Trapped-Ion Platform Technologies

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)

Superconducting Platform Technologies is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: This action will consolidate Europe’s position in superconducting quantum computing through: Establishment of a full-stack superconducting quantum computer aiming at 1.000 physical qubits and QPU architecture based on chiplet technology. The system should feature a scalable and user-adjustable architecture, T1 coherence time above 100 us, gate fidelities (both one- and two-qubit gates, and read-out) of at least 99.9%, read-out speed below 300 ns, two-qubit gate speed below 20 ns. Demonstration of quantum advantage on selected industrial use cases, validated through benchmarking with best-in-class classical methods. Deployment of a cloud-accessible quantum system integrated with high-performance computing environments. Maturation of fault-tolerant quantum computing protocols, including effective quantum error correction and noise mitigation schemes. Delivery of a comprehensive, standardised software stack supporting system bring-up, calibration, control, benchmarking, and user access. Strengthened supply chains and industrial capacity in Europe for superconducting quantum technologies. Scope: The proposal should contribute to the scale-up and practical deployment of superconducting quantum computing platforms and must address at least two of the critical technical roadblocks identified in the SRIA 2030, among which necessarily: Error Correction and Fault Tolerance: the implementation of error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing via significant improvements in gate fidelity, coherence times, and noise mitigation strategies. Cryogenic and Interconnect Engineering: integration with cryoelectronic and efficient signal routing at low temperatures at the scale of 1,000+ qubits, also addressing the scalability issues that prevent the implementation of an industrial-grade quantum computing platform In addition, the proposal should address the following: Construction and demonstration of a modular superconducting quantum computer with high-fidelity gates and scalable architecture. Integration of all required layers: quantum hardware, cryogenic infrastructure, control electronics, and a full-stack software suite. Establishment of mature test and measurement capabilities at the production sites, in particular cryogenic screening capacity of chiplets for the early identification of perfectly working chiplets before being assembled in the final QPU package. Establishment of full interoperability and open standards across the various chiplet manufacturers. The project should also pursue the development of standards and EU-wide certification schemes. Development and validation of advanced error correction and fault-tolerance schemes suited for superconducting qubits. Demonstration of real-life use cases (minimum of two) addressing relevant industrial challenges within the lifetime of the project. Use cases should show quantum advantage or clear progression towards it, with validation against classical methods. Deployment of a full software stack to operate the system, including tools for calibration, control, performance verification, benchmarking, and interfacing with classical computing environments. Development of standardised interfaces and APIs for access, control, and hybrid workflows, ensuring interoperability with classical HPC systems and cloud-based platforms. Provision of remote access capabilities to enable wide use by academic, research, and industrial communities across Europe. Contribution to the creation of a robust and independent European supply chain for superconducting quantum technologies, including scalable cryogenics, high-fidelity readout and control electronics, and superconducting chip fabrication. Open access to the system for co-design and evaluation of algorithms, supported by training resources and documentation. 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 Programme areas: Digital, Industry and Space, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Horizon Europe (HORIZON)

Quantum Experimental Pilot Lines for Quantum Technologies is sponsored by European Commission — Horizon Europe. Expected Outcome: This action will strengthen Europe's leadership and strategic autonomy in quantum technologies by advancing experimental pilot line capacities as a vital stepping stone toward future industrial-scale quantum hardware production. Qu-Pilot serves as the critical intermediary between academic research and the stable pilot lines under the Chips Joint Undertaking, offering a testbed for technological innovation, reproducibility, and manufacturability. Expected outcomes include: Deployment of experimental quantum pilot lines addressing diverse platforms and materials, laying the groundwork for broader integration into Chips JU pilot lines. Establishment of scalable and reproducible quantum fabrication processes, advancing TRL 4–6 technologies and addressing early-stage certification, standardisation, and quality control. Reinforcement of a pan-European quantum hardware ecosystem through shared infrastructure and open-access models, fostering participation from SMEs, startups, and research institutes. Demonstrated ability to accelerate technology maturity and feed critical feedback loops into future Chips JU stability pilot lines. Enhanced synergies with testing infrastructures (e.g., Qu-Test), standardisation efforts, and industrialisation roadmaps, enabling horizontal integration across computing, communication, sensing, and enabling tech domains. Scope: The action is to implement the pilot production elements of the Qu-Pilot Framework Partnership Agreement. The proposal should advance the maturity of quantum hardware technologies in alignment with EU industrial strategy, emphasising flexibility, innovation, and scalability. The proposal should address: Establishment or enhancement of experimental pilot production infrastructure for TRL 4–6 quantum hardware technologies, with strong R&D orientation. Development of pre-industrial processes for: Quantum processors (e.g., superconducting, trapped ions, photonic), Quantum sensors (e.g., NV centers), Cryo-compatible packaging and interconnects. Integration of cleanroom capabilities with lithography, etching, and deposition tailored to quantum device requirements (e.g., silicon, diamond, III-Vs), ensuring convergence with Chips JU standards. Creation of collaborative fabrication access models (shared-cost basis) open to academic and industrial partners. Development of standardised workflows for yield analysis, reproducibility, and quality assurance, supporting component certification pathways. Continuous engagement with Qu-Test and other testbeds to enable rapid iteration cycles and technology validation. Active alignment with Chips JU’s pilot line roadmap to enable seamless transfer of validated technologies once the stability pilot lines are operational. Contribution to a transversal European infrastructure serving multiple quantum domains (computing, sensing, communications), ensuring cross-domain integration and maximising synergies. 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 validate technologies starting at TRL 3/4 and confirm their progression to TRL 5/7 by the end of the project. Programme areas: Digital, Industry and Space, Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, Horizon Europe (HORIZON)