Valorising Horizon project results via innovation ecosystems

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)

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)

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)

Solar System Science (Program Element C.2 under ROSES-2025) is sponsored by NASA Headquarters (NASA:HQ:SMD:PS). This program element of the Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) omnibus solicitation supports basic and applied research to build scientific understanding of solar system bodies, including lunar structure, evolution, and the deep interior of the Moon.