EU-Japan cooperation on the exploitation of Quantum Space Gravimetry data

This grant opportunity focuses on fostering collaboration between EU and Japan in the field of Quantum Space Gravimetry (QSG) under the Horizon Europe program, specifically within the SPACE-HADEA initiative. The objective is to enhance Earth observation capabilities through innovative research and applications based on the data from quantum sensing technologies.

Eligible applicants include research institutions and universities from EU member states and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with the requirement that at least one legal entity from Japan be included in the consortium. The funding type available is a grant under Horizon Europe, specifically within the Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), with a budget allocated for the EU side ranging from €0.45 to €0.50 million. The consortium must be formed for the proposal, addressing both EU and Japanese interests in Earth science.

Geographic eligibility covers EU member states and Japan, where EU scientists receive funding while Japanese scientists must secure their own funding, which indicates a co-funding requirement. The program also encompasses a variety of sectors focused on improving technologies for space and Earth observation, particularly through the development of data processing algorithms and new application frameworks.

The application process is structured as a single-stage open call, with a deadline for submissions set for 25 September 2025. The support is monetary, issued as a lump sum grant for the projects selected. The success rate is anticipated to be low since typically only one proposal is selected for funding in many topics.

The overarching goal of this initiative is to prepare the scientific community to effectively utilize data from future QSG missions, promoting innovation in climate monitoring, resource management, and disaster prediction. The grant mandates adherence to various eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, including dimensions of gender analysis where relevant, and emphasizes the importance of using data from existing space initiatives such as Copernicus or Galileo.

Additionally, a wide range of budgets is available for different call topics, with specified funding amounts appearing under various categories, illustrating the scale of support the program intends to provide. Overall, this initiative represents a significant opportunity for scientific collaboration between the EU and Japan, leveraging advancements in quantum technologies for practical applications in Earth sciences.

The EU-Japan cooperation on the exploitation of Quantum Space Gravimetry data is a Horizon Europe call under the SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02) program. It aims to support the EU space policy and the EU green deal by preparing the grounds for an innovative Quantum Space Gravimetry (QSG) mission, foster EU-Japan cooperation in the field of quantum sensing from space, and allow scientists from EU and Japan to prepare for the exploitation of QSG mission data. The call is open for submission with a deadline of 25 September 2025.

The call focuses on preparing the scientific community to use data from quantum sensors, developing new processing algorithms, and initiating new applications based on enhanced data. It seeks to identify Earth science fields relying on space gravity data exploitation and of mutual EU-Japan interest, and to propose innovative algorithmic solutions highlighting the benefits of quantum space gravimetry. The call also aims to discuss the expected QSG mission performance.

Horizon Europe will fund scientists from EU and Horizon Europe Associated Countries only, while Japan scientists will fund their own activities, expected to be at the same level as the EU contribution. The integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content should be addressed only if relevant in relation to the objectives of the research effort.

The call specifies admissibility conditions related to proposal page limits and layout, eligible countries as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, and other eligible conditions such as restrictions for the protection of European communication networks and the requirement for the consortium to include at least one legal entity established in Japan. Projects using satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS.

Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. The granting authority can fund a maximum of one project, and the award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes are detailed in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021. Legal and financial set-up of the grants are described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.

The application form templates are available in the Submission System, including a standard application form (HE RIA, IA). Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations, including a standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA). Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide. The Model Grant Agreement (MGA) is a Lump Sum MGA. Call-specific instructions include a detailed budget table (HE LS) and guidance on lump sums. Additional documents include the HE Main Work Programme 2025, the HE Programme Guide, the HE Framework Programme 2021/695, the HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, the EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, the Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions, rules for legal entity validation, and the EU Grants AGA.

The call provides a budget overview for various topics under HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE, with opening dates on 22 May 2025 and deadlines on 25 September 2025. Examples of topics include:

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-11 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions with a budget of 1 000 000 EUR and an indicative number of 1 grant.

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-12 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of 3 000 000 EUR and an indicative number of 2 grants.

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-13 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions with a budget of 7 000 000 EUR and an indicative number of 2 grants.

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of 18 000 000 EUR and an indicative number of 2 grants.

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-22 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of 17 500 000 EUR and an indicative number of 1 grant.

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-23 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of 12 000 000 EUR and an indicative number of 1 grant.

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-24 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of 5 000 000 EUR and an indicative number of 2 grants.

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-31 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions with a budget of 6 000 000 EUR and an indicative number of 3 grants.

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-32 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 11 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 2000000 to 60000003

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-41 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 10 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 around 100000001

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-42 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 3 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 around 30000001

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-43 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 3 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 around 30000001

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-44 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 5 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 around 50000001

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-45 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 12 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 around 120000001

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-46 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions 5 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 around 50000001

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-71 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 5 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 4500000 to 50000001

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-72 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 8 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 3500000 to 40000002

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-73 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 1 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 800000 to 10000001

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-74 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 6 000 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 2500000 to 30000002

HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-81 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions 500 000 single-stage2025-05-22 2025-09-25 450000 to 5000001

Partner search announcements are available, and applicants can access the Electronic Submission Service through the Funding & Tenders Portal. Support resources include an Online Manual, the Horizon Europe Programme Guide, a Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ, a Research Enquiry Service, National Contact Points, the Enterprise Europe Network, an IT Helpdesk, the European IPR Helpdesk, and CEN-CENELEC/ETSI Research Helpdesks.

In summary, this Horizon Europe call aims to foster EU-Japan cooperation in quantum space gravimetry by funding research and innovation actions that prepare the scientific community for the exploitation of QSG mission data. It supports the EU space policy and green deal, promotes the development of quantum sensing technology, and encourages the creation of new applications based on enhanced data. The call requires a consortium with at least one legal entity established in Japan and funds EU scientists, while Japanese scientists fund their own activities. The call provides a lump sum grant and specifies various conditions and requirements related to eligibility, evaluation, and legal/financial setup.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are scientists and research institutions from EU member states, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and Japan. The consortium must include at least one legal entity established in Japan.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (RIA) or a HORIZON Coordination and Support Action (CSA) or a HORIZON Innovation Action (IA) under the Horizon Europe Programme. Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.

Consortium Requirement: A consortium is required, and it must include at least one legal entity established in Japan.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU member states and Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Although the call aims to foster EU-Japan cooperation, Horizon Europe funding will be directed towards scientists and entities within the EU and associated countries.

Target Sector: The program targets the space sector, specifically focusing on Quantum Space Gravimetry (QSG), quantum sensing technology, earth science, space-borne gravity field data, and related algorithmic solutions. It also touches on areas of digital technologies, industry, and space research.

Mentioned Countries: European Union member states, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and Japan.

Project Stage: The project stage is geared towards preparing the scientific community for the exploitation of data from a Quantum Space Gravimetry mission. This includes developing data processing algorithms, initiating new applications, and research and dissemination activities. Therefore, the project stage is a mix of research, development, and demonstration.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call, ranging from EUR 500,000 to EUR 18,000,000. The indicative number of grants per topic also varies.
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-11 - HORIZON-CSA HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions: EUR 1,000,000 (around EUR 1,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-12 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 3,000,000 (EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-13 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: EUR 7,000,000 (EUR 4,000,000 to EUR 7,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-21 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 18,000,000 (EUR 6,000,000 to EUR 12,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-22 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 17,500,000 (EUR 12,000,000 to EUR 17,500,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-23 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 12,000,000 (EUR 10,000,000 to EUR 12,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-24 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 5,000,000 (EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 3,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-31 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 6,000,000 (EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 5,000,000 per grant, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-32 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: EUR 11,000,000 (EUR 2,000,000 to EUR 6,000,000 per grant, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-41 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 10,000,000 (around EUR 10,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-42 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 3,000,000 (around EUR 3,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-43 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 3,000,000 (around EUR 3,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-44 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 5,000,000 (around EUR 5,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-45 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 12,000,000 (around EUR 12,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-46 - HORIZON-IA HORIZON Innovation Actions: EUR 5,000,000 (around EUR 5,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-71 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 5,000,000 (EUR 4,500,000 to EUR 5,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-72 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 8,000,000 (EUR 3,500,000 to EUR 4,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-73 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 1,000,000 (EUR 800,000 to EUR 1,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-74 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 6,000,000 (EUR 2,500,000 to EUR 3,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-81 - HORIZON-RIA HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions: EUR 500,000 (EUR 450,000 to EUR 500,000 per grant, 1 grant)

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

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive funding in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the granting authority can fund a maximum of one project for some topics, while other topics may have multiple grants.

Co-funding Requirement: While Horizon Europe will fund EU scientists and those from associated countries, Japanese scientists are expected to fund their own activities at a level equivalent to the EU contribution, indicating a co-funding aspect.

Summary: This Horizon Europe call, under the SPACE-HADEA (HORIZON-CL4-2025-02) program, aims to foster EU-Japan cooperation in Quantum Space Gravimetry (QSG). The call seeks to prepare the scientific community for the exploitation of data from future QSG missions. It encourages research and innovation actions (RIA), coordination and support actions (CSA) and innovation actions (IA) that will develop data processing algorithms, initiate new applications, and demonstrate the benefits of space-borne gravity field data. The call is open to researchers and institutions from EU member states and Horizon Europe Associated Countries, with a mandatory requirement for consortia to include at least one legal entity from Japan. While EU participants will receive funding from Horizon Europe, Japanese participants are expected to secure their own funding, matching the EU contribution. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and the application process is a single-stage submission. The call addresses various aspects of space research and innovation, with a focus on quantum sensing technology and its applications in Earth science and space policy. The indicative budget for each topic varies, and the granting authority can fund a maximum of one project for some topics, while other topics may have multiple grants.