Are you funded by the IPCEI ME/CT and looking to maximize your research impact? Horizon Europe has opened two major calls for proposals, aimed at accelerating innovation in quantum chip technologies. These funding opportunities provide substantial support for the development of scalable, high-quality production processes across Europe. Here are all the details you need:
1. Quantum Chip Technology for High-Quality Trapped Ions Pilot
- Closing Date: January 21, 2025, 17:00 (Brussels time)
- Type of Action: Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA)
- Funding Program: Horizon Europe
Objectives
This call focuses on developing a scalable production infrastructure for trapped-ion quantum computing processors. The goal is to move from manual fabrication processes to automated and high-yield manufacturing, ensuring Europe’s leadership in quantum technologies.
Key Requirements
Proposals must:
- Establish a Framework Partnership Agreement to create long-term, structured partnerships between industry, research organizations, and quantum technology institutions.
- Focus on the development and deployment of pilot lines to validate advancements and demonstrate scalability potential.
- Integrate fabrication processes into mainstream microelectronics or photonics manufacturing.
- Develop and apply Process Design Kits (PDKs) to standardize production and reduce the need for custom designs.
- Integrate advanced features such as photonics and electronics into ion-trap chips to enhance performance under cryogenic or ultrahigh-vacuum conditions.
- Demonstrate reliable quality assurance processes for trapped-ion chips, ensuring scalability from small-batch to mid/large-scale production.
- Protect intellectual property (IP), ensuring all developments remain within the EU.
Technology Goals
- Achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 through the first Specific Grant Agreement (SGA).
- Reach TRL 8 through the broader initiative, demonstrating near-industrial maturity.
2. Quantum Chip Technology for Stability Pilots
- Closing Date: January 21, 2025, 17:00 (Brussels time)
- Type of Action: Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA)
- Funding Program: Horizon Europe
Objectives
This call aims to develop two or more pilot lines for the scalable production of quantum chips, ensuring stability, efficiency, and high-yield capabilities. The initiative targets both research and industrial readiness to enable Europe’s quantum ecosystem to thrive.
Key Requirements
Proposals should:
- Establish long-term partnerships to drive the development of innovative quantum chips across Europe.
- Focus on standardizing methodologies for design, testing, and manufacturing processes to streamline production.
- Integrate Quantum Process Design Kits (PDKs) with European virtual design platforms, reducing costs and custom developments.
- Demonstrate stable, repeatable, and efficient production capabilities tailored to quantum chips.
- Develop robust quality assurance tools to ensure consistency across production batches, from small-to-mid scale to industrial levels.
- Protect all intellectual property generated, ensuring it remains within the EU.
Technology Goals
- Achieve TRL 6 in the first phase under Specific Grant Agreements.
- Reach TRL 8 through full project implementation, demonstrating production stability and industrial readiness.
Why Apply?
These calls provide a unique opportunity to:
- Collaborate with leading European stakeholders (research institutes, universities, SMEs, and industry).
- Develop and scale quantum chip production to address quantum computing, communications, sensing, and other cutting-edge applications.
- Contribute to building a robust, competitive European quantum ecosystem.
- Secure funding to enhance production infrastructure and align with European innovation goals.