Superconducting Platform Technologies

Neutral-Atom Platform Technologies is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: This action aims to establish European leadership in neutral-atom quantum simulation and digital quantum computing by delivering: Fully programmable industry-ready quantum simulators based on 10.000 neutral atoms in a scalable architecture, accessible via cloud platforms, and with the possibility of integrating them into high-performance computing environments. Fully programmable platform for neutral-atom quantum computing capable of both analogue quantum operations and gate-based computing with 1.000 physical qubits and a clear path to further scalability to 10.000 physical qubits. Coherence time of the order of hundreds of interaction times and infidelity of operations below 1%. Demonstration of quantum simulation and/or computing operating beyond classical computability, validated through benchmarking with classical methods. New real-world applications across science and industry (at least two) (e.g: in the energy and health sectors) The software stack for these applications, including enhanced software for verification, algorithm implementation, and user programming interfaces. Demonstration of the full quantum stack – including quantum control, electronic control components and verification of quantum processors simulation operating beyond regimes that are classically computable. Programming interfaces allowing users (including non-expert ones to the best extent possible), to use these quantum processors to their problem sets. Enhanced scalability, stability, and usability of the quantum simulation and computing processors. Strengthened European industrial and technological capacity in quantum simulation/computing and associated hardware/software components. This action must address at least two of the technical challenges highlighted in the SRIA 2030 for neutral-atom platforms. These include the need for stable atom control during multi-qubit operations, essential for reliable error correction, and the development of Quantum Non-Demolition (QND) measurement and high-fidelity universal gate operations. Proposals should tackle these and comparable bottlenecks with a view to scalable, fault-tolerant systems for simulation and computation. Scope: The proposal should advance the maturity and usability of neutral-atom quantum processors platforms with a focus on practical applications. It should include: Development and deployment of scalable quantum processors with individually addressable neutral atoms, supporting analogue simulation operation, hybrid analogue-digital techniques and gate-based quantum computing. Demonstration of real-world use cases (minimum two), addressing complex scientific or industrial problems (e.g., materials science, chemistry, optimization) that are intractable for classical simulation/computing. These should include benchmarking and verification strategies to assess quantum advantage. Development and integration of a complete software stack including quantum control systems, electronic control components, user programming interfaces, classical simulation support tools, and robust operation protocols. Cloud-based access to the quantum processor, ensuring usability by researchers and industrial users across Europe. The system should allow for hybrid quantum-classical workflows with HPC environments and support non-expert users to the extent possible. Implementation of robust quantum error mitigation, error correction, error detection and quantification techniques adapted to neutral-atom processors. Development of benchmarking and cross-platform validation tools to assess the performance of different simulation/computing approaches and support standardisation efforts. Pathways highlighting the use of quantum processors as development platforms for future generations of quantum sensors and for the execution of quantum metrological protocols. Enhancement of the EU’s supply chain through the development and integration of key quantum components for neutral-atom based computational proce Programme areas: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Horizon Europe (HORIZON), Digital, Industry and Space Keywords: Quantum Technologies (e.g. computing and communication)

Trapped-Ion Platform Technologies is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: This action will advance Europe’s leadership in trapped-ion quantum computing by achieving the following key outcomes: Establishment of a full-stack ion-trap quantum computer aiming at more than 1.000 qubits, fully integrated into high-performance computing (HPC) systems, and accessible via the cloud. Demonstration of quantum advantage for selected real-world applications, validated against benchmarks. Strengthened European capabilities to develop modular, interoperable, and scalable quantum computing architectures. Implementation and demonstration of advanced error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing techniques. Integration of full-stack hardware-software systems with standardised and certified interfaces. Engagement with industry and academia through open access to quantum computing resources and co-design of applications. Scope: The action should support the scale-up of European trapped-ion quantum computing platforms, aiming at technological maturity and usability for industrial and scientific applications. In particular, the action must address at least two major technical roadblocks defined in the Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA 2030) for trapped-ion quantum computing. These include the limited scalability of ion trap architectures, particularly the need for modular designs and inter-chain coupling, and the integration of photonic components for laser delivery, enabling compact and fault-tolerant systems. The proposal is expected to demonstrate system-level innovation and practical application addressing these and other equally critical challenges. The proposal should also: Develop a full-stack trapped-ion quantum computer with more than 1000 physical qubits, including: Initialisation, manipulation, and readout fully integrated into the cryogenic setup. Reduced system footprint via standardised interfaces and integrated waveguides. Advance scalable error correction and fault-tolerant computing: Develop and benchmark error correction codes suitable for trapped-ion architectures. Demonstrate error mitigation in noisy environments and real-life quantum information tasks. Enable real-life application testing: Select and implement at least two practical use cases (aligned with industrial or scientific challenges). Demonstrate computational advantage over classical simulations where possible or show progress towards it. Develop standards and modular interoperability: Establish interface specifications for both hardware and software layers, enabling integration across vendors and platforms. Align with European efforts on standardisation, benchmarking, and certification. Integrate with classical computing infrastructures: Ensure seamless operation alongside HPC resources, with remote access and hybrid quantum-classical workflows. Provide access and foster ecosystem participation: Support researchers and industry (including SMEs) with open, cloud-based access, comprehensive user documentation, and training resources. Contribute to a sustainable European supply chain: Address key technological components such as lasers, ion traps, control electronics, and packaging solutions, aiming for independent and robust sourcing Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects The rules are described in General Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027. Activities are expected to start at TRL 4 and to achieve TRL 7 by the end of the project Programme areas: Digital, Industry and Space, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Horizon Europe (HORIZON)

Next-Generation QKD Systems is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: This action will strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in quantum-secure communications by advancing core QKD technologies and integration capabilities. Expected results include: Development and demonstration of next-generation QKD systems, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and integration, with specific measurable improvements in one of the following parameters or features: (i) key rate (>1 Mbps over metropolitan distances), (ii) operational coverage of a network at the regional scale, >300 km for fibre-based QKD, including e.g. twin field and free-space links also for non-wired segments and for redundancy, (iii) development and demonstration of advanced quantum cryptographic protocols beyond QKD with provable security advantage over classical cryptographic systems. Implementation of hybrid quantum-classical cryptographic frameworks combining QKD and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), tested on clearly defined real-world applications. Integration of quantum communication components with network equipment and orchestration systems (e.g., software-defined networking). Validation of QKD-based security in high-priority use cases beyond EuroQCI infrastructure, including: Critical infrastructure monitoring (e.g., energy grid telemetry), Long-term secure cloud storage, Industrial control systems (e.g., transport, manufacturing), Secure multi-site enterprise communications. Strengthened European supply chain through the development of certifiable, standardised, and scalable QKD components. This action must address at least two core technical roadblocks defined in the SRIA 2030 for quantum-secure communication. These include scalability challenges in next-generation QKD protocols (e.g. MDI-QKD, DI-QKD) and the integration of QKD with PQC. Proposals are also encouraged to target at least one functionality beyond QKD in prepare-and-measure and one in entanglement-based scenarios, as identified for future quantum networks in the SRIA 2030. Scope: The action should support applied R&D in advanced QKD systems and their integration into future secure communication networks, avoiding overlap with EuroQCI deployment efforts. Proposals must include: Development and experimental validation of advanced QKD protocols and systems such as: Continuons-variable QKD (CV-QKD), Measurement-device-independent or device-independent QKD, Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD), Design and implementation of QKD integration into classical and optical networking infrastructure: Compatibility with existing network equipment (e.g., routers, switches), Interface development for SDN/NFV orchestration platforms, Secure key management compatible with enterprise-grade services. Demonstration of hybrid QKD-PQC frameworks in at least two realistic and demanding use cases, with demonstrable benefits over classical-only solutions. In addition to the QKD-focused activities, the action may also address research and first-demonstration efforts on novel quantum communication protocols beyond QKD. This includes the design, feasibility analysis, and early experimental validation of quantum primitives for security and trust in distributed and decentralized settings. These efforts should explore the implications of such protocols on future hardware and architectural choices and contribute to the long-term vision of quantum networks, as defined in the SRIA 2030. Validation of security performance through well-defined benchmarks and verification methods supporting the outcomes from EU quantum certification projects. Development of interoperable, scalable, and certifiable QKD hardware and software components (e.g., quantum random number generators, integrated photonic QKD components, single photon detectors, network controllers) supporting certification, in coordination with other specific EU programs, such as Euro-QCI.. Provision of cloud-accessible interfaces to QKD resources to facilitate remote experimentation and integration testing. Establishment of at least one Programme areas: Digital, Industry and Space, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Horizon Europe (HORIZON) Keywords: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Technologies (e.g. computing and communication)