Funding of projects on the topic "Enabling Technologies for Resilient R&D Supply Chains in Quantum Technologies"

The funding measure supports nationwide pre-competitive research and development collaborative projects that develop novel or improved enabling technologies for quantum technologies – including quantum computers and quantum sensing – and demonstrate their practical applicability within 36 months. The goal is to accelerate the advancement of these key technologies in Germany and Europe as well as to strengthen technological sovereignty in R&D supply chains. Funding is provided to small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, and non-university research institutions working together in interdisciplinary consortia. At least one company must be involved in the role of system integrator, and the state aid regulations according to the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) must be observed. Project partners can claim personnel costs, equipment, contract research, consulting, overhead, and travel expenses. The funding rate varies depending on the project phase and company size between 25% and 100% of eligible expenses. Eligible to apply are SMEs, research institutions, and universities that jointly develop innovative technical solutions which sustainably increase the scalability, reliability, and availability of quantum technology systems.

Submission takes place in a two-stage procedure: initially, project outlines (max. 15 pages) must be submitted electronically via easy-Online by November 30, 2024, September 30, 2025, or September 30, 2026. After a positive evaluation, formal applications with detailed work and financial plans will be requested. Key evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, contribution to the resilience of the R&D supply chain, technological added value for Germany/Europe, as well as the quality and effectiveness of the project consortium. An appropriate own contribution of at least 25% of the total project costs is expected. The measure is intended especially to promote cooperation between science and industry and to open up new partnerships. Project start is no earlier than October 1, 2025. Interested consortia are encouraged to use the provided documents and templates available on the website of the project sponsor VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH and to make early contact.