Quantum Computing – complementing the quantum computing FPAs with the development of a technology agnostic software stack (RIA)

The Horizon Europe grant titled "Quantum Computing – complementing the quantum computing FPAs with the development of a technology agnostic software stack (RIA)" aims to create a technology-agnostic software stack for quantum computing to enhance interoperability and integration with existing Framework Partnership Agreements (FPAs) and high-performance computing systems.

Eligible applicants include legal entities from EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The grant provides funding classified as a Research and Innovation Action (RIA) under Horizon Europe, totaling €10 million for the specific call, with each project receiving around €5 million.

While the proposal encourages collaboration with existing initiatives, a consortium is not explicitly required, although successful integration of various technologies might necessitate multiple partners. The project is expected to start at Technology Readiness Levels 4-5, focusing on experimental prototyping, and aim for TRL 6-7, targeting system validation in real operational environments.

The application process is a single-stage open call, with a submission deadline set for October 2, 2025. The funding typically covers 100% of eligible costs, indicating that co-funding is not required for applicants.

The project's focus lies within the ICT sector, specifically quantum technologies. It seeks to establish a universal and interoperable ecosystem that integrates quantum computing with classical systems, developing essential components like standardized software architectures, compilers, and libraries for quantum algorithms, including mechanisms for error correction.

The grant also promotes collaboration with initiatives within the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and aims to disseminate research outcomes in an open access manner, encouraging the use of open-source software.

Overall, this funding opportunity emphasizes advancing quantum technologies in Europe by creating a cohesive and accessible quantum computing framework that fosters innovation and facilitates the development of real-world quantum applications.

This is a summary of a Horizon Europe grant opportunity focused on quantum computing.

The grant, titled "Quantum Computing – complementing the quantum computing FPAs with the development of a technology agnostic software stack (RIA)", aims to establish a universal and interoperable quantum computing ecosystem. The core objective is to create a technology-agnostic software stack that supports diverse quantum hardware platforms. This includes seamlessly integrating quantum computing with classical computing systems, such as High-Performance Computing (HPC) and cloud services, including those within the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. The goal is to demonstrate practical quantum computing applications through use cases that combine quantum and classical computing, showcasing the added value of quantum acceleration or a quantum advantage. The grant also aims to advance the development of standardized software architectures, compilers, and simulators to ensure application portability and performance across different quantum computing platforms. It also seeks to support initiatives for training software developers in quantum programming and developing libraries for basic quantum algorithms, including quantum error correction mechanisms.

The scope of the grant focuses on Quantum APIs and cloud access as the transition layer between users and quantum machines. It involves developing general-purpose quantum software development kits (SDKs) for implementing quantum algorithms across gate-based systems, simulators, and quantum annealers. The call seeks proposals that create a cohesive software stack agnostic to quantum hardware, facilitating the development, testing, and deployment of quantum applications across various platforms.

Collaboration and synergy with existing projects and initiatives are strongly encouraged, particularly with the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and projects funded under the Digital Europe Programme (DEP). The grant also encourages the involvement of EU Widening Countries to spread excellence across Europe.

The integration of the gender dimension in research and innovation content is not mandatory but is encouraged if relevant to the proposal.

Eligible applicants must be legal entities established in Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries may participate under specific conditions and guarantees to protect the Union's strategic interests.

The call is a HORIZON-RIA (Research and Innovation Actions) type, with a single-stage deadline model. The planned opening date is June 10, 2025, and the deadline for submission is October 2, 2025, at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The total budget for the HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-02 topic is 10,000,000 EUR, with an indicative number of 2 grants to be awarded.

Additional documents and guidance are available, including the Horizon Europe Work Programme, Programme Guide, Model Grant Agreements, and various online manuals and FAQs. Partner search announcements are also available on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

In summary, this Horizon Europe grant opportunity targets the development of a universal, technology-agnostic software stack for quantum computing, emphasizing interoperability, integration with classical computing, and practical application demonstrations. It encourages collaboration, open-source development, and the involvement of a broad range of European and associated countries. The grant aims to foster a cohesive quantum computing ecosystem and advance the state-of-the-art in quantum software development.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types are legal entities established in Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. There are specific conditions regarding entities controlled by non-eligible countries.

Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA). There are also HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions (HORIZON-CSA) and HORIZON Innovation Actions (HORIZON-IA)

Consortium Requirement: The opportunity encourages collaboration and synergy with existing projects and initiatives, implying that a consortium is preferred, although not explicitly stated as mandatory.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Target Sector: The target sector is quantum computing, specifically focusing on the development of a technology-agnostic software stack, quantum APIs, cloud access, high-performance computing, and integration with classical computing systems. It also touches on digital technologies and emerging technologies.

Mentioned Countries: Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, EU Member States.

Project Stage: The project stage is focused on research, development, and integration, aiming to establish a universal, interoperable quantum computing ecosystem. This includes advancing standardized software architectures, compilers, and simulators, as well as demonstrating practical quantum computing applications.

Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call, ranging from 1,000,000 EUR to 75,000,000 EUR. For the specific topic HORIZON-CL4-2025-03-DIGITAL-EMERGING-02, the budget is 10,000,000 EUR with an indicative number of 2 grants, implying around 5,000,000 EUR per grant.

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 grant to support their research and innovation activities.

Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage.

Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic provides some insight into the potential success rate.

Co-funding Requirement: The information does not explicitly state a co-funding requirement.

Summary:

This Horizon Europe call, DIGITAL-CNECT (HORIZON-CL4-2025-03), focuses on "Quantum Computing complementing the quantum computing FPAs with the development of a technology agnostic software stack (RIA)". It aims to establish a universal and interoperable quantum computing ecosystem by creating a technology-agnostic software stack, seamlessly integrating quantum computing with classical systems, and advancing standardized software architectures. The call encourages collaboration with existing quantum computing projects and initiatives, particularly those within the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and the Digital Europe Programme (DEP). Eligible applicants are legal entities from EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, Canada, Israel, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, with specific conditions for entities controlled by non-eligible countries. The funding is provided through HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), with a budget of 10,000,000 EUR for the specific topic, and an indicative number of 2 grants to be awarded. The application process is a single-stage open call, with a deadline of October 2, 2025. The call emphasizes open access to software and research outputs, and encourages the use of open-source software platforms and appropriate software licenses. The overall goal is to foster the development, testing, and deployment of quantum applications across various platforms, contributing to the advancement of quantum computing in Europe.