Next-Generation QKD Systems

Expected Outcome: This action will establish a strategic European initiative to develop scalable, modular, and interoperable photonic quantum computing platforms. Proposals for this topic are expected to address and provide credible solutions to at least two major technical roadblocks currently limiting the advancement of photonic quantum computing such as: The lack of deterministic, high-efficiency photonic entanglement and loss-tolerant architectures suitable for fault-tolerant scaling The absence of a standardised, integrated control stack combining photonic hardware, firmware, and system software with reliable benchmarking across platforms Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes: By 2028, demonstration of a photonic NISQ processor with ≥100 photonic qubits, integrating deterministic single-photon sources, low-loss waveguides, on-chip detectors, and a firmware stack (scheduler, controller, compiler), validated via hardware-agnostic benchmarks and hybrid photonic-HPC applications demonstrating classical-quantum crossover By 2030, delivery of a full-stack, high-connectivity photonic quantum computer, with modular scalability, integrated…

Expected Outcome: This flagship pilot is the culmination of the entire activity catalogue carried out by the CCAM Partnership since its launch in 2021. It will combine in one project the most promising CCAM use-cases across three key domains, with the technological advancements from all its R&I clusters [1] supporting and enabling CCAM systems and services towards market uptake. This action is expected to contribute to all the following outcomes: Large-scale demonstrations of inclusive, user-oriented, and well-integrated CCAM systems and services for people and goods in mixed traffic through Field Operational Tests (FOTs), Technology Pilots, and Living Labs, building upon advanced and emerging SAE Level 2 systems to move towards SAE Level 3 and 4 functionalities, at multiple test sites and corridors showcasing CCAM potential [2] , for a minimum of 12 months. Validation of enabling technologies that facilitate the extension of Operational Design Domains (ODDs) in large-scale operations and enhance perception performance under poor lighting and adverse weather conditions in large-scale demonstrations and pilots. Assessment of deployment readiness and demonstration of technological…

Expected Outcome: The expected outcomes of this topic are : A common EU evaluation platform for AI chips and racks, with transparent KPIs, workloads and benchmark reports used for Chips JU selection and procurement decisions. First pilot deployments of European AI compute systems validated for EU sovereign partitions of AI infrastructure. Structured collaboration between buyers and suppliers, supporting deployment, integration and optimisation of European AI compute solutions. Stronger EU demand for European AI chips and racks, helping to create a market for deployment-ready solutions. Increased EU technological sovereignty across the AI compute stack for European datacentres.

Expected Outcome: Proposals are expected to contribute to all following points: The projects must fulfil the performance targets, at the cell and system level, corresponding to the specific targeted application, to be specified in the proposal. Appropriate KPI must be defined for the energy density (volumetric and gravimetric), Power density and C-rate, number of cycles and cost defined under operational conditions. Boost EU competitiveness in next-generation battery technologies for mobility applications. Develop pilot manufacturing capability for next generation lithium-based batteries. Strengthen the EU battery value chain, including new manufacturing equipment, automation, and scalable production processes. Advance the understanding of next-generation battery interfaces at an industrial scale, ensuring manufacturability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. In the case of aviation, the battery requirements should be compatible at minimum with EASA CS.23 (level 4), CS.27 and preferably with CS.25 categories. Scope: This topic will support the scaling-up of next generation (i.e., beyond generation 3) lithium-based batteries (e.g., semi and all-solid state, generation5) from cell…

Expected Outcome: This action will establish a pan-European open-access testing and experimentation infrastructure for quantum technologies, enabling systematic validation and certification of quantum components and systems. Expected outcomes include: Deployment of distributed quantum testing facilities accessible across Europe, including remote access and standardized test protocols. Provision of certification services aligned with future standardisation efforts, ensuring trust, quality, and interoperability of quantum technologies. Support for SMEs, start-ups, and research institutions in validating quantum components and sub-systems. Strengthening of Europe’s competitiveness by ensuring robust quality assurance mechanisms and accelerating the time-to-market of emerging quantum products. Scope: The proposal should implement the testing-related part of the action plan established under the Framework Partnership Agreement for Qu-Test. The action must include: Expansion and interconnection of open-access testing facilities in multiple Member States, covering a range of quantum technologies (e.g., processors, sensors, photonics, control systems). Development and deployment of…

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…

Specific Challenge: The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe [1] , and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda. Expected Outcomes : Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others; Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area. The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s); Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: Organisations without a sustained record of activity in gender equality that have recently completed the implementation of their first GEP and can demonstrate the most progress achieved through its implementation; Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that have…

Specific Challenge: The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe [1] , and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda. Expected Outcomes : Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others; Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area. The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s); Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: Organisations without a sustained record of activity in gender equality that have recently completed the implementation of their first GEP and can demonstrate the most progress achieved through its implementation; Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that have…

Specific Challenge: The “EU Award for Gender Equality Champions” is a recognition prize scheme designed as a booster and a complement to the Gender Equality Plans (GEP) eligibility criterion in Horizon Europe [1] , and as a tool for advancing inclusive GEPs and policies within the framework of the ERA Policy Agenda. Expected Outcomes : Recognition of organisations with the most significant impact resulting from the implementation of their GEP, serving as role models for others; Strengthened gender equality and inclusiveness in the European Research Area. The Prize will be awarded to four organisations, and contestants can apply to one of the following three prize categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that can demonstrate a significant and sustained record of activity and a high level of achievement through the implementation of their GEP(s); Newcomer Gender Equality Champions: Organisations without a sustained record of activity in gender equality that have recently completed the implementation of their first GEP and can demonstrate the most progress achieved through its implementation; Inclusive Gender Equality Champions: Organisations that have…

Expected Outcome: This action builds on the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2026 call (HORIZON-MSCA-DN-2026). The project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes: For supported doctoral candidates: New research and transferable skills and competences in the application of AI in science, leading to improved employability and career prospects within and outside academia; New knowledge allowing the conversion of ideas into products and services, where relevant; Enhanced networking and communication capacities with scientific peers, as well as with the general public that will increase and broaden the research and innovation impact. For participating organisations: Improved quality, relevance and sustainability of doctoral training programmes and supervision arrangements; Enhanced cooperation and transfer of knowledge between sectors and disciplines; Increased integration of training and research activities between participating organisations; Boosted R&I capacity and uptake of AI in science; Increased internationalisation and attractiveness; Regular feedback of research results into teaching and education at participating organisations. Scope: Successful RAISE Doctoral…