Six New Quantum Calls Launched by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking

Trapped-Ion Platform Technologies

This call, HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-TIPT-09, aims to advance Europe's leadership in trapped-ion quantum computing by developing a full-stack quantum computer with over 1,000 individually addressable physical qubits, fully integrated with classical high-performance computing systems and accessible via cloud platforms. 

Projects are expected to develop a full-stack trapped-ion quantum computer with integrated cryogenic systems, advanced error correction, and standardised interfaces. The call will support the development of practical applications, establish European standards for quantum computing, and integrate with classical computing infrastructures.

The total budget for this call is EUR 20 million, with projects expected to run for 3.5 years. The call opened on 13 August 2026, while the application deadline is set for 17 November 2026, 17:00 CET. 

Relevant details and information concerning this call will be available on the dedicated call page. 

Superconducting Platform Technologies

Through this call, HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-SPT-10, the EuroHPC JU aims to advance Europe's superconducting quantum computing capabilities by developing a QPU with at least 1,000individually addressable physical qubits based on chiplet technology facilitating long coherence times, fast read-outs, and error correction capabilities. 

The system should be  cloud accessible for researchers and industry users, with a focus on demonstrating practical applications for businesses.

The selected proposal will need to build a full-stack quantum computing system including hardware, cooling infrastructure, control electronics, and comprehensive software. The action will also support the creation of European supply chains for quantum technology components. 

The total budget for this call is EUR 20 million, with projects expected to run for 3.5 years. The call is open from 13 August 2026. The application deadline is 17 November 2026. 

More details can be found on the dedicated page.

Neutral-Atom Platform Technologies

Through this call, HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-NAPT-11, the EuroHPC JU aims to advance neutral-atom quantum technologies by delivering scalable, industry-ready quantum processors for simulation and computing.

This call should facilitate the development of fully programmable platforms with 10,000 neutral atoms for simulation and 1,000 physical qubits for computing, with a tangible scaling trajectory up to 10.000 physical qubits. Key objectives include achieving substantially long coherence times , operation fidelities above 99%, and demonstrating quantum advantage through real-world applications in sectors such as energy and health. 

 The call should facilitate the development of scalable quantum processors with individually addressable neutral atoms able to eventually support gate-based quantum computing. Projects should also implement robust quantum error mitigation and error correction techniques, and enhance the EU’s supply chain for key components of neutral-atom based computational processors. 

The total indicative budget available for this call is EUR 20 Million, funded under the Horizon Europe programme. The expected duration of the project is 3.5 years. The call opened on 13 August 2026 and the deadline for application is set on 17 November 2026, 17:00 CET. 

Relevant details and information concerning this call are available on the dedicated call page.

Next-Generation QKD Systems 

The call HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-NQKD-12 aims to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in quantum-secure communications by advancing core Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies.

QKD enables ultra-secure communication by using quantum mechanics to detect eavesdropping attempts, ensuring unconditional security for data transmission.

This action will focus on developing next-generation QKD systems with measurable improvements in key rates over metropolitan distances (> 1 Mbps) and operational coverage of networks on a regional scale (> 300 km),  but also implementing advanced cryptographic protocols beyond QKD, including hybrid quantum-classical cryptographic frameworks by combining QKD and post-quantum cryptography (PQC).

The action will facilitate the experimental validation of advanced QKD protocols, the integration of QKD into classical and optical network structures and the demonstration of hybrid QKD-PQC frameworks.. Projects should demonstrate these technologies in real-world applications beyond the EuroQCI infrastructure, such as protecting energy grids, securing cloud storage, and safeguarding industrial control systems. 

Engagement with industry and national network providers is crucial to ensure compatibility with telecom grade requirements.

The budget foreseen for this call is of EUR 24 Million, spanning from the Horizon Europe programme. The project will last 3.5 years. 

The call opened on 13 August 2026, with a submission deadline of 17 November 2026 at 17:00 CET (Brussels time).  

Relevant details and information concerning this call will be available on the dedicated call page. 

Quantum-Testing Infrastructure for Quantum Technologies

With the newly launched call, HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-QTI-13, the EuroHPC JU will establish a pan-European open-access testing infrastructure for quantum technologies, creating a comprehensive framework for systematic validation and certification of quantum components and systems. 

The action aims to  deploy distributed quantum testing facilities across Europe, but also to develop certification services aligned with emerging standards to best support SMEs and startups in validating their quantum technologies. This will strengthen Europe's competitiveness by ensuring robust quality assurance mechanisms with standardised protocols.

The  call should facilitate  the expansion of interconnected testing facilities in multiple EU Member States covering various quantum technologies (processors, sensors, photonics and control sensors), developing interoperable testing methodologies and certification procedures, and creating a comprehensive digital platform for remote test execution and data management. 

With a total budget of EUR 20 Million, the call is funded by the Horizon Europe programme. The call, which opened on 13 August 2026, has a deadline for submission set on 17 November 2026, 17:00 CET. 

Relevant details and information concerning this call are available on the dedicated call page.

Quantum Experimental Pilot Lines for Quantum Technologies

Through this action, HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-QEXP-14, the EuroHPC JU seeks to bridge the gap between academic quantum research and established pilot lines under the CHIPS JU.. 

Qu-Pilot will function as a testbed for developing and validating quantum technologies, focusing on technological innovation, manufacturing reproducibility, and scalability.

The call aims to establish experimental pilot production infrastructure that can advance quantum hardware technologies from TRL 4-6, with particular emphasis on quantum processors, sensors, and cryo-compatible packaging. 

Projects should demonstrate scalable quantum fabrication processes including the development of standardised workflows ensuring reproducibility, quality assurance and certification pathways. 

The total indicative budget available for this call is EUR 15 Million, funded under the Horizon Europe programme. The expected duration of the action is 3.5 years. 

The call opened on 13 August 2026, with a submission deadline of 17 November 2026, 17:00 CET. 

More details can be found on the dedicated page. 

Background information

The EuroHPC JU is a legal and funding entity that brings together the European Union and participating countries to coordinate efforts and pool resources with the objective of making Europe a world leader in supercomputing.    

To equip Europe with a cutting-edge supercomputing infrastructure, the EuroHPC JU has already procured 12 supercomputers, distributed across Europe including JUPITER and Alice Recoque, Europe’s first exascale systems. 

European scientists and users from the public sector and industry can benefit from EuroHPC supercomputers via the EuroHPC Access Calls no matter where in Europe they are located, to advance science and support the development of a wide range of applications with industrial, scientific and societal relevance for Europe. 

Currently, the EuroHPC JU is also overseeing the implementation of 19 AI factories (AIF) across Europe, complemented by  13 AI Factory Antennas, to offer free, customised support to SMEs and startups. 

Additionally, the EuroHPC JU is deploying a  European Quantum Computing infrastructure, integrating diverse European quantum computing technologies with existing supercomputers. In June 2026, the EuroHPC JU launched the quantum pilot access mode to provide quick access to its EuroHPC JU quantum infrastructure for testing and development purposes.

The EuroHPC JU also funds  research and innovation projects to develop a full European supercomputing supply chain, from processors and software to applications to be run on these supercomputers and know-how to develop strong European HPC expertise. 

With the recent adoption of Council Regulation (EU) 2026/150, the EuroHPC JU’s mandate has been expanded with new action pillars dedicated to the deployment of AI Gigafactories across Europe and the advancement of quantum technologies. The AI Gigafactories call was launched in July 2026.