Investigate quantum sensing and computing applied to ATM

The grant opportunity under the Horizon Europe program focuses on the Digital European Sky Exploratory Research 03 (HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03) and aims to investigate the applications of quantum technologies in Air Traffic Management (ATM). It is categorized as a HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-JU-RIA) with a single-stage application process, opening for submissions on April 1, 2025, and closing on September 16, 2025.

Eligible applicants include research institutions, universities, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises engaging in research and development in quantum computing or aviation systems. The funding type is a lump-sum grant, with an estimated budget of 24 million euros allocated to the program. Funding contributions will vary, with ranges from 500,000 to 1,000,000 euros for certain topics, and from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 euros for others.

The project focuses on three main areas: the application of quantum computing in ATM, the integration of post-quantum cryptography for secure communication, and the use of quantum sensing for improved navigation abilities. Each area seeks to advance specific aspects of ATM, such as optimizing traffic flow and enhancing cybersecurity to resist potential threats from quantum computing advancements.

The call specifies that projects should consider collaborations within consortia and actively share outcomes with other projects under the same initiative. The consortium structure is expected due to the multidisciplinary nature of the research. The project duration is capped at 30 months, which includes time allocated for dissemination and exploitation activities.

Evaluation criteria and guidelines for applications outline the need for detailed proposal submissions that address admissibility conditions, eligibility, and potential impacts on the overarching goals of Horizon Europe. The success rate for these applications typically ranges between 10 to 39%, reflecting competitive scrutiny.

In summary, this grant supports the exploration of quantum technologies in enhancing the efficiency and safety of air traffic management systems, promoting collaborative innovations that align with the objectives of the Digital European Sky initiative.

This EU grant opportunity, under the Horizon Europe program, specifically targets the Digital European Sky Exploratory Research 03 call (HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03). It is a HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-JU-RIA) with a single-stage submission process. The grant agreement type is a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS]. The call opened on April 1, 2025, and the deadline for submissions is September 16, 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The primary objective of this call is to significantly advance the development priority FR-3: Investigate quantum sensing and computing applied to ATM (Air Traffic Management). The scope encompasses three main areas:

1. Quantum Computing (QC) Applications in ATM: This area explores the potential of quantum computing to solve complex problems in ATM, leveraging its ability to perform calculations at higher speeds than classical computing. While acknowledging that quantum computers are not yet widely available, the research aims to explore the advantages of quantum computing in ATM. It is not expected that research will write quantum algorithms or make use of quantum machines. Quantum annealing is also in scope as a short-term, high-yield, low-risk method to quantise existing optimisation algorithms. Potential applications include:

Trajectory optimisation: Identifying the most energy-efficient and time-effective flight trajectories, considering dynamic variables like air traffic restrictions, weather conditions, and fuel prices.
Traffic flow optimisation: Optimising flight schedules and plans to improve traffic demand, traffic flows, and regulations in capacity-constrained scenarios, reducing delays in areas like ATFCM and drone delivery.
Emergency and contingency management: Defining the best strategies to manage emergencies and minimise risks by simulating numerous potential scenarios rapidly.
Separation management: Analysing large datasets from radar, satellite, and transponder data in real-time to mitigate collision risks and improve airspace management.
Improvement of network impact assessment (NIA) functionalities towards optimiser capabilities, to provide performance-driven dynamic airspace configurations (DAC) and optimised DCB solutions.
Simulation infrastructure: Utilizing quantum computers to train deep learning models faster, leading to breakthroughs in natural language processing and image recognition.
Machine learning and artificial intelligence: Improving and accelerating machine learning algorithms for data analysis, pattern recognition, and performance assessment.
Reinforcement learning: Accelerating the agent’s learning cycle for reinforcement learning processes.
Climate modelling: Resolving complex climate models with greater precision for better climate change understanding and weather forecasting.
C-UAS detection and identification: Enabling timely detection and classification of drones near sensitive infrastructure, allowing for appropriate countermeasures.

Depending on the proposed use case(s), research shall analyse which quantum technologies / algorithms are applicable / relevant.

2. Post-Quantum Cryptography in ATM: This area addresses the challenges posed by quantum computing to traditional encryption methods. The EU aims to develop transition strategies towards a quantum-safe digital infrastructure. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is considered the most promising short-term approach to make communications and data resistant to quantum attacks. The research objective is to assess cybersecurity and cryptographic needs in ATM, including ground-ground and air-ground segments, and define a roadmap for introducing PQC (phase-in and hybridization) to secure the ATM infrastructure. Proposals should leverage previous PQC research and consider ATM-specific applications, demonstrating awareness of the European ATM communications infrastructure. Optional exploration of transitioning to Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is also suggested.

3. Quantum Sensing Applications: This area explores the application of quantum sensing for air navigation of crewed aircraft and drones. Potential applications include:

High-performing alternative position, navigation, and timing (A-PNT): Developing resilient high-precision inertial navigation systems usable in all flight phases, serving as a backup for GNSS, which is vulnerable to interference, spoofing, and outages. Quantum sensors can provide high accuracy in autonomous positioning without relying on external infrastructure.
Impact on datalink communications.

Proposals may address alternative applications of quantum sensing to ATM provided adequate background and justification is provided.

The call specifies several conditions and requirements for applicants:

Admissibility Conditions: As described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes.
Proposal Page Limits and Layout: As described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System.
Eligible Countries: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
Other Eligible Conditions: As described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with restrictions for the protection of European communication networks.
Financial and Operational Capacity and Exclusion: As described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Evaluation and Award: Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes and subsection 1.4 of the BAWP 2024-2025. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The evaluation committee may include representatives of EU institutions and agencies. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Legal and Financial Set-Up: As described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes, with eligible costs taking the form of a lump sum. Beneficiaries have additional dissemination and exploitation obligations, including sharing results royalty-free with other grantees under the same call and making results available for reuse under fair conditions.

The maximum project duration is 30 months, including a 6-month period for communications, dissemination, and exploitation activities.

The call provides a budget overview for different topics:

HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-2, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-1, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-3, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-4: Total budget of EUR 10,000,000, with contributions ranging from EUR 500,000 to EUR 1,000,000 per grant, and an indicative number of 1 grant per topic.
HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA2-2, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA2-1: Total budget of EUR 14,000,000, with contributions ranging from EUR 1,000,000 to EUR 2,000,000 per grant, and an indicative number of 1 grant per topic.

There are 65 partner search announcements available for collaboration on this topic.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the SESAR 3 JU Call Helpdesk, the Online Manual, the Horizon Europe Programme Guide, and the Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ for support.

In summary, this grant opportunity aims to foster research and innovation in the application of quantum technologies to Air Traffic Management. It addresses the potential of quantum computing, the need for post-quantum cryptography, and the use of quantum sensing to enhance ATM capabilities, resilience, and security. The call encourages collaborative projects that can contribute to the Digital European Sky initiative and the broader goals of the Horizon Europe program.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are not explicitly stated, but given the nature of Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), eligible applicants can include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other relevant organizations capable of conducting research and innovation activities.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant.

Consortium Requirement: The text does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. However, given the scope and nature of the research topics, a consortium is highly probable to gather all the necessary expertise.

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.

Target Sector: The program targets the following sectors: quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, quantum sensing, air traffic management (ATM), cybersecurity, aerospace, and drone technology.

Mentioned Countries: The text mentions the EU and non-EU/non-Associated Countries.

Project Stage: The project stage is exploratory research, focusing on investigating the potential applications of quantum technologies in ATM.

Funding Amount: For topics HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-1, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-2, HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-3 and HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-4, the contributions range from 500,000 EUR to 1,000,000 EUR. For topics HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA2-1 and HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA2-2, the contributions range from 1,000,000 EUR to 2,000,000 EUR.

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 a lump sum grant.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned.

Co-funding Requirement: The text does not explicitly mention a co-funding requirement.

Summary:

This is a Horizon Europe call under the Digital European Sky Exploratory Research 03 (HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03) program, focusing on investigating quantum sensing and computing applied to Air Traffic Management (ATM). The call aims to significantly advance the development priority FR-3, which involves exploring the applications of quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, and quantum sensing in ATM.

The scope includes three main areas:

1.  Quantum Computing Applications in ATM: This area focuses on exploring how quantum computing can be applied to solve complex problems in ATM, such as trajectory optimization, traffic flow optimization, emergency management, separation management, simulation infrastructure, machine learning, climate modeling, and counter-UAS detection. The research should analyze which quantum technologies and algorithms are applicable to specific use cases.

2.  Post-Quantum Cryptography in ATM: This area addresses the challenges posed by quantum computing to traditional encryption methods. The objective is to assess cybersecurity needs in ATM and define a roadmap for introducing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to secure the ATM infrastructure. Research may also explore transitioning to Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) using the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI).

3.  Quantum Sensing Applications: This area explores how quantum sensing can be applied for air navigation of crewed aircraft and drones, particularly to provide high-performing alternative position, navigation, and timing (A-PNT) solutions. This includes resilient high-precision inertial navigation usable on all phases of flight and addressing the limitations of relying on satellite navigation.

The call is structured into several topics, each with a specific budget and indicative number of grants. The total budget for the call is 24,000,000 EUR. The call opens on April 1, 2025, and closes on September 16, 2025. The funding will be provided as a lump sum grant under the Horizon Europe Programme.

Eligible applicants can include universities, research institutes, SMEs, large enterprises, and other relevant organizations. The maximum project duration is 30 months. Applicants are expected to proactively share results with other projects under the same call and make results available for reuse under fair conditions.

The application process involves a single-stage submission. Applicants are encouraged to use the provided templates and guidelines, and can find support through the SESAR 3 JU Call Helpdesk, the Horizon Europe Programme Guide, and other resources. Partner search announcements are available to help applicants form consortia.