applicants should verify the latest official requirements before applying.