Apply Now: Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies

The focus areas of this opportunity include photonic quantum computing platforms, deterministic high-efficiency photonic entanglement, loss-tolerant architectures, fault-tolerant scaling, integrated control stacks, photonic hardware and firmware development, system software integration, benchmarking methodologies, photonic NISQ processors, deterministic single-photon sources, low-loss waveguides, on-chip detectors, hardware-agnostic benchmarking, hybrid photonic-HPC applications, modular scalability, fibre-based interconnects, high-fidelity quantum gates, system interoperability and standardisation, entanglement distribution protocols, industrialisation and commercialisation of photonic technologies, pilot manufacturing lines, quality assurance protocols, sovereign European supply chains, field demonstrations, software stack co-design, error mitigation and correction schemes, quantum-classical integration, and HPC interoperability.

This action aims to establish a comprehensive European effort focused on overcoming critical technical roadblocks in photonic quantum computing. Proposals are expected to provide credible solutions to at least two major challenges, including the development of deterministic and highly efficient photonic entanglement technologies suitable for fault-tolerant scaling, and the creation of standardised integrated control stacks that combine photonic hardware, firmware, and software with reliable benchmarking capabilities.

By 2028, projects are expected to demonstrate a photonic NISQ processor comprising at least 100 photonic qubits. These systems should integrate deterministic single-photon sources, low-loss waveguides, on-chip detectors, and a firmware stack including scheduling, control, and compilation functions. Validation should be achieved through hardware-agnostic benchmarking and hybrid photonic-HPC applications that demonstrate classical-quantum crossover capabilities.

Looking toward 2030, the initiative seeks the delivery of a full-stack photonic quantum computer with modular scalability, integrated on-chip and fibre-based interconnects, and high-fidelity gate performance. With an indicative target of 1,000 photonic qubits, these developments are intended to establish the foundation for prototype demonstrations of quantum utility on industrially relevant workloads.

Projects are expected to support system-level interoperability and standardisation through the publication of interface specifications across hardware and software layers. This includes packaging standards, application programming interfaces, compiler interfaces, and cloud communication protocols compatible with telecommunications wavelengths. Validation of entanglement distribution between modular quantum systems and field demonstrations of interconnected photonic quantum processors are also expected outcomes.

The action places strong emphasis on industrialisation and commercialisation. Applicants should contribute to the development of roadmaps for pilot manufacturing lines, quality assurance procedures, and sovereign European supply chains capable of supporting future photonic quantum technologies. Project results should be demonstrated through a concrete use case provided by a major end-user partner within the consortium, ensuring validation under realistic operational conditions.

Proposals are expected to be led by a startup with proven expertise in photonic quantum computing. Consortia should bring together academic institutions, research and technology organisations, industrial partners, and at least one major end-user whose operational requirements will help shape platform development and host field demonstrations.

Activities should encompass platform development based on semiconductor and/or glass-based photonic chips, integrated control electronics, firmware development, and robust error mitigation and correction approaches. Projects should also focus on system integration through modular quantum nodes connected by photonic interconnects, validating scalable architectures under realistic operating conditions.

Software stack co-design is another essential component, requiring integration of low-level firmware, compilers, hybrid algorithms, and network application programming interfaces. These activities should demonstrate application-level quantum advantages while ensuring interoperability with high-performance computing environments.

Applicants are expected to build upon previous results from the Quantum Flagship programme and demonstrate their ability to contribute to the governance and strategic coordination of the European quantum computing ecosystem. Synergies with STEP, Chips Joint Undertaking, IPCEI projects, and EuroHPC initiatives are strongly encouraged.

The indicative funding available for this topic ranges from €9,500,000 to €10,000,000. 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 all applicable Horizon Europe eligibility conditions are satisfied. Applicants must register in the Participant Register, obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC), and complete the required validation process before grant agreement signature.

For more information, visit EC.