Deadline Date: January 19, 2027
The European Commission (EC) is seeking applications to accelerate the development and adoption of standards for quantum technologies, strengthening interoperability, reliability, quality assurance, and trust across quantum systems.
The focus areas of this opportunity include standardisation of quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum control technologies; development of hardware-software interfaces in quantum computing; quantum sensing protocols and metrology methods; control electronics and device modularity for quantum systems; performance and benchmarking methodologies; promotion of interoperability and integration of quantum systems; participation in international standardisation activities; development of user guidelines, training modules, and best practices; coordination with European and international standardisation organisations; and stakeholder engagement through workshops and consultations.
This Coordination and Support Action (CSA) aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in the global quantum standardisation landscape while ensuring that European industrial and research priorities are reflected in emerging international standards. The action will build upon the roadmaps developed by European standardisation organisations and support the standardisation of results generated through Horizon Europe, the Digital Europe Programme, and EuroHPC Joint Undertaking projects.
The initiative encourages broad participation from industry, research organisations, SMEs, start-ups, and other stakeholders in international standardisation bodies. Through active engagement, participants will contribute to the development of standards and technical specifications that support the growth and adoption of quantum technologies across multiple sectors.
A key aspect of the action is the promotion of interoperability through the development of standardised interfaces, protocols, and benchmarking methodologies. These efforts are intended to reduce market fragmentation and technical barriers while facilitating the integration of quantum systems and technologies.
The project will also support the drafting and development of concrete standards and technical specifications in collaboration with relevant standardisation organisations. In parallel, explanatory documentation, user guides, training materials, and best-practice resources will be developed to assist stakeholders in implementing and adopting the resulting standards.
Coordination with European and international standardisation organisations will be essential to ensure alignment of activities and avoid duplication of efforts. Workshops and consultations involving SMEs, start-ups, large industries, and other relevant stakeholders will be organised to promote inclusivity and consensus building throughout the standardisation process.
The indicative funding available for this action ranges from €900,000 to €1,000,000. Participation is open to any legal entity regardless of its place of establishment, including entities from non-associated third countries and international organisations, provided that the applicable Horizon Europe conditions and eligibility requirements are fulfilled. Applicants must register in the Participant Register and obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC) before grant agreement signature and validation procedures.
For more information, visit EC.
