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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must position next-generation QKD protocols (CV-QKD, MDI/DI-QKD, or TF-QKD) within a carrier-grade, hybrid quantum-classical architecture that directly solves EuroQCI's technical bottlenecks. Success hinges on demonstrating seamless integration into operational telco SDN/NFV environments and validating hybrid QKD-PQC schemes across demanding real-world use cases (e.g. grid telemetry, multi-site cloud storage) while strictly complying with Art. 22.5 strategic autonomy restrictions.
TRL 4 → 7
Development and experimental validation of advanced QKD protocols and systems such as: Continuons-variable QKD (CV-QKD), Measurement-device-independent or device-independent QKD, Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD)
Measurement-device-independent or device-independent QKD
Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD)
Design and implementation of QKD integration into classical and optical networking infrastructure: Compatibility with existing network equipment (e.g., routers, switches), Interface development for SDN/NFV orchestration platforms, Secure key management compatible with enterprise-grade services
Interface development for SDN/NFV orchestration platforms
Secure key management compatible with enterprise-grade services
Demonstration of hybrid QKD-PQC frameworks in at least two realistic and demanding use cases, with demonstrable benefits over classical-only solutions.
In addition to the QKD-focused activities, the action may also address research and first-demonstration efforts on novel quantum communication protocols beyond QKD. This includes the design, feasibility analysis, and early experimental validation of quantum primitives for security and trust in distributed and decentralized settings. These efforts should explore the implications of such protocols on future hardware and architectural choices and contribute to the long-term vision of quantum networks, as defined in the SRIA 2030.
Validation of security performance through well-defined benchmarks and verification methods supporting the outcomes from EU quantum certification projects.
Development of interoperable, scalable, and certifiable QKD hardware and software components (e.g., quantum random number generators, integrated photonic QKD components, single photon detectors, network controllers) supporting certification, in coordination with other specific EU programs, such as Euro-QCI..
Provision of cloud-accessible interfaces to QKD resources to facilitate remote experimentation and integration testing.
Establishment of at least one demonstrator involving end-users in a live operational setting, with KPIs for availability, key rate, and resilience under different network conditions.
Contribution to standards and certification activities to support widespread adoption and regulatory compliance.
Engagement with industry and national network operators to ensure compatibility with telecom-grade requirements and avoid duplication with EuroQCI infrastructures, focusing instead on advancing the technology readiness of next-generation systems.
Development and demonstration of next-generation QKD systems, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and integration, with specific measurable improvements in one of the following parameters or features: (i) key rate (>1 Mbps over metropolitan distances), (ii) operational coverage of a network at the regional scale, >300 km for fibre-based QKD, including e.g. twin field and free-space links also for non-wired segments and for redundancy, (iii) development and demonstration of advanced quantum cryptographic protocols beyond QKD with provable security advantage over classical cryptographic systems. Implementation of hybrid quantum-classical cryptographic frameworks combining QKD and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), tested on clearly defined real-world applications.
Integration of quantum communication components with network equipment and orchestration systems (e.g., software-defined networking).
Validation of QKD-based security in high-priority use cases beyond EuroQCI infrastructure, including: Critical infrastructure monitoring (e.g., energy grid telemetry),
Long-term secure cloud storage,
Industrial control systems (e.g., transport, manufacturing),
Secure multi-site enterprise communications.
Strengthened European supply chain through the development of certifiable, standardised, and scalable QKD components.
This action must address at least two core technical roadblocks defined in the SRIA 2030 for quantum-secure communication. These include scalability challenges in next-generation QKD protocols (e.g. MDI-QKD, DI-QKD) and the integration of QKD with PQC. Proposals are also encouraged to target at least one functionality beyond QKD in prepare-and-measure and one in entanglement-based scenarios, as identified for future quantum networks in the SRIA 2030.
No expected impacts identified for this destination.
SRIA 2030 for quantum-secure communication
highThe Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) 2030 for quantum-secure communication outlines the European roadmap for developing and deploying quantum communication technologies, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and future quantum internet infrastructures. It sets milestones for research, industrial scalability, and technological sovereignty in quantum-safe encryption across Member States.
Evaluators expect proposals to align their scientific and technological milestones directly with the SRIA 2030 roadmap targets, specifying how the proposed QKD hardware, protocols, or integration mechanisms advance Europe along this strategic trajectory toward high-performance, interoperable quantum-secure networks.
EuroQCI
highThe European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) is an EU-wide initiative to build a secure quantum communication infrastructure integrating terrestrial fibre networks and satellite links across all 27 EU Member States. Its primary goal is to safeguard sensitive communications, critical infrastructures, and government institutions against future cryptographic vulnerabilities, including threats from quantum computing.
Evaluators look for concrete integration pathways showing how the developed QKD systems meet EuroQCI technical requirements, compliance standards, and interoperability criteria, ensuring the technology can be deployed effectively within both national and cross-border EuroQCI segments.
Quantum Europe Strategy
mediumThe Quantum Europe Strategy (anchored within the European Quantum Flagship initiative and European strategic autonomy agendas) aims to position Europe as a global leader in quantum technologies by consolidating research, industrial innovation, and infrastructure deployment. It emphasizes technological sovereignty, supply chain security, and the transition of quantum breakthroughs from laboratory environments into commercial and critical security applications.
Evaluators expect applicants to demonstrate how their next-generation QKD systems contribute to European strategic autonomy, reinforce EU-based intellectual property and supply chains, and build synergy with broader Quantum Flagship initiatives.
Specific requirements
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Country of establishment limitation
In accordance with Article 22.5 of the HE Regulation, participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States or Participating States of the EuroHPC JU, as well as legal entities established in associated countries to Horizon Europe that become a participant state to EuroHPC JU before the signature of the grant agreement.
Control-based restrictions and guarantees
Entities established in an eligible country listed, but directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity, may not participate in the action unless it can be demonstrated, by means of guarantees approved by the eligible country of establishment, that their participation would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic, assets, interests, autonomy, or security.
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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. Proposals should have an indicative length of 75 pages.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
The following exceptions apply:
the eligibility conditions are those established in the EuroHPC JU Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173 as last amended by Council Regulation 2026/150. In accordance with Article 22.5 of the HE Regulation, the Governing Board has decided that in order to achieve the expected outcomes, and safeguard the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States or Participating States of the EuroHPC JU [At the moment of the adoption of the Amendment No 5, the Participating States of EuroHPC JU are Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and United Kingdom (Discover EuroHPC JU - The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU))]. In addition, legal entities which are established in associated countries to Horizon Europe that become a participant state to EuroHPC JU before the signature of the grant agreement will also become eligible.
For the duly justified and exceptional reasons listed in the paragraph above, in order to guarantee the protection of the strategic interests of the Union and its Member States, entities established in an eligible country listed above, but which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity, may not participate in the action unless it can be demonstrated, by means of guarantees approved by the eligible country of establishment, that their participation to the action would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic, assets, interests, autonomy, or security.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the DECISION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE EuroHPC JOINT UNDERTAKING No 22/2026.
Activities are expected to start at TRL 4 and to achieve TRL 7 by the end of the project.
Expected project duration is 3.5 years.
The EuroHPC JU estimates that an EU contribution of EUR 24 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.
Application form templates
Please use the application form that you will find in the Submission System. You can find examples of standard application forms in the Reference Documents page.
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Information on financial support to third parties (HE)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 3. Research Infrastructures
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 4. Health
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 5. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 10. European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 12. Missions
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 13. New European Bauhaus Facility (NEB)
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 14. Horizontal Activities
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions
Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
DECISION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE EuroHPC JOINT UNDERTAKING No 22/2026
Evaluators will immediately scrutinize compliance with Article 22.5 security and strategic autonomy conditions, verifying that all beneficiaries are based in EU Member States or EuroHPC Participating States and free from non-eligible third-country control. Key scoring discriminators include:
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Development and experimental validation of advanced QKD protocols and systems such as: Continuons-variable QKD (CV-QKD), Measurement-device-independent or device-independent QKD, Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD) | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Measurement-device-independent or device-independent QKD | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD) | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4Design and implementation of QKD integration into classical and optical networking infrastructure: Compatibility with existing network equipment (e.g., routers, switches), Interface development for SDN/NFV orchestration platforms, Secure key management compatible with enterprise-grade services | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Interface development for SDN/NFV orchestration platforms | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Secure key management compatible with enterprise-grade services | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Demonstration of hybrid QKD-PQC frameworks in at least two realistic and demanding use cases, with demonstrable benefits over classical-only solutions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC8In addition to the QKD-focused activities, the action may also address research and first-demonstration efforts on novel quantum communication protocols beyond QKD. This includes the design, feasibility analysis, and early experimental validation of quantum primitives for security and trust in distributed and decentralized settings. These efforts should explore the implications of such protocols on future hardware and architectural choices and contribute to the long-term vision of quantum networks, as defined in the SRIA 2030. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC9Validation of security performance through well-defined benchmarks and verification methods supporting the outcomes from EU quantum certification projects. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC10Development of interoperable, scalable, and certifiable QKD hardware and software components (e.g., quantum random number generators, integrated photonic QKD components, single photon detectors, network controllers) supporting certification, in coordination with other specific EU programs, such as Euro-QCI.. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC11Provision of cloud-accessible interfaces to QKD resources to facilitate remote experimentation and integration testing. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC12Establishment of at least one demonstrator involving end-users in a live operational setting, with KPIs for availability, key rate, and resilience under different network conditions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC13Contribution to standards and certification activities to support widespread adoption and regulatory compliance. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC14Engagement with industry and national network operators to ensure compatibility with telecom-grade requirements and avoid duplication with EuroQCI infrastructures, focusing instead on advancing the technology readiness of next-generation systems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Development and demonstration of next-generation QKD systems, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and integration, with specific measurable improvements in one of the following parameters or features: (i) key rate (>1 Mbps over metropolitan distances), (ii) operational coverage of a network at the regional scale, >300 km for fibre-based QKD, including e.g. twin field and free-space links also for non-wired segments and for redundancy, (iii) development and demonstration of advanced quantum cryptographic protocols beyond QKD with provable security advantage over classical cryptographic systems. Implementation of hybrid quantum-classical cryptographic frameworks combining QKD and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), tested on clearly defined real-world applications. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Integration of quantum communication components with network equipment and orchestration systems (e.g., software-defined networking). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Validation of QKD-based security in high-priority use cases beyond EuroQCI infrastructure, including: Critical infrastructure monitoring (e.g., energy grid telemetry), | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Long-term secure cloud storage, | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5Industrial control systems (e.g., transport, manufacturing), | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO6Secure multi-site enterprise communications. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO7Strengthened European supply chain through the development of certifiable, standardised, and scalable QKD components. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO8This action must address at least two core technical roadblocks defined in the SRIA 2030 for quantum-secure communication. These include scalability challenges in next-generation QKD protocols (e.g. MDI-QKD, DI-QKD) and the integration of QKD with PQC. Proposals are also encouraged to target at least one functionality beyond QKD in prepare-and-measure and one in entanglement-based scenarios, as identified for future quantum networks in the SRIA 2030. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Synergy and coordination with EuroQCI and EU quantum certification projectsProposals must coordinate with other specific EU programmes such as EuroQCI to develop certifiable QKD components and support the outcomes of EU quantum certification projects while avoiding duplication with EuroQCI deployment efforts. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Building on QSNP Framework Partnership Agreement resultsThe action should build directly on the results of the Quantum Secure Networks Partnership (QSNP) Framework Partnership Agreement. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Direct involvement of end-users in live operational demonstratorsProjects must establish at least one demonstrator involving end-users in a live operational setting, tracking KPIs for availability, key rate, and resilience under diverse network conditions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Engagement with industry and national network operatorsProposals must engage with industry and national network operators to ensure technical compatibility with telecom-grade requirements and avoid duplication with EuroQCI infrastructures. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Contribution to standards and certification activitiesProjects are required to actively contribute to standardization and certification activities to facilitate widespread technology adoption and regulatory compliance. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| No expected impacts in this call. | |||
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1sria 2030 for quantum-secure communicationThe Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) 2030 for quantum-secure communication outlines the European roadmap for developing and deploying quantum communication technologies, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and future quantum internet infrastructures. It sets milestones for research, industrial scalability, and technological sovereignty in quantum-safe encryption across Member States. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2euroqciThe European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) is an EU-wide initiative to build a secure quantum communication infrastructure integrating terrestrial fibre networks and satellite links across all 27 EU Member States. Its primary goal is to safeguard sensitive communications, critical infrastructures, and government institutions against future cryptographic vulnerabilities, including threats from quantum computing. | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Country of establishment limitation
In accordance with Article 22.5 of the HE Regulation, participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States or Participating States of the EuroHPC JU, as well as legal entities established in associated countries to Horizon Europe that become a participant state to EuroHPC JU before the signature of the grant agreement.
Control-based restrictions and guarantees
Entities established in an eligible country listed, but directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity, may not participate in the action unless it can be demonstrated, by means of guarantees approved by the eligible country of establishment, that their participation would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic, assets, interests, autonomy, or security.
5 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
This call enforces Article 22.5 security restrictions. Your consortium must exclusively comprise entities established in EU Member States or EuroHPC Participating States. Any partner directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible third country will be disqualified at the admissibility stage unless backed by formal, state-approved guarantees.
Source: Eligibility rules
It is not enough to simply advance QKD technology; your proposal must explicitly target and resolve at least two core technical roadblocks identified in the SRIA 2030. Specifically, evaluators will look for solutions addressing scalability challenges in next-generation protocols (like MDI-QKD or DI-QKD) and the seamless integration of QKD with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
Source: Scope / Expected Outcomes
Evaluators will heavily penalize proposals that treat QKD and Post-Quantum Cryptography as separate or competing work streams. You must demonstrate deep technical coherence by implementing a hybrid quantum-classical cryptographic framework, validated across at least two demanding real-world use cases such as energy grid telemetry or multi-site cloud storage.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
To successfully demonstrate the required progression from TRL 4 to TRL 7, your live operational field demonstrator must achieve specific, hardcoded performance metrics. You must prove either a key rate exceeding 1 Mbps over metropolitan distances or an operational regional coverage of greater than 300 km for fibre-based QKD.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
While your system must align with EuroQCI certification frameworks, your proposal must strictly avoid overlapping with EuroQCI deployment efforts. Focus your budget and narrative entirely on applied R&D and advancing the technology readiness of next-generation systems, rather than funding standard infrastructure rollout.
Source: Scope / Expected Outcomes
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