PhotonQBoost launches Open Call II to Support European SMEs

The focus areas of this opportunity are the purpose of this call is to select SMEs demonstrating excellence and impact potential to receive up to €40,000 to develop photonics and/or quantum challenge-oriented solutions, receive up to €10,000 to be used for training and related services that enhance their resilience and/or sustainability, participate in up to two Matching Missions organised by the project in 2026 and receive up to €1,440 to cover participation costs, mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities to help them implement the activities described in their applications under the Advisory Support Services Framework of PhotonQBoost, SMEs are invited to apply for any or all the available grants with a maximum funding per beneficiary of €50,000, key challenges solvable through Photonics and Quantum solutions within 5 strategic sectors which include Advanced Manufacturing, Agrifood, Life Science and Health, Mobility, and Digital Technologies, proposed solutions should address or contribute to one or more of the PhotonQBoost challenges while supporting the development of a sustainable, competitive and resilient European industry, funding body being the European Health and Digital Executive Agency with a total budget of €728,800 and maximum funding per beneficiary of €50,000.

The SME exists as a legal entity, the SME meets the European Union’s definition of a Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise, the SME was established before July 17th, 2025, the SME is registered in a European Union Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Countries, all the required fields in the application form are completed in English and all documentation provided, the SME and its representatives have no conflict of interest with PhotonQBoost consortium partners, the solution must be between TRL 4 to 8 for the Solutions Grant, the SME must not be legally established in the host country of the respective mission for the Missions Grant, the proposal has not already been partially or fully funded by another open call, and the proposals do not exceed the funding request upper limit of €50,000 per SME.

This call is launched under the Horizon Europe PhotonQBoost project and aims to accelerate the development of innovative Photonics and Quantum solutions capable of addressing concrete technological challenges identified across key strategic sectors. The project has mapped priority needs within advanced manufacturing, agrifood, life sciences and health, mobility, and digital technologies, encouraging SMEs to propose solutions that fall within Technology Readiness Levels 4 to 8. Through this opportunity, SMEs can secure financial support to advance their technological developments while accessing expert-led mentoring, coaching, and networking services designed to strengthen resilience, sustainability, and commercialization potential.

A total of €728,800 is available under this call, with a maximum of €50,000 per SME. Applicants may apply for Solutions Grants, Missions Grants, or Training and Services support, with the flexibility to combine these up to the maximum funding limit. Participating SMEs may also take part in Matching Missions scheduled for 2026, gaining exposure to market opportunities and potential partners. The call fully supports the European objective of fostering a competitive, sustainable, and resilient Photonics and Quantum industry.

To be eligible, SMEs must be legally established, meet the EU definition of an SME, and have been registered before July 17th, 2025, in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Applications must be submitted entirely in English and include all required documentation. Each proposal must comply with all eligibility requirements, including TRL restrictions, absence of conflicts of interest, and adherence to the €50,000 funding ceiling. Proposals already funded under another open call are not permitted.

For more information, visit PhotonQBoost.