Quantum Experimental Pilot Lines for Quantum Technologies

This HORIZON-JU-RIA topic HORIZON-JU funds experimental quantum pilot lines to bridge academic research and pre-industrial production and to advance technologies from approximately TRL 3/4 to TRL 5–7. The indicative budget is €15,000,000 with a single grant of €14,000,000 to €15,000,000; the call opens 13 August 2026 and the single-stage deadline is 17 November 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Eligible applicants follow Horizon Europe rules and are expected to form consortia (typically multiple independent legal entities across eligible countries) including research organisations, industry, SMEs and infrastructure providers. Funded activities should cover establishment or upgrade of pilot production infrastructure, cleanroom and fabrication capabilities, pre-industrial processes for superconducting, trapped-ion and photonic platforms and sensors, cryo-compatible packaging and interconnects, shared open-access fabrication models, QA and reproducibility workflows, and alignment with Qu-Pilot, Qu-Test and Chips JU roadmaps.

What it funds

A single HORIZON-JU-RIA call to set up or enhance experimental pilot production infrastructure for quantum hardware (TRL ~3/4 progressing to TRL 5–7). Funded activities include pre-industrial fabrication processes (processors, sensors, cryo-packaging), cleanroom capability upgrades, shared-access fabrication models, workflows for yield and QA, and integration with testbeds and Chips JU pilot line roadmaps.

Who can apply

Consortia of legal entities (universities, research organisations, RTOs, SMEs, industry) established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. Proposals must follow Horizon Europe eligibility rules; participation of third countries and international organisations is possible subject to call conditions and security/eligibility restrictions.

Call type and schedule:HORIZON-JU-RIA HORIZON-JU. Opening 13 Aug 2026 — Single-stage deadline 17 Nov 2026 (17:00 Brussels time).

1. 1Single grant expected (indicative): one project awarded
2. 2Project scope: experimental pilot lines for multiple quantum platforms and materials; strong R&D orientation
3. 3TRL progression expected: validate from TRL 3/4 to TRL 5–7 by project end
4. 4Consortium must demonstrate capacity for cleanroom/process integration, reproducibility, and links to testbeds (eg Qu‑Test) and Chips JU

Apply through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal; proposals must follow Horizon Europe admissibility, eligibility and evaluation rules and the topic-specific scope and conditions EU Funding & Tenders Portal ¹.

Footnotes

1. 1Topic page and full call documentation, templates and submission service are available on the Funding & Tenders Portal: ec.europa.eu

Basic facts

Call identifier:HORIZON-JU. Topic title: Quantum Experimental Pilot Lines for Quantum Technologies. Type of action: HORIZON-JU-RIA HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions. Type of model grant agreement: HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG]. Opening date: 13 August 2026. Deadline date: 17 November 2026 17:00:00 Brussels time (single-stage submission). Indicative topic budget for 2026: €15 000 000. Indicative contribution requested per selected grant: €14 000 000 to €15 000 000. Indicative number of grants: 1.

Objective and scope

Expected outcome:strengthen Europe's leadership and strategic autonomy in quantum technologies by advancing experimental pilot line capacities as the intermediary between academic research and future industrial-scale quantum hardware production. Qu-Pilot pilot lines will act as testbeds for technological innovation, reproducibility and manufacturability and will provide pre-industrial fabrication, cryo-packaging and interconnect, process development and shared open-access infrastructure to accelerate TRL progression and feed into Chips JU stability pilot lines. Key outcomes listed in the call include deployment of experimental quantum pilot lines across multiple platforms and materials, establishment of scalable and reproducible quantum fabrication processes (TRL 4–6 at start, expected TRL progression to TRL 5–7 by project end), support for early-stage certification and standardisation, reinforcement of pan-European hardware ecosystem via shared infrastructure and open access, and active synergies with testbeds (e.g., Qu-Test) and Chips JU roadmaps.

Scope highlights:Establish or enhance experimental pilot production infrastructure for TRL 4–6 quantum hardware with R&D orientation; develop pre-industrial processes for quantum processors (superconducting, trapped ions, photonic), quantum sensors (NV centers), cryo-compatible packaging and interconnects; integrate cleanroom capabilities (lithography, etching, deposition) tailored to quantum devices (silicon, diamond, III-Vs) with convergence to Chips JU standards; create collaborative shared-cost fabrication access models; develop standardised workflows for yield analysis, reproducibility and QA supporting certification pathways; continuous engagement with testbeds (Qu-Test) for validation and iteration; align with Chips JU pilot line roadmap for technology transfer to stability pilot lines; contribute to cross-domain European infrastructure serving computing, sensing and communications.

Eligibility and participation

The call follows Horizon Europe General Annexes (A–G) for admissibility, eligibility, evaluation, legal and financial set-up. Eligibility of participants for funding follows Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes: beneficiaries must be established in Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries or other countries explicitly allowed by the specific call conditions. The call allows participation of legal entities established in non‑associated third countries where permitted by the Work Programme rules and by the specific topic conditions. The action is a Research and Innovation Action (RIA) and proposals must be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal submission system using the application form inside the Submission System (Part A online and Part B PDF).

Consortium composition:The general Horizon rule applies: consortia normally include at least three independent legal entities established in three different eligible countries (at least one in an EU Member State and at least two in different Member States or Associated Countries), unless the specific topic states otherwise. Affiliated entities and associated partners may be used under the General Annexes rules. The topic text expects a pan-European ecosystem approach and broad stakeholder involvement (academia, research institutes, SMEs, startups, industry).

Funding and financial details

Funding type and form:Horizon JU Research and Innovation Actions implemented as budget-based actual cost grants under the HORIZON-AG model grant agreement. The call budget for this topic in 2026 is indicative €15 000 000 and the call expects to fund a single grant with an EU contribution between €14 000 000 and €15 000 000. The funding rate for Research and Innovation Actions under Horizon Europe is generally up to 100% of eligible costs. The grant is budget-based and will reimburse eligible costs actually incurred, except where specific unit costs, lump sums or flat rates are foreseen in other topics; this topic uses standard budget-based actual costs and the HORIZON Action Grant Budget-Based model.

1. 1Estimated topic total budget (2026): €15 000 000.
2. 2Indicative number of grants: 1.
3. 3Indicative EU contribution per project: €14 000 000 to €15 000 000.
4. 4Funding mechanism: grant (budget-based actual cost grant, HORIZON-AG model).
5. 5Funding rate: research and innovation actions typically reimbursed up to 100% of eligible costs.

Project focus and technology domains

Targeted technologies and deliverables:experimental pilot lines for quantum hardware platforms and materials, pre-industrial processes and workflows for quantum processors (superconducting, trapped ions, photonic), quantum sensors (NV centers) and cryo-compatible packaging and interconnects; cleanroom fabrication tailored to silicon, diamond, III-Vs with lithography, etching and deposition; standardised yield analysis, reproducibility and QA supporting certification and standardisation; open-access shared-cost fabrication models and integration with testing infrastructures (e.g., Qu-Test); TRL progression from TRL 3/4 at project start to TRL 5–7 by project end (General Annex B TRL rules apply).

Target sectors:Quantum computing hardware, quantum communications, quantum sensing, enabling technologies for cryogenics and packaging, semiconductor and materials processing (silicon, diamond, III-V), microfabrication (cleanroom, lithography, etching, deposition), standards and certification, testbed integration, and industrialisation/manufacturing readiness.

Project stage and expected maturity

The topic explicitly targets mid‑stage experimental pilot production and pre-industrialisation. Expected Technology Readiness Levels: projects should start validating technologies at TRL 3–4 and confirm progression to TRL 5–7 by project end. The action is aimed at development, validation and demonstration (pilot production elements) rather than basic research or full commercialization/industrial-scale production.

Who should apply and eligible applicant types

The call expects participation and benefits for a wide set of organisations. Eligible applicant types include research organisations, universities, research infrastructures, SMEs, startups, large enterprises, industry partners, cleanroom and fabrication facilities, non-profit organisations and public authorities where relevant. Proposals should demonstrate strong R&D orientation, fabrication and test capabilities, ability to operate shared‑access models and links to testbeds (such as Qu-Test) and Chips Joint Undertaking roadmaps. International organisations and participants from non-EU countries may participate in line with Horizon Europe eligibility rules and specific Annex B provisions; check the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and topic-specific conditions for eligible countries and funding possibilities.

• Universities and higher education institutions
• Research institutes and national laboratories
• Research infrastructures and cleanroom facilities
• SMEs and startups (quantum hardware, test & measurement, packaging)
• Large enterprises and industrial partners (semiconductor fabs, packaging)
• Non-profit organisations and standards bodies
• Public authorities and procurers (when relevant)

Consortium and collaboration expectations

The call text emphasises pan-European cooperation, shared infrastructure and open-access models to foster participation from SMEs, startups and research institutes. Proposals should demonstrate how pilot facilities will be shared on collaborative, shared-cost basis and show linkages to Chips JU pilot line roadmaps and testing infrastructures (e.g., Qu-Test). The action is intended to act as Qu-Pilot pilot production elements under the Qu-Pilot Framework Partnership Agreement and to feed validated technologies into Chips JU stability pilot lines when available.

Application and submission

Submission method:single-stage open call via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (electronic submission mandatory). Applicants must use the application form inside the Submission System: Part A (administrative) is filled online; Part B (technical description) is assembled as PDF following the Submission System templates and uploaded. Page limits and layout: follow Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe General Annexes and the Part B template inside the Submission System. Check call-specific documents, Annexes and the Online Manual. The submission session for this topic is available on the Portal and partner search announcements may be used.

Deadline and schedule:Opening date: 13 August 2026. Deadline: 17 November 2026 17:00:00 Brussels time. Information on outcome of evaluation is typically around 5 months from deadline and grant signature around 8 months from deadline (see General Annex F timelines).

Evaluation, selection and award

Evaluation follows Horizon Europe General Annex D award criteria for Research and Innovation Actions: Excellence, Impact and Quality & efficiency of implementation. Scores 0–5 per criterion with thresholds (individual criteria normally threshold 3; overall threshold typically 10 out of 15; for Innovation Actions Impact weighted 1.5). Full templates and evaluation forms (HE RIA, IA, CSA, and topic-specific forms) are published in the Reference Documents on the Portal. The standard evaluation process includes independent external experts, possible panel consensus, evaluation review procedure and potential seal-of-excellence for unfunded but high-scoring proposals. For this single-stage call the full criteria set applies.

1. 1Award criteria: Excellence; Impact; Quality & efficiency of implementation (HE RIA standard).
2. 2Scoring range: 0–5 per criterion, half-marks allowed.
3. 3Threshold: individual criteria typically 3/5 and overall 10/15.
4. 4Evaluation reports and feedback: evaluators provide Individual Evaluation Reports and a Consensus Report; applicants receive evaluation summary.

Legal, financial and administrative requirements

The grant agreement will follow the Horizon Action Grant Budget-Based [HORIZON-AG] Unit or multi-beneficiary model as specified. Legal entity validation (PIC), financial capacity checks (for coordinator when grant >= €500 000 as set in General Annex C), ethics and security reviews (if applicable) and adherence to gender equality plans (where mandatory) are enforced according to Horizon Europe General Annexes. The general Model Grant Agreements, General Annexes, Online Manual, and Programme Guide apply. Certificates on the financial statements (CFS) and other audits may be required in line with Article 24 and Article 25 of the General Annexes and the Unit MGA.

Prefinancing, payments and mutual insurance:the grant prefinancing, interim and final payments follow the grant agreement Data Sheet and Annex G rules. A mutual insurance mechanism contribution (5–8% of maximum grant amount retained from prefinancing) may apply according to Horizon Europe rules. Final payment will be calculated on accepted eligible costs and contributions and may be subject to recovery if audits later find ineligible expenditures. Projects must comply with open science rules (open access to publications, FAIR data, research output validation accessible) and additional exploitation obligations in case of public emergency (license requests by granting authority).

Co-funding and cost model

Funding model:budget-based actual cost grant reimbursing eligible costs at the Horizon Europe funding rate for Research and Innovation Actions (usually up to 100% for RIA). The specific call did not define a co-funding requirement beyond Horizon rules; standard Horizon Europe conditions apply: beneficiaries must finance non-eligible costs, and the grant may not give a profit. For detailed eligible cost categories, use Annex 2 in the grant agreement and General Annexes (personnel, subcontracting, purchases, unit costs if applicable, flat rates for indirect costs of 25% unless otherwise specified). The topic expects major capital investments (cleanroom capabilities, lithography, deposition, etching) and operational costs; detailed budget justification must be provided in Annex 2 and the application forms.

Co-funding requirement:No specific additional co-funding percentage was stated in the topic text. Applicants must follow Horizon Europe general rules on eligible costs and ensure their own contribution for costs outside the grant scope. For capital investments or large infrastructure, national or institutional co-funding and sustainability plans are normally expected and should be addressed in the proposal and in Annex 2 budget justification.

Application templates, forms and structure

Application must use the application form inside the Submission System. Part A is online administrative data (participants, legal information, budgets, PICs). Part B is the technical annex assembled as PDF following the Part B template in the submission system. The Part B template and Portal indicate page limits and layout; for full proposals the general page limit is 45 pages for HE full applications (unless call-specific limits apply). For this RIA single-stage call, use the HORIZON standard application template for RIA (Part B) and follow the structure to address the evaluation criteria (Excellence, Impact, Implementation). The Portal Reference Documents include application form templates, evaluation forms, the HORIZON Annotated Model Grant Agreement (AGA), Programme Guide and Online Manual. Evaluation forms (HE RIA, IA, CSA) and MGA templates referenced in the call documentation will be used. Applicants must also provide an exploitation and dissemination plan and ethics self-assessment in the proposal. For unit-cost or lump-sum elements (if any) a detailed budget table is required.

• Use the electronic Part A and Part B templates inside the Submission System.
• Part B technical proposal must follow the template and page limits (generally 45 pages for full RIA proposals).
• Include exploitation and dissemination plan, ethics self-assessment and supporting annexes (CVs, infrastructure descriptions, letters of commitment).
• Detailed budget table must be provided in the Submission System; Annex 2 will be part of the grant agreement if selected.

Application stages and success rates

This call uses a single-stage submission model. Applicants submit a full proposal and go through evaluation by independent experts and a panel (single evaluation step). Indicative timing: evaluation results around 5 months after the deadline, signature of grant agreement around 8 months after the deadline, subject to checks and legal/financial validation. There is no topic-specific stated success rate; as an indicative guide the call funds only one grant against a high-cost request and therefore competition will be very strong and success rates likely low. Applicants should assume significant competition and structure proposals accordingly.

Templates and application structure outline (what to prepare)

Applicants must use the official Submission System templates. The Part B structure (standard for HE RIA) and the evaluation forms emphasise addressing the award criteria. Prepare the following sections (aligned to the Part B template inside the Submission System):

1. 1Excellence: Objectives, ambitiousness and progress beyond state-of-the-art; R&D methodology; interdisciplinary approach; gender dimension in research content; open science practices and sharing of outputs; relation to Qu-Pilot / Chips JU roadmaps and testbeds (e.g., Qu-Test).
2. 2Impact: Pathways to achieve expected outcomes; significance and scale of contributions to EU industrial strategy and quantum hardware ecosystem; exploitation and dissemination, communication and standardisation strategy; contribution to TRL progression and route to Chips JU pilot lines; expected economic / societal benefits; measures to maximise uptake and industrial integration.
3. 3Implementation: Work plan and work packages (including procurement and capital investment phases), milestones and deliverables, risk assessment and mitigation, management structure, roles of beneficiaries, infrastructure and facilities plan (cleanroom, lithography, etching, cryo-packaging), collaborative access / open access and business models for shared-cost fabrication, budget and detailed Annex 2 justification, partner commitment letters, quality assurance and yield analysis workflows.
4. 4Ethics and legal compliance: Ethics self-assessment, data management plan (FAIR), security considerations (if any classified or sensitive information), gender equality plan compliance where applicable.
5. 5Annexes: CVs of key personnel, letters of commitment from partners, infrastructure description and availability, detailed budget table, optional third-party finance or co-funding confirmations, proof of legal status and PIC registration.

Success factors and evaluation focus

To maximise competitiveness applicants should clearly demonstrate:relevance to the call and Chips JU alignment; a credible path to scale and industrialisation; concrete plans to create shared open-access usage models; clear workflows for reproducibility, yield and QA; demonstrated cleanroom and fabrication capabilities or fast upgrade plans; engagement with testbeds (Qu-Test) and a plan for early validation and standards/certification inputs; partner mix including SMEs/startups and research institutes; credible TRL progression plan from TRL 3/4 to TRL 5–7; robust management, risk management, and exploitation/dissemination planning; cost-effectiveness and open science commitments.

Geographic and country mentions

The call is published under Horizon Europe and the Chips Joint Undertaking context. The specific topic text references Europe, the pan-European ecosystem and convergence with the Chips JU pilot lines. Eligible countries follow Horizon Europe Annex B (EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries and other countries where association or exceptional funding applies). The call explicitly references alignment with European infrastructures including Qu-Test and Chips JU.

1. 1Explicit region: EU / pan-European (Chips JU alignment).
2. 2Referenced infrastructures: Qu-Test, Chips JU pilot line roadmap.

Administrative and practical notes

Admissibility and submission:submit on time electronically; ensure all mandatory annexes; follow page limits in the Part B template in the Submission System. Registration: all beneficiaries must register in the Participant Register to obtain PICs. Do not wait until the last minute to submit. Use Partner Search on the Portal for consortia building. Read General Annexes, the Horizon Europe Programme Guide and the Portal Online Manual.

Key risks and security considerations

Given strategic importance and potential security implications of quantum technologies, proposals should proactively address research security risks, possible restrictions on participation of high-risk suppliers or entities controlled by non-eligible third countries under Horizon rules, data protection, and any national security obligations. Projects that involve sensitive or classified information will be subject to additional security requirements and may require facility security clearance or personnel security clearances before grant signature.

How to get help

For technical submission issues use the Funding & Tenders Portal IT Helpdesk. For participation questions use National Contact Points, Enterprise Europe Network for SME support, and the European IPR Helpdesk for IP questions. Use the Research Enquiry Service for policy and programme questions. The Funding & Tenders Portal call page includes topic updates and partner search announcements.

Reference links:Use the Funding & Tenders Portal topic page for the full call text and documents EU Funding & Tenders Portal - Topic Page Horizon Europe General Annexes Model Grant Agreements and Application Templates HE Programme Guide Qu-Test reference (example infrastructure) Chips Joint Undertaking pilot line information ¹

Categorisation summary (answers to extracted questions)

1. 1Eligible Applicant Types: startup; SME; large enterprise; university; research institute; research infrastructure; non-profit; government/public body (where relevant); public-private partnerships or consortia; international organisations (subject to eligibility rules). Participants from third countries may be included following Horizon Europe rules and any specific call/topic conditions.
2. 2Funding Type: grant (budget-based actual cost grant under HORIZON-AG).
3. 3Consortium Requirement: consortium (multi-beneficiary) expected; standard Horizon minimum of three independent legal entities in different countries applies unless topic specifies otherwise. The topic funds one multi-beneficiary RIA.
4. 4Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): EU Member States and Horizon Europe Associated Countries as primary; participation of entities from non-associated third countries is subject to Annex B and call-specific rules and possible exceptional funding arrangements.
5. 5Target Sector: quantum technologies (quantum computing hardware, quantum processors such as superconducting, trapped ions, photonic; quantum sensors such as NV centers; cryo-compatible packaging and interconnects); advanced materials (silicon, diamond, III-V); cleanroom fabrication and micro/nano-fabrication; ICT/testing infrastructures; standards and certification; manufacturing readiness and pilot production.
6. 6Mentioned Countries: no specific countries listed individually in the topic text — region is Europe (EU / pan-European alignment). See Horizon Europe Annex B for eligible countries. Chips JU and Qu-Test (European infrastructures) are referenced.
7. 7Project Stage: development, validation and demonstration; expected to validate technologies starting at TRL 3/4 and progress to TRL 5–7 by project end (pre-industrial pilot lines).
8. 8Funding Amount: indicative topic/fund €15 000 000 for 2026; expected contribution per selected grant €14 000 000 to €15 000 000; single grant anticipated.
9. 9Application Type: open call, single-stage, electronic submission via Funding & Tenders Portal. Use online Part A and Part B templates in Submission System.
10. 10Nature of Support: monetary support (grant funds) to beneficiaries to cover eligible costs; additional non-monetary expected support includes open access shared infrastructures, testbeds and collaboration opportunities with Qu-Test and Chips JU, plus services delivered by pilot lines.
11. 11Application Stages: 1 (single-stage submission).
12. 12Success Rates: not published for this topic; only one grant to be funded against substantial budget so competition strong and success rates likely low; no historical success rate provided in call text.
13. 13Co-funding Requirement: no specific co-funding percentage stated in the topic text beyond Horizon Europe standard rules; applicants should plan institutional and third-party co-funding as needed for capital-intensive infrastructure investments and show sustainability and funding commitments in the proposal and budget Annex 2.
14. 14Templates: application forms and templates are the standard Horizon Europe templates inside the Submission System. Use the Part A online form and the Part B PDF template from the Submission System. Applicants should prepare: project summary; excellence section (objectives, methodology, TRL plan); impact section (exploitation, dissemination, path to Chips JU integration, standardisation); implementation section (work packages, milestones, deliverables, governance, budget Annex 2, risk register); ethics self-assessment; data management plan; CVs of key personnel; letters of support/commitment from partners; infrastructure descriptions (cleanroom, lithography, cryo-packaging) and proof of availability; procurement and procurement compliance documents if relevant. Use the HE RIA evaluation form guidance to structure Part B and address the evaluation criteria explicitly.

Detailed checklist for applicants (recommended)

1. 1Register all participating legal entities in the Participant Register and obtain PICs well before submission.
2. 2Use the Submission System Part A and Part B templates; adhere to page limits and layout described in Part B inside the Submission System and General Annexes.
3. 3Demonstrate clear alignment with Chips JU pilot line roadmap and continuous engagement with testing infrastructures (Qu-Test).
4. 4Present a credible TRL progression plan showing start TRL (3/4) and expected end TRL (5–7) including test and validation cycles.
5. 5Provide detailed Annex 2 budget justification for the large capital and operational items (cleanroom upgrade, lithography, deposition, etching, cryo-packaging), including procurement plans and value-for-money approach.
6. 6Explain collaborative access and shared-cost fabrications models, business model for open access and participation rules for SMEs and startups.
7. 7Include standardised workflows for yield analysis, reproducibility, QA and early certification pathways.
8. 8Provide letters of commitment from partners, testbeds and industry users and at least three independent beneficiaries across eligible countries (unless otherwise allowed).
9. 9Address ethics, security, data management (FAIR), gender equality plan compliance and open science practices.
10. 10Describe sustainability and pathway to transfer validated technologies to Chips JU stability pilot lines, including exploitation and commercialisation plans.

How would you explain this opportunity? This is a single-topic, high-value Horizon JU Research and Innovation Action call to build and operate experimental quantum pilot production facilities in Europe. The target is to create or upgrade open-access pilot lines across quantum platforms (superconducting, trapped ions, photonic, NV sensors) and materials (silicon, diamond, III‑V) with integrated cleanroom micro/nano-fabrication, cryo-packaging and interconnect capabilities. Projects must be R&D-driven and demonstrate progression from early TRL (3–4) to pre-industrial demonstration (TRL 5–7), provide standardised QA and reproducibility workflows, enable participation of SMEs and startups through shared-cost access, and actively align with Chips JU pilot line roadmaps and testing infrastructures (e.g., Qu-Test). The call funds one large project with €14–€15 millionand is a strategic step to bridge academic research and industrial-scale quantum hardware manufacturing in Europe. Preparation requires a multidisciplinary consortium, detailed capital and operational planning, clear exploitation and standardisation pathways, and strict compliance with Horizon Europe administrative and ethical rules.

Footnotes

1. 1The Qu-Test and Chips JU links provided are indicative references taken from the topic description. Consult the Funding & Tenders Portal topic page for the official linked documents and latest call updates.

This call funds experimental quantum pilot lines that bridge academic research and industrial pilot production, with a strong focus on reproducible fabrication, manufacturability, open access models, and alignment with Qu-Pilot, Qu-Test, and Chips JU roadmaps.[1]

Core call details

What the funding is about

The action implements the pilot production elements of the Qu-Pilot Framework Partnership Agreement and is intended to strengthen Europe’s leadership and strategic autonomy in quantum technologies by advancing experimental pilot line capacity.[1] The expected role of the project is to provide a testbed for quantum hardware innovation, reproducibility, quality control, and transfer toward future industrial scale production.[1]

• Establish or upgrade experimental pilot production infrastructure for TRL 4 to 6 quantum hardware technologies with a strong research and development orientation.[1]
• Develop pre-industrial processes for quantum processors, including superconducting, trapped ion, and photonic platforms, as well as quantum sensors and cryo compatible packaging and interconnects.[1]
• Integrate cleanroom capabilities such as lithography, etching, and deposition tailored to quantum device materials including silicon, diamond, and III V materials.[1]
• Create collaborative fabrication access models on a shared cost basis that are open to academic and industrial partners.[1]
• Develop standardised workflows for yield analysis, reproducibility, and quality assurance to support certification pathways.[1]
• Maintain continuous engagement with Qu-Test and other testbeds to enable rapid iteration and technology validation.[1]
• Align the work with the Chips JU pilot line roadmap so that validated technologies can move smoothly to future stability pilot lines.[1]
• Contribute to a transversal European infrastructure serving quantum computing, sensing, communications, and enabling technologies.[1]

Who can apply

The topic follows the standard Horizon Europe eligibility framework, so applicants should read the general annexes carefully for the full country and consortium rules.[1] In practical terms, legal entities may participate broadly, but funding is limited to eligible countries and conditions under the Horizon Europe rules.[1]

• Consortia normally need at least three independent legal entities from three different countries, including at least one entity established in a Member State and two other entities established in different Member States or associated countries, unless the topic says otherwise.[1]
• Funding eligibility generally covers EU Member States, associated countries, overseas countries and territories linked to Member States, and certain low and middle income countries, subject to the general annexes and specific topic rules.[1]
• Affiliated entities can participate if they meet the conditions and are eligible for funding.[1]
• Associated partners may participate without signing the grant agreement and without charging costs to the project.[1]
• Public bodies, research organisations, and higher education establishments in Member States and associated countries must have a gender equality plan if the standard Horizon Europe requirement applies to them.[1]
• Projects must be civil in nature and comply with ethics, security, exclusion, and other Horizon Europe compliance rules.[1]

Funding, duration, and legal setup

Evaluation and submission points

1. 1Submit the proposal electronically through the Funding and Tenders Portal before the deadline; paper submissions are not allowed.[1]
2. 2The application must be complete, readable, accessible, and printable, and it must follow the portal templates and the standard page limit rules unless the topic says otherwise.[1]
3. 3Full applications are evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality and efficiency of implementation, each scored out of 5, with an individual threshold of 3 and an overall threshold of 10.[1]
4. 4The proposal should demonstrate a credible route to impact, a robust work plan, relevant expertise, and sufficient technical and operational capacity to deliver pilot line infrastructure and process development.[1]
5. 5Indicative evaluation timing is around 5 months from the deadline, and grant agreement signature is around 8 months from the deadline, unless the call documentation states otherwise.[1]

Applicant takeaways

This is a specialised infrastructure and innovation opportunity for organisations that can operate or build quantum fabrication and pilot production capabilities, provide access to external users, and demonstrate a credible path from laboratory validation toward reproducible, certifiable quantum hardware manufacturing.[1] Strong proposals will combine hardware development, cleanroom process engineering, shared access governance, testbed integration, and a clear contribution to Europe’s quantum industrial ecosystem.[1]