Continuation of the Quantum Technologies Flagship (CSA)

The European Union's Horizon Europe program offers a grant opportunity titled "Continuation of the Quantum Technologies Flagship (CSA)." This initiative is intended to strengthen Europe's position in quantum technologies through a Coordination and Support Action. Its goals include acting as a global observatory for quantum advancements, supporting flagship projects, and developing communication strategies to enhance awareness of quantum technologies.

The total available budget for this call is 4.5 million euros, and the grant application process is single-stage, opening on June 10, 2025, and closing on October 2, 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time. Expected outcomes of this CSA encompass various objectives including tracking advancements in quantum technologies globally, providing assessments to the European Commission and Member States, supporting existing quantum projects, and developing targeted communication strategies for diverse audiences.

The scope of this initiative incorporates maintaining a comprehensive observatory of quantum technologies, disseminating success stories, supporting the governance of the Quantum Flagship, and contributing to organizing the European Quantum Technologies Conference from 2026 to 2029. Projects are encouraged to collaborate with existing initiatives and link to standards development organizations. The project is recommended for a duration of 48 months.

This opportunity targets a broad set of applicants including universities, research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other organizations capable of contributing to innovative research in quantum technologies from EU Member States, associated countries, and selected non-EU countries.

Additional details such as general eligibility conditions, financial expectations, and application processes can be found in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. The funding encourages synergies with previous projects and initiatives to promote excellence across Europe.

Overall, this funding opportunity is critical for promoting sustainable growth and ensuring that Europe remains competitive in the rapidly evolving field of quantum technologies.

The EU's Horizon Europe program is offering a funding opportunity, HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01, focused on the continuation of the Quantum Technologies Flagship through a Coordination and Support Action (CSA). This initiative aims to bolster Europe's leadership in quantum technologies by acting as a global observatory, providing support to flagship projects, and developing communication strategies to raise awareness. The call falls under the DIGITAL - CNECT section of Horizon Europe, with a budget of 4,500,000 EUR. The project's timeline suggests a single-stage application process, opening on June 10, 2025, and closing on October 2, 2025, at 17:00 Brussels time. One grant is expected to be awarded.

The expected outcomes of this CSA are multifaceted. First, the project should function as a global observatory, meticulously tracking advancements in quantum technologies worldwide and providing regular assessments to the European Commission and Member States. This includes detailed analyses of Europe's position relative to global competitors, enabling strategic responses to emerging trends. Second, it should leverage the existing infrastructure to enhance Europe's leadership in the field. Third, the project should offer comprehensive support to Quantum Flagship projects, researchers, and innovators by fostering synergies and sharing knowledge. Fourth, it should develop targeted communication strategies to broaden the understanding of quantum technologies among various audiences. Sixth, the project should promote the sustainable growth of quantum technologies in Europe by identifying new applications and markets. Seventh, it should serve as a central coordination point between the EU and Member States, aligning strategies and strengthening international relations. Eighth, it should assist the Flagship's governance bodies and facilitate the integration of new initiatives. Ninth, it should act as a global data observatory, systematically collecting data on patents, publications, and market trends, disseminating this information to stakeholders. Tenth, it should propose a service-oriented model detailing the CSA's offerings, including research support and strategic analysis. Eleventh, it should update the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda through community involvement.

The scope of the CSA includes maintaining a global observatory of quantum technologies, disseminating EU success stories through regular articles, supporting the European Commission and Quantum Flagship projects, developing communication plans for diverse audiences, coordinating actions between the EU, Member States, and international partners, supporting the Flagship's governance structures, and contributing to the organization of the European Quantum Technologies Conference (EQTC) from 2026-2029.

The Commission suggests a project duration of 48 months. The project should link to standards development organizations and collaborate with existing projects and initiatives, particularly the QUCATS project and other quantum-related projects under Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, EuroQCI, EuroHPC, and the Chips Joint Undertaking. Synergies with other European, national, and regional initiatives are also encouraged, as is the involvement of EU Widening Countries. While integrating gender dimensions is not mandatory, it is encouraged if relevant.

General conditions for admissibility, eligible countries, financial and operational capacity, evaluation, award, and legal and financial setup are detailed in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions are outlined in the Work Programme's specific topic. Application forms, evaluation templates, guidance documents, and model grant agreements are available through the Submission System and related online resources.

The budget overview lists various topics within the HORIZON-CL4-2025-03 call, including their respective budgets, action types (RIA, CSA, IA), opening and deadline dates, contribution amounts, and the indicative number of grants. The call includes topics related to data, digital emerging technologies, human-centric approaches, and materials, each with its specific focus and funding allocation.

Partner search announcements are available for those seeking collaboration, and the Funding & Tenders Portal provides various support resources, including an online manual, FAQs, research enquiry services, national contact points, and IT helpdesks.

In summary, this funding opportunity aims to continue and enhance the European Quantum Technologies Flagship Initiative by establishing a comprehensive support and coordination action. The project is expected to act as a global observatory, support existing projects, develop communication strategies, and foster collaboration among various stakeholders, ultimately promoting the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of quantum technologies in Europe. The call encourages broad participation, synergy with existing initiatives, and adherence to the guidelines and conditions outlined in the Horizon Europe program.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, given the nature of Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) and Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA), eligible applicants typically include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other organizations capable of conducting research and innovation activities. The call is open to legal entities from eligible countries as defined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.

Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically through HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (IA).

Consortium Requirement: The text encourages the inclusion of partners with direct experience of participation in relevant standards committees at national, European or international level(s) in project consortia, implying that a consortium is preferred, although not explicitly stated as mandatory. Partner Search tools are mentioned, suggesting consortia are common.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): Eligible countries are described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. This suggests that the primary geographic eligibility is for EU member states and associated countries, with potential eligibility for specific non-EU countries under certain conditions. The text also mentions EU Widening Countries.

Target Sector: The primary target sector is quantum technologies. This includes activities related to the development, support, coordination, and promotion of quantum technologies across various applications and markets. The call also touches on digital technologies, data, emerging technologies, advanced materials, and human-centric approaches within the broader context of Horizon Europe's Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space).

Mentioned Countries: The text refers to EU member states, non-EU associated countries, and EU Widening Countries. No specific countries are explicitly named, but the geographic scope is primarily focused on Europe and countries associated with the Horizon Europe program.

Project Stage: The project stage varies depending on the type of action. Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) typically focus on coordination, networking, and dissemination activities, suggesting a focus on supporting existing research and innovation efforts. Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) focus on establishing new knowledge or explore the feasibility of a new or improved technology, product, process, service or solution. Innovation Actions (IA) primarily consist of activities directly aimed at producing plans and arrangements or designs for new, altered or improved products, processes or services. These may include prototyping, testing, demonstrating, piloting, large-scale product validation and market replication.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary significantly depending on the specific topic within the call:
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DATA-08: EUR 75,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DATA-09: EUR 2,500,000 (EUR 1,800,000 to EUR 2,500,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DATA-10: EUR 2,500,000 (EUR 1,800,000 to EUR 2,500,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DATA-11: EUR 10,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DATA-12: EUR 2,100,000 (EUR 1,900,000 to EUR 2,100,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DATA-13: EUR 45,000,000 (EUR 7,000,000 to EUR 9,000,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01: EUR 4,500,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-02: EUR 10,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-03: EUR 8,000,000 (EUR 2,500,000 to EUR 2,700,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-04: EUR 2,500,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-07: EUR 85,000,000 (EUR 40,000,000 to EUR 45,000,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-08: EUR 1,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-09: EUR 45,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-14: EUR 43,000,000 (EUR 5,000,000 to EUR 6,000,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-15: EUR 20,000,000 (EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 5,000,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-16: EUR 14,500,000 (EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-17: EUR 2,500,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-18: EUR 3,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-HUMAN-19: EUR 3,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-MATERIALS-46: EUR 10,000,000
HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-MATERIALS-47: EUR 15,000,000

Application Type: The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of grants to fund their projects.

Application Stages: The application process is a single-stage process.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned. However, the indicative number of grants for each topic is provided, allowing for a rough estimation of the competition level.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement. As a general rule, Coordination and Support Actions (CSA) typically do not require co-funding, while Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA) may require some level of co-funding depending on the specific call conditions.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call, under the DIGITAL - CNECT (HORIZON-CL4-2025-03) framework, aims to advance quantum technologies and related digital and emerging fields. It encompasses a range of funding opportunities, including Coordination and Support Actions (CSA), Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA), with varying budgets and scopes. The call seeks to establish a global observatory for quantum technologies, support the Quantum Technologies Flagship Initiative, promote sustainable growth in quantum technologies, and foster collaboration between EU member states, associated countries, and international partners. Eligible applicants include universities, research institutes, SMEs, and other organizations capable of contributing to research and innovation in these areas. The application process involves a single-stage submission, with funding provided in the form of grants. The call encourages synergies with existing projects and initiatives, as well as the involvement of EU Widening Countries to promote excellence across Europe.