PhotonQBoost Open Call for Solutions, Missions, Trainings and Services

The PhotonQBoost Open Call for Solutions, Missions, Trainings, and Services is a grant opportunity within the Horizon Europe initiative aimed at supporting European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in or integrating photonics and quantum technologies. The call opens on November 17, 2025, and submissions are due by January 19, 2026, at 17:00 Brussels time. The project seeks to bolster the sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness of participating SMEs.

Participants can receive a total of up to €50,000, segmented across different activities: up to €40,000 for developing solutions, up to €10,000 for training and services, and up to €1,440 to cover costs for participation in two Matching Missions organized by the project. The overall budget for the call is €728,800, with grants structured to address specific challenges related to the application of photonics and quantum technologies in industrial contexts.

The application process is single-stage, requiring interested SMEs to submit proposals via the PhotonQBoost OC2-2025 Application Form. This program explicitly targets SMEs that are engaged in the development and commercialization of photonics and quantum solutions rather than focusing on larger firms or institutions.

Support is not limited to financial assistance; successful applicants will also benefit from mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities facilitated by project partners. This collaborative element aims to enhance the overall competence and market readiness of SMEs in the targeted sectors, thereby improving their potential for innovation and sustainability.

The opportunity is accessible to SMEs situated across the EU and associated countries, mirroring Horizon Europe's broad eligibility criteria. Although specific successful application rates are not stated, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the complete guidelines before preparation and submission. The call aims to foster a comprehensive support system that not only enhances technological innovation but also ensures market resilience for participating businesses in the photonics and quantum technology sectors.

The PhotonQBoost Open Call for Solutions, Missions, Trainings and Services is a funding opportunity within the Horizon Europe project PhotonQBoost. The project aims to support European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in becoming more sustainable, resilient, and competitive through the use of Photonics and Quantum technologies.

The opening date for submissions is November 17, 2025, and the deadline for submissions is January 19, 2026, at 17:00 (Brussels time). The call follows a single-stage submission model.

The expected duration of participation varies depending on the activity, ranging from two days for Missions to six months for Solutions.

The total funding available for this call is 728,800.00 EUR.

The project acronym is PhotonQBoost, and the full name of the EU-funded project is Photonics and Quantum Technologies for Sustainable Industry. The grant agreement number is 101177922. The topic is HORIZON-CL4-2024-RESILIENCE-01-41 - 'Innovate to transform' support for SME's sustainability transition (CSA).

The purpose of this open call is to select SMEs operating in the Photonics or Quantum sectors, or those integrating these technologies into their business activities. Selected SMEs can:

Receive up to 40,000 EUR to develop photonics and/or quantum challenge-oriented solutions.
Receive up to 10,000 EUR to be used for training and services that enhance their resilience and/or sustainability.
Participate in up to two Matching Missions organized by the project in 2026 and receive up to 1,440 EUR to cover participation costs.

The maximum funding per beneficiary is 50,000 EUR. SMEs are invited to apply for any or all of the available grants (Solutions, Missions, Trainings, and Services). The specific objectives of each grant are detailed in the Guidelines for Applicants.

In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will gain access to mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities to help them implement the activities described in their applications. This non-financial support will be delivered by the project partners under the Advisory Support Services Framework of PhotonQBoost.

Applicants must submit their proposals exclusively through the PhotonQBoost OC2-2025 Application Form. Complete information on the submission requirements, eligibility conditions, and evaluation procedures is provided in the Guidelines for Applicants. Applicants are strongly advised to review these guidelines in full before preparing their proposal.

Further information can be found on the PhotonQBoost website: https://photonqboost.eu/

In summary, this PhotonQBoost Open Call offers SMEs the opportunity to receive funding and support to develop and implement projects that leverage photonics and quantum technologies to enhance their sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. The call provides various funding options for solutions development, training, services, and participation in matching missions. The program is designed to help SMEs integrate these advanced technologies into their business activities and contribute to a more sustainable industry.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant type for this opportunity is specifically small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, with cascade funding being used within the PhotonQBoost project to distribute funds to selected SMEs.

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to be open to single applicants, as it focuses on individual SMEs. There is no explicit mention of a consortium requirement.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The opportunity is part of the Horizon Europe program, which generally includes EU member states and associated countries. The text does not specify any further geographic limitations, so it can be assumed that eligibility follows Horizon Europe guidelines.

Target Sector: The program targets SMEs operating in the Photonics or Quantum sectors, or those integrating these technologies into their business activities. The program also targets SMEs that are looking to become more sustainable, resilient, and competitive.

Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned. The opportunity falls under the Horizon Europe program, implying eligibility for EU member states and associated countries.

Project Stage: The opportunity supports various project stages, including development of solutions, training, and participation in missions. This suggests support for projects ranging from development to implementation.

Funding Amount: The maximum funding per beneficiary is €50,000. This is broken down into: up to €40,000 for developing photonics and/or quantum challenge-oriented solutions; up to €10,000 for training and services; and up to €1,440 to cover participation costs in Matching Missions. The total funding available for this call is €728,800.00.

Application Type: The application type is an open call, with applicants required to submit their proposals through the PhotonQBoost OC2-2025 Application Form. The deadline model is single-stage.

Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive both financial support (grants) and non-monetary services, including mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities.

Application Stages: The application process is single-stage, as indicated by the "single-stage" deadline model.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned in the provided text.

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

Summary:

The PhotonQBoost Open Call is a Horizon Europe project initiative designed to bolster the sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness of European SMEs through the application of Photonics and Quantum technologies. This open call invites SMEs operating within the Photonics or Quantum sectors, or those integrating these technologies into their business operations, to apply for grants, training, services, and participation in matching missions. The program offers financial support up to €50,000 per SME, allocated across different activities: up to €40,000 for developing solutions, up to €10,000 for training and services, and up to €1,440 for covering participation costs in matching missions. In addition to financial aid, selected SMEs will benefit from mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities provided by PhotonQBoost project partners. The application process is single-stage, with submissions required through the PhotonQBoost OC2-2025 Application Form. The call opened on November 17, 2025, and closes on January 19, 2026, at 17:00 (Brussels time). The total funding available for this call is €728,800.00. This initiative aims to support SMEs in their sustainability transition by leveraging photonics and quantum technologies.