Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies (RIA)
EU-wide funding for research and development of scalable, modular, and interoperable photonic quantum computer platforms. Application deadline 15.04.2026, submission is electronic via the Horizon Europe portal.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Development of a strategic European initiative for the research, development, and validation of photonic quantum computing platforms with a focus on loss-tolerant architectures, standardized control stacks, and demonstrations of modular quantum processors.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Equipment and investment costs
- Subcontractor costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Retroactive costs
- Debt settlement
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Founders
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Consortium with at least three partners from at least two EU member states or associated countries
- Capability to conduct cross-border research and innovation
- Experience in EU research programs
- FSC or equivalent security clearance required for sensitive information
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Curricula vitae of key personnel
- Ethics self-disclosure
- Statement of financial capacity
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Quality of project planning and implementation
- Multiplier effect and impact
- Transnational partnership and expertise
Description
The call "Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies (RIA)" supports ambitious research and development projects under the Horizon Europe program aimed at the creation of scalable, modular, and interoperable photonic quantum computing platforms. The goal is to establish a European initiative that realizes loss-tolerant architectures, standardized control stacks, and module-based quantum processor demonstrators. Funding is provided to start-ups and small enterprises in collaboration with universities, research institutions, technology partners, and at least one industrial end-user. A consortium must consist of at least three partners from two EU member states or associated countries and demonstrate both EU experience and the capability for cross-border collaboration. Sensitive information requires an FSC security clearance. The total budget amounts to €10 million, with the funding granted as a 100% non-repayable grant. Eligible costs include personnel, material and travel expenses, investments, equipment, and subcontractor services. Real estate purchases, retrospective costs, and debt settlements are not eligible for funding.
Interested consortia must submit their applications electronically via the EU portal by no later than 15 April 2026. Evaluation criteria include the level of innovation, quality of project planning, impact, and cross-border expertise. A successful project proposal is expected to demonstrate a quantum processor with at least 100 qubits by 2028 and realize a modular high-end platform with approximately 1,000 qubits and high gate fidelity by 2030. Furthermore, interoperable standards, interfaces, and a roadmap for pilot production lines are to be developed. The practical applicability and market readiness will be demonstrated through the concrete use case of an industrial partner. The application documents, to be submitted in English, include the project description, financial plans, CVs of key personnel, ethics self-assessment, and proof of financial capacity. Interested partners can use the partner search call on the EU portal to find consortium members.