Next-Generation QKD Systems
Next-Generation QKD Systems · HORIZON-JU-RIA · TRL 4–7 · Needs partners
What this call funds
This call funds applied research and development to build next-generation quantum key distribution (QKD) systems that are cheaper, cover longer distances, and integrate with real-world telecom networks. Projects should combine QKD with post-quantum cryptography and demonstrate the technology in practical settings like critical infrastructure, cloud storage, and enterprise communications. The goal is to strengthen Europe's supply chain and technological independence in quantum-secure communications.
quantum technologies · cybersecurity · telecom 6g · deep tech · research excellence
Who wins this
A consortium of research organisations, technology companies and network operators with existing quantum communication expertise looking to advance QKD systems from lab-scale to field-tested, near-commercial technology.
Could you win this call?
We read your site to see what you build.
The call in detail
- Indicative grant size
- €21M–€24M
- Funding model
- Budget-based — reimbursement of actual eligible costs
- Submission
- Single-stage submission (full proposal at once)
- Type of action
- HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions
- Partners
- Required. The call asks for a consortium — a group applying together, typically 3+ organisations from 3+ countries.
- Also required
- Proposals must address at least two core technical roadblocks defined in the SRIA 2030 and demonstrate hybrid QKD-PQC frameworks in at least two realistic use cases; detailed eligibility, financial, and evaluation rules are only referenced via Work Programme General Annexes and not specified in this text.
- Eligible countries (45)
- Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, IL, TR, UA, RS, MK, ME, AL, BA, XK, GE, AM, MD, TN, NZ
Read the full conditions from the official call ›
General conditions 1. Admissibility conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. 2. Eligible countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. 3. Other Eligibility Conditions described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. 5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions described in the topic conditions
Who has won calls like this
No past winners are recorded for this call family yet.