Funding opportunities

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

The objective of the call is to stimulate the maturing and the transition to security-certified compact and efficient European components and systems for quantum key distribution and quantum secure networks, ready for integration into telecom networks, and compliant with security requirements (e.g. protection profile). Contribute to the development of a European industrial quantum communication ecosystem, including a thriving SME sector.

Expected outcome and deliverables

• European quantum key distribution components and systems mature, compact, efficient, integrable, security certified, with relevant manufacturing readiness and ready for deployment in telecom networks.

• Contribution to a technologically autonomous European quantum communication ecosystem.

Support standardisation for the EuroQCI (CSA)

The objective of this call is to implement appropriate necessary standardisation activities to efficiently support an operational EuroQCI infrastructure with dedicated QKD and quantum cryptography services. While the available QKD products have now been made available by industry for a market of early adopters and innovators, there is the need to intensify standardization efforts at all levels, from QKD components, systems and applications to network capabilities and components for future quantum networks, to enable integration of quantum devices into wider complex systems, to build a solid industrial base and anticipate foreseeable work on components for future quantum networks and future certification.

Expected Outcome and Deliverables

• Sets of standards for QKD components and systems.

• Interoperable systems and applications for the operation of an entire network and multiple networks.

• Specific requirements, benchmarking tests and metrics on performance and monitoring of subsystems that are specifically required for QKD purposes.

• Formalized assessments for the acceptance of QKD protocols.

• Contribution to a technologically autonomous European quantum communication ecosystem.

Coordinate deployment for the EuroQCI (CSA)

The objective on this call is to ensure a coherent EuroQCI initiative and support the Commission, ESA and the Member States by providing key support functions in coordination, industrialisation, dissemination and alignment, enabling national and cross-border EuroQCI networks to discuss progress, to identify and utilise synergies in their work, share best practices and information about EU components and their certifications, supporting QKD standardisation efforts, and coordinating overall progress towards a fully functional EuroQCI.

Expected Outcome and Deliverables

• An assessment of the deployments of EuroQCI networks and systems for the operational phase of EuroQCI.

• Consolidated analysis of national and cross-border deployments, identifying the complementary activities (including technology developments) required to establish a complete EuroQCI system.

• Recommendations for the next phases of the operational and security-compliant pan-European EuroQCI networks.

• Contribution to a technologically autonomous European quantum communication ecosystem.