Funding to Attend DigiQ Networking Events

The DigiQ: Digitally Enhanced European Quantum Technology Master project offers financial support for students to attend DigiQ networking events, organized under Grant Agreement No: 101084035, focusing on specialized education programs in key capacity areas, particularly in quantum technology. The application deadline is March 31, 2026, with applications evaluated based on academic performance, CV, and involvement in the DigiQ environment. Eligible applicants include students currently enrolled in a DigiQ network or recent graduates of a DigiQ Master program. The funding can cover travel expenses up to €500 and accommodation up to €200 per day, with a maximum of €1,000 per event, allowing each student to receive up to €2,000 for two events. The total funding pool available across all participants is €925,000, and applications must be processed through the students' respective DigiQ partner institutions.

The application involves an eligibility check and assessments based on academic achievements and motivational letters. Priority is granted to students affiliated with DigiQ partner institutions, particularly if events are oversubscribed. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, aiming for equal gender representation and reserving 20% of funds for underrepresented groups. Funding will come from several institutions linked to the DigiQ initiative across various European countries. More details about event funding and guidelines can be found on the DigiQ website. This initiative promotes collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the quantum technology sector, aiming to enrich students' educational experiences within this specialized field.

The DigiQ: Digitally Enhanced European Quantum Technology Master project is offering financial support to students to attend DigiQ Networking Events. This open call is organized under Grant Agreement No: 101084035, topic DIGITAL-2021-SKILLS-01-SPECIALISED - Specialised education programmes in key capacity areas. The deadline for applications is 31 March 2026 at 17:00 (Brussels time). The opening date was 11 February 2025.

The total funding available is €925,000, which will be provided by the students' home, host, or other DigiQ partner. Funding is available throughout the academic year until 30th September 2026, when all network events will have ceased. The expected duration of participation is one day or more.

To be eligible for funding, students must be enrolled in a DigiQ network or committed to joining one at the next possible date, or be a recent graduate of a DigiQ Master program with a network certification. Applications will be evaluated based on the student’s activity in the DigiQ environment and their academic performance both inside and outside of it. Each student can receive funding to attend up to two in-person networking events per year, regardless of the paying institution. Previous funding received must be disclosed during the application process.

Funding covers travel expenses and accommodation, with a maximum of €500 for travel and €200 per day for accommodation and subsistence. The total maximum allowable per event is €1000. A total of 925 events will be funded, and each student can receive a total of €2000 to attend two events.

To apply, students should note that network events are advertised by the hosting institution to the relevant DigiQ networks. Available network events are advertised at https://www.digiq.eu/track/database?tab=Network+Events. The event host will indicate if funding is available from them, along with the application process, eligibility rules, and selection process. Students are required to submit their CV and a motivational letter. If no funding is available from the event host, DigiQ students should contact their local coordinator for information on available funding, the application process, eligibility rules, and selection process.

The selection process includes an eligibility check by the local representative, who will verify if the student is enrolled in a DigiQ network, if the host institution is a DigiQ Partner, and if funding is available from the home or host institution. The DigiQ mobility panel will evaluate overbooked events case-by-case, based on the student’s activity in the DigiQ environment, academic performance, and the content of their motivational letter.

Candidates will be evaluated based on their submitted documentation, using the following criteria:

Academic Performance:
Grades (total 3 points)
Motivation letter & Course Plan / Learning Agreement (total 3 points)
Clear motivation and research interests (2 points)
Match with chosen network event (1 point)

CV (total 3 points):
Prizes, awards, fellowships (1 point)
Previous research experience (1 point)
Publications / other outstanding features of CV (1 point)

Background and Experience (total 3 points):
Candidate has sufficient background / training for attending network event; take into account statement of support.

Learning Potential & Community Service (total 3 points):
Candidate demonstrates potential for leadership and / or experience in leadership roles, including supervision of students, and / or has a record of impact on the scientific community (e.g. in student chapters, outreach activities etc.)

The selection committee will evaluate the excellence and output of the candidate relative to their experience and opportunities, considering factors such as gender, disability, educational opportunities, socio-economic background, and refugee status.

The program follows Mobility Guidelines to ensure Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Mobility committees should aim for equal gender representation (at least 40% men, 40% women, and 20% of any gender) and actively encourage students from underrepresented genders. 20% of the mobility funding is reserved for under-represented groups. The mobility committee should comprise members from diverse backgrounds, mobility experiences, and perspectives. All members should have equal voting/grading rights and be familiar with local policies, recognition of academic achievements, conflict of interest, and discrimination. An experienced chair should lead the committee, and physical or digital tools should be used to document proceedings. The DigiQ Executive Board should be thoroughly reported on practices to assign mobility funding and incorporation of DEI guidelines.

If an event is oversubscribed, priority will be given to students enrolled from DigiQ partner institutions. The program is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, ensures equity, and promotes inclusivity for all.

Funding will be provided by the following DigiQ Partners: Aarhus University, Fundacio Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Ceske Vysoke Uceni Technice V Praze, Københavns Universitet, Ruprecht-Karls Universitaet Heidelberg, Universite Paris-Saclay, Ecole Normale Superieure, Universitat de Barcelona, Universita Di Pisa Rheinisch-Wesfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Universitite de Strasbourg, Helsingin Yliopisto, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Sorbonne Universite, Deloitte Technology De Troyes, Instituto Superior Tecnico.

More information regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion policies can be found in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion guidelines, Inclusive Communications guidelines, and Selection guidelines. DigiQ networks can be found at https://www.digiq.eu/networks, and funding information is available at https://www.digiq.eu/mobility?network=ANE.

In summary, this opportunity provides financial support for students enrolled in or affiliated with the DigiQ network to attend networking events related to quantum technology. The goal is to enhance their skills and knowledge in this specialized area. The funding covers travel and accommodation expenses, and the selection process prioritizes academic merit, motivation, and contributions to the community, while also ensuring diversity and inclusion. The DigiQ project aims to foster a collaborative environment and provide equal opportunities for students from various backgrounds to participate in these valuable networking experiences.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant type is students enrolled in a DigiQ network or committed to joining one, or recent graduates of a DigiQ Master program with a network certification.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically cascade funding, to cover travel and accommodation expenses for students attending DigiQ networking events.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity is for single applicants, i.e., individual students.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is tied to the DigiQ partner institutions and networks, which appear to be primarily based in the EU, but the specific geographic scope isn't explicitly limited beyond the network's reach. The DigiQ partners are located in various European countries.

Target Sector: The target sector is quantum technology, specifically focusing on specialised education programmes in key capacity areas within the digital domain.

Mentioned Countries: The following countries are home to DigiQ partner institutions: Denmark (Aarhus University, Københavns Universitet), Spain (Fundacio Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Universitat de Barcelona, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona), Czech Republic (Ceske Vysoke Uceni Technice V Praze), Germany (Ruprecht-Karls Universitaet Heidelberg, Rheinisch-Wesfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen), France (Universite Paris-Saclay, Ecole Normale Superieure, Sorbonne Universite, Universitite de Strasbourg, Deloitte Technology De Troyes), Italy (Universita Di Pisa), Finland (Helsingin Yliopisto), Portugal (Instituto Superior Tecnico).

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on enabling participation in networking events, which supports the development and validation stages of the students' education and research within the quantum technology field.

Funding Amount: The funding amount is variable, with a maximum of €500 for travel and €200 per day for accommodation and subsistence, up to a total of €1000 per event. Each student can receive a total of €2000 to attend two events. The total funding available across the entire consortium is €925,000.

Application Type: The application type is an open call.

Nature of Support: The beneficiaries will receive money to cover travel and accommodation expenses.

Application Stages: The application process involves an eligibility check by a local representative and a review of the student's application based on academic performance, CV, background, experience, learning potential, and community service. If an event is overbooked, a mobility panel evaluates applications case-by-case. Therefore, there are multiple stages.

Success Rates: The document states, "It is intended that all eligible DigiQ students may attend at least one networking event," suggesting a relatively high success rate for eligible applicants, unless events are oversubscribed. If an event is oversubscribed priority will be given to students [enrolled] from DigiQ partner institutions.

Co-funding Requirement: The document does not explicitly state a co-funding requirement from the applicant.

Summary:

This opportunity is an open call under the DigiQ: Digitally Enhanced European Quantum Technology Master project, which aims to provide financial support to students for attending networking events. The goal is to foster connections and knowledge exchange within the quantum technology field. Eligible applicants are students enrolled in or recently graduated from a DigiQ network or master program. The funding covers travel and accommodation expenses, with a maximum of €1000 per event and €2000 per student for up to two events. The application process involves an eligibility check and an evaluation based on academic performance, CV, and potential contributions to the community. The selection process also considers diversity, equity, and inclusion guidelines. The total funding available for this initiative is €925,000, and the application deadline is March 31, 2026. The funding is provided by the students' home, host, or other DigiQ partner institutions. The DigiQ project aims to support specialised education programmes in key capacity areas related to quantum technology.