Neutral-Atom Platform Technologies
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
The official English text of the call comes from the European Commission's Funding & Tenders portal.
Deadline
17 November 2026 24 days left
Grant per project
19–20 million EURTotal budget: 20 million EUR · about 1 funded projects
Region
International (EU)
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Eligibility criteria
EU direct call: eligibility depends mainly on the consortium, the participants' countries and their types of organisation. We cannot check these from your company details, so we do not tell you whether you are eligible. The criteria are in the official call.
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What is this call about?
Official description
Expected outcome and scope
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 processors (e.g., trapping and control optics, elecrtronic control components, laser systems, photonic interfaces). Coordination of partners activities, including training, documentation, and user engagement activities to foster adoption and ecosystem growth. The action builds upon the foundations set by the PASQuanS2 FPA and aligns with the goals of the Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA 2030), the Chips for Europe initiative contributing to Europe’s strategic autonomy in neutral atom quantum simulation and digital neutral-atom technologies.
Eligibility and submission conditions
"> General conditions 1. Admissibility conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. Proposals should have an indicative length of 75 pages. 2. Eligible countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. The following exceptions apply: the eligibility conditions are those established in the EuroHPC JU Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173 as last amended by Council Regulation 2026/150. In accordance with Article 22.5 of the HE Regulation, the Governing Board has decided that in order to achieve the expected outcomes, and safeguard the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States or Participating States of the EuroHPC JU At the moment of the adoption of the Amendment No 5, the Participating States of EuroHPC JU are Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and United Kingdom ( [Discover EuroHPC JU - The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) ) ]. In addition, legal entities which are established in associated countries to Horizon Europe that become a participant state to EuroHPC JU before the signature of the grant agreement will also become eligible. For the duly justified and exceptional reasons listed in the paragraph above, in order to guarantee the protection of the strategic interests of the Union and its Member States, entities established in an eligible country listed above, but which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity, may not participate in the action unless it can be demonstrated, by means of guarantees approved by the eligible country of establishment, that their participation to the action would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic, assets, interests, autonomy, or security. 3. Other Eligibility Conditions described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes The general criteria are described in the General Annex D of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027. described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual . 5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions described in the DECISION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE EuroHPC JOINT UNDERTAKING No 22/2026 . Activities are expected to start at TRL 4 and to achieve TRL 7 by the end of the project. Expected project duration is 3.5 years. The EuroHPC JU estimates that an EU contribution of EUR 20 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts. The documents are described in General Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027. Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates Please use the application form that you will find in the Submission System. You can find examples of standard application forms in the Reference Documents page . Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) HE MGA Call-specific instructions Information on financial support to third parties (HE) Additional documents: HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 3. Research Infrastructures HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 4. Health HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 5. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 10. European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 11. Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 12. Missions HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 13. New European Bauhaus Facility (NEB) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 14. Horizontal Activities HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement DECISION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE EuroHPC JOINT UNDERTAKING No 22/2026
Hivatkozott dokumentumok
Annex A Annex D Online Manual DECISION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE EuroHPC JOINT UNDERTAKING No 22/2026 Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) HE Programme Guide HE MGA Information on financial support to third parties (HE) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 3. Research Infrastructures HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 4. Health HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 5. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 10. European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 11. Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 12. Missions HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 13. New European Bauhaus Facility (NEB) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 14. Horizontal Activities Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions
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Deadline · 24 days left
17 November 2026