Call for Grand Challenge on Quantum Sensors for Inertial Navigation

The focus areas of this opportunity include quantum-enabled inertial navigation systems (Q-INS), cold-atom interferometry-based navigation technologies, chip-scale quantum inertial sensors, technical and financial roadmaps, investment readiness, commercial viability assessment, industrialisation planning, benchmarking and validation of existing prototypes, supply-chain sovereignty, system integration, risk assessment, scalability, commercialization pathways, maritime and aviation applications, small satellites, UAVs, autonomous transport systems, and resilient navigation in GNSS-denied or contested environments.

This topic represents the first phase of a two-phase competitive structure supported by Horizon Europe. The first phase is implemented as a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) and focuses on readiness analysis, exploitation potential, investment preparedness, and benchmarking of the commercial viability of quantum-enabled navigation systems. The action aims to improve the conditions for future deployment and investment by developing credible technical, industrialisation, and financial roadmaps aligned with investor requirements.

Projects funded under this phase are expected to establish comprehensive technical and financial roadmaps demonstrating the potential of proposed Q-INS solutions. They must also provide evidence-based design and benchmarking packages for reduced-scale systems supported by documentation, benchmark reports, and evidence from existing or externally financed prototypes.

The opportunity supports two technology categories. The first category focuses on cold-atom quantum inertial navigation systems or technologies of equivalent performance capable of achieving long-term navigation accuracy with significantly reduced drift compared to commercial inertial measurement units. Demonstrations are expected to address maritime or aviation applications based on documented benchmark evidence and end-user requirements.

The second category targets low size, weight, power, and cost chip-scale quantum inertial navigation systems. These systems may include sensors based on defect centres and vacancies in crystals or warm atomic vapour technologies, including nuclear magnetic resonance. Potential applications include small satellites, unmanned aerial vehicles, and autonomous transport systems.

Projects are expected to develop detailed technical roadmaps covering system architecture, integration strategies, performance milestones, industrialisation approaches, and risk assessments. The industrialisation plans should address commercialization timelines, compliance with SWaP-C requirements, environmental resilience, real-world integration considerations, and mitigation measures for dependencies on non-EU suppliers of critical components. Applicants are also expected to identify potential end-users and capture operational requirements and use-case constraints.

In addition to technical planning, projects must prepare comprehensive financial roadmaps and viability assessments that include market analysis, business models, commercialization strategies, revenue projections, and investment criteria. Existing or externally financed prototypes should undergo documented laboratory validation and benchmarking, while application strategies should identify target sectors and demonstrate measurable advantages over classical inertial measurement technologies.

The overall objective of the Grand Challenge is to strengthen the development of quantum-enabled navigation systems capable of operating reliably in environments where Global Navigation Satellite Systems are unavailable, disrupted, or contested. By combining quantum sensors with classical inertial measurement subsystems, the initiative seeks to advance resilient and sovereign positioning capabilities while supporting the European Union’s ambitions for technological sovereignty and strategic autonomy.

The CSA is intended to establish the technical, industrial, and financial foundations necessary for future investment support through EU financial instruments under InvestEU. Expressions of Interest from potential end-user partners are strongly encouraged, and tailored advisory services from the EIB may support financial structuring activities in preparation for the second phase of the challenge.

The indicative funding available for this topic ranges from €400,000 to €500,000. 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 all applicable Horizon Europe eligibility requirements are met. Applicants must register in the Participant Register, obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC), and complete the required validation procedures before grant agreement signature.

For more information, visit EC.