Maturing of a European industrial ecosystem for security-certified terrestrial QKD technologies and systems

The European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) call, part of the Digital Europe Programme, aims to enhance and certify European quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies for integration into telecom networks. The initiative is focused on fostering a self-sufficient European quantum communication ecosystem, supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) while ensuring compliance with security standards. The funding structure includes a total budget of €36 million allocated across three topics. One of the primary funding opportunities is the DIGITAL-IRIS2, which is designated for Digital SME Support Actions, with a budget of €30 million and the potential for approximately five grants. The other two topics each have a budget of €3 million and are aimed at coordination and support actions, with one expected grant per topic. The application process is single-stage, with the system opening on July 15, 2025, and a submission deadline set for October 16, 2025. Applicants must prepare full proposals at once, adhering to specified guidelines regarding proposal limits and formats. Eligible applicants primarily include SMEs, research institutions, and large enterprises engaged in developing and integrating advanced quantum technologies. The project aims to facilitate the development of quantum communication systems that incorporate hardware and software elements like photonic circuits, quantum random number generators, and advanced key management systems. The focus is on achieving market-ready and secure QKD solutions, preparing them for compliance with EuroQCI security requirements, and ensuring they can coexist with existing communication technologies. This effort is intended to support the overall goal of building a robust and secure quantum communication infrastructure across Europe. Participants are encouraged to collaborate and form consortia, which may enhance the capabilities to address the project’s objectives, although the call does not explicitly require consortium participation. The emphasis is on integrating various components into functional systems that adhere to the regulatory and security frameworks established under EuroQCI standards. The overall goal is to solidify Europe's position in quantum communication technology, ensuring that these innovations contribute to secure and reliable communication networks for the future, ultimately fostering economic growth and technological leadership in this critical sector.

The European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) call, under the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL), aims to mature and certify European quantum key distribution (QKD) components and systems for integration into telecom networks. The call DIGITAL-IRIS2-2025-QCI focuses on fostering a technologically autonomous European quantum communication ecosystem.

The objective is to stimulate the development and security certification of compact and efficient European QKD components and systems, making them ready for integration into telecom networks while adhering to security requirements. The call seeks to contribute to the growth of a European industrial quantum communication ecosystem, with a focus on supporting SMEs.

The scope includes maturing technological components and integrating them into market-ready, high-performance, and ultra-efficient solutions. This involves Small Form Factor (SFF) and cost-effective designs with relevant manufacturing readiness levels. Specific areas of focus are:

1. Development and integration of hardware and software elements:

Photonic integrated circuits for QKD transmitters and receivers.

Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs).

Light sources.

Non-standard fibers.

Processing algorithms on reprogrammable platforms.

Cost-effective and easily deployable single-photon detectors.

Advanced technologies like memories and repeaters.

2. Development of complete QKD systems:

Integration of software-defined networking controllers and orchestrators for dynamic routing functionalities.

Integration of multi-vendor and multi-operator networks.

Key management systems in the application layer integrating Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

Real-time-adaptive key management.

Network optimization and anomaly detection tools based on artificial intelligence.

3. Integration of multiplexing and switching techniques for coexistence of QKD with conventional communications traffic and technology.

4. Development of a comprehensive multi-layered approach for securing trusted nodes:

Increased protection against side-channel and optical attacks.

Physical security measures.

Cybersecurity measures to protect control systems.

Incorporation of protocols to eliminate classes of vulnerabilities.

5. Preparing compliance with EuroQCI security requirements and security certification, requiring collaboration with Certification Bodies and engagement with the EuroQCI testing and evaluation infrastructure.

The call is structured into three topics:

1. DIGITAL-IRIS2 - DIGITAL-SME Digital SME Support Actions:Budget of €30,000,000, single-stage, with an indicative number of 5 grants.

2. DIGITAL-IRIS2-2025-QCI-02 - DIGITAL-CSA DIGITAL Coordination and Support Actions:Budget of €3,000,000, single-stage, with an indicative number of 1 grant.

3. DIGITAL-IRIS2-2025-QCI-03 - DIGITAL-CSA DIGITAL Coordination and Support Actions:Budget of €3,000,000, single-stage, with an indicative number of 1 grant.

The planned opening date for the submission system is July 15, 2025, and the deadline for submissions is October 16, 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

Admissibility conditions include proposal page limits and layout, as described in section 5 of the call document and Part B of the Application Form in the Submission System. Eligible countries and other eligible conditions are described in section 6 of the call document. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion criteria are detailed in section 7 of the call document. Submission and evaluation processes are outlined in section 8 of the call document and the Online Manual. Award criteria, scoring, and thresholds are described in section 9 of the call document. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is in section 4 of the call document, and the legal and financial set-up of the grants is in section 10 of the call document.

Applicants can find the call document, application form templates, and a detailed budget table in the Submission System. Additional documents include the EU secure connectivity programme (2023-2027), EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

LEARs, Account Administrators, and self-registrants can publish partner requests for open and forthcoming topics on the Portal.

This funding opportunity is about advancing quantum communication technologies in Europe, specifically focusing on quantum key distribution (QKD) to enhance the security of communication networks. It aims to take existing QKD components and systems and make them more mature, efficient, compact, and ready for real-world deployment in telecom networks. The European Commission wants to create a strong, independent European industry in this area, including supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The projects funded under this call should work on various aspects of QKD technology, from improving the hardware components like lasers and detectors to developing the software and network management systems needed to run a QKD network. They should also focus on making these systems secure against attacks and ensuring they meet European security standards. A key part of the projects will be testing and validating the QKD systems using the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), which is a testing ground for these technologies.

In essence, this call is a push to make quantum communication a practical reality in Europe, ensuring that European companies are at the forefront of this important technology for secure communications.

Eligible Applicant Types:The call aims to contribute to the development of a European industrial quantum communication ecosystem, including a thriving SME sector. While not explicitly stated, this suggests that SMEs are particularly encouraged to apply. Other eligible applicant types are not explicitly mentioned but can be inferred to include entities capable of contributing to the objectives, such as research institutions, universities, large enterprises, and other relevant organizations.

Funding Type:The funding type is a DIGITAL Action Grant Budget-Based [DIGITAL-AG].

Consortium Requirement:The information does not explicitly state whether a single applicant or a consortium is required. However, the nature of the scope, which involves the integration of various components and systems, suggests that consortia may be beneficial, if not required, to bring together diverse expertise. The partner search announcements further imply that collaboration is possible and perhaps encouraged.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):The call is part of the Digital Europe Programme and the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), implying that the geographic eligibility is primarily focused on entities within the EU. The explicit mention of "European" components and systems further reinforces this. More details about eligible countries are described in section 6 of the call document.

Target Sector:The primary target sector is quantum communications, specifically focusing on quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum secure networks. This includes the development and integration of hardware and software elements, such as photonic integrated circuits, QRNGs, single-photon detectors, and advanced technologies like memories and repeaters. It also encompasses the integration of these technologies into telecom networks and the development of a comprehensive multi-layered approach for securing trusted nodes.

Mentioned Countries:No specific countries are mentioned, but the focus is on the European Union, as the call is part of the Digital Europe Programme and aims to build a technologically autonomous European quantum communication ecosystem.

Project Stage:The project stage is focused on maturing and transitioning existing technologies to security-certified components and systems. This includes maturing technological components, integrating them into end-to-end systems, and achieving market-ready solutions with relevant manufacturing readiness levels. Therefore, the project stage is primarily development, validation, and demonstration, moving towards commercialization.

Funding Amount:The budget overview provides specific budget allocations for different topics:

DIGITAL-IRIS2 - DIGITAL-SME Digital SME Support Actions:€30,000,000

DIGITAL-IRIS2-2025-QCI-02 - DIGITAL-CSA DIGITAL Coordination and Support Actions:€3,000,000

DIGITAL-IRIS2-2025-QCI-03 - DIGITAL-CSA DIGITAL Coordination and Support Actions:€3,000,000

The indicative number of grants for these topics are 5, 1, and 1, respectively.

Application Type:The application type is an open call, as indicated by the "Call for proposals" designation. The deadline model is single-stage.

Nature of Support:The beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a DIGITAL Action Grant Budget-Based [DIGITAL-AG].

Application Stages:The application process is single-stage, meaning applicants submit a full proposal at once.

Success Rates:The success rates cannot be determined from the provided text. However, the indicative number of grants and the budget allocated provide some context. For example, the DIGITAL-SME topic has a budget of €30,000,000 and an indicative number of 5 grants, suggesting a higher chance of success compared to the DIGITAL-CSA topics, which each have a budget of €3,000,000 and an indicative number of 1 grant.

Co-funding Requirement:The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required.

Summary:

This opportunity is a call for proposals under the Digital Europe Programme, specifically targeting the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). The call aims to mature and transition European quantum key distribution (QKD) components and systems to security-certified, market-ready solutions that can be integrated into telecom networks. The objective is to foster a technologically autonomous European quantum communication ecosystem, with a focus on supporting SMEs. The scope includes the development and integration of hardware and software elements, the creation of complete QKD systems, the integration of multiplexing and switching techniques, and the development of a comprehensive multi-layered approach for securing trusted nodes. The call also emphasizes the importance of compliance with EuroQCI security requirements and security certification. The funding is provided through DIGITAL Action Grants, with a total budget of €36,000,000 allocated across three topics. The application process is single-stage, with a planned opening date of July 15, 2025, and a deadline of October 16, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to collaborate and can use the Funding & Tenders Portal to search for partners. The call seeks to advance quantum communication technologies in Europe, ensuring secure and reliable communication networks for the future.