Funding of research on quantum technologies within the framework of the Joint Undertaking on Chips
Non-repayable grant from the BMBF to support research and development projects in the field of quantum technologies within the framework of the EU-wide Joint Undertaking Chips. Annual calls, application via VDI TZ Easy-Online.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for research and capacity building for quantum technologies and quantum chips in Europe, strengthening innovation capacity, technology transfer, technological sovereignty, and resilience through projects in basic research, industrial research, and experimental development.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Investments in instruments and equipment
- Contract research, knowledge acquisition, and consulting
- Additional overhead and other operating costs
- Expenses for science communication
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Contact with the project sponsor (VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH) and submission of a pre-proposal before application
- Selection for European funding by the Joint Undertaking Chips (Call for Proposals)
Documents required for application
- Pre-proposal
- Project Outline
- Full Project Proposal
- Detailed Project Description
- Financing Plan
- Exploitation Plan
- Proof of Creditworthiness (upon request)
Evaluation criteria
- Degree of innovation and quality of the technological concept
- Contribution to the technological sovereignty of the EU
- Organization and performance capability of the consortium
- Sustainability and open access aspects
- Inclusion of science communication
Description
Within the framework of the EU-wide Joint Undertaking Chips, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) provides a non-repayable grant to promote research and development projects in the field of quantum technologies and quantum chips. The goal is to build advanced capacities, strengthen innovation capabilities, and increase Europe’s technological sovereignty and resilience. Funding is provided for both basic and industrial research as well as experimental development. Eligible applicants include commercial enterprises—regardless of size—as well as universities and research institutions based in Germany. Research institutions with institutional funding may additionally apply for project-related expenses. Applications are submitted annually through a two-stage procedure (Project Outline and Full Project Proposal) via the electronic system VDI TZ Easy-Online. Mandatory contact with the project management agency VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH and the submission of a pre-proposal ensure national support during the evaluation process.
Eligible expenses include personnel costs, investments in instruments and equipment, contract research, knowledge acquisition, consulting, overhead costs, and expenses for science communication. The funding rate varies between 25% and 100%, depending on the type of project and company, with increased intensities applicable to SMEs. The maximum project duration is up to 48 months. Evaluation criteria include the level of innovation, quality of the technological concept, contribution to EU sovereignty, performance of the consortium, as well as sustainability and open-access aspects. A utilization plan and proof of creditworthiness (upon request) are part of the full application. Annual calls are published in the Federal Gazette and on the Chips JU website. This program thus specifically supports technological progress and strengthens the European ecosystem for quantum technologies.