EU Funding Opportunities Across the
Quantum Technology Spectrum
Nordic Innovators Can Help You in the Application Process
Quantum technologies are redefining the frontiers of science and innovation. From revolutionising computing and cybersecurity to transforming sensing and simulation, quantum advancements are set to become critical enablers for Europe's digital sovereignty, industrial resilience, and green transition.
Recognising this, the EU is actively supporting the growth of quantum innovation through an array of dedicated funding instruments — from early-stage research to market-ready breakthroughs. Whether you are a deep-tech startup, a research institution, or a fast-scaling SME, our team can guide you from concept to funding success, ensuring your quantum solution finds the right programme and partners.
Where Quantum Innovation Meets EU Funding
Our support spans the entire quantum value chain — from foundational research to scalable market deployment. We understand the challenges and opportunities within this strategic sector, especially for projects focused on:
Quantum Computing: Develop quantum processors, algorithms, and hybrid architectures that solve real-world problems beyond classical capabilities. Applications include optimisation, logistics, drug discovery, and advanced machine learning.
Quantum Simulation & Software Stack: Advance specialised quantum simulators and tools for modelling complex systems — from chemical reactions to material behaviour — inaccessible to traditional computers.
Quantum Communication & Cybersecurity: Build secure communication systems with quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum internet integration, and next-gen cryptography. This includes the development of post-quantum encryption protocols to safeguard data against future quantum attacks — ensuring robust, long-term security aligned with Europe's civil and defence security agendas.
Quantum Sensing & Metrology: Create ultra-sensitive sensors for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, navigation, and infrastructure. Enable accurate, traceable measurements with quantum metrology for standardisation and certification.
Relevant Funding Opportunities for Quantum Technologies
The programme consists of a combination of both open and challenge driven funding. It supports the exploration of bold ideas for radically new technologies and welcomes the high-risk and interdisciplinary cutting-edge science collaborations that underpin technological breakthroughs.
It gives grants and equity funding to innovative startups and SMEs with high impact/risk products or services. A unique combination of funding from €0.5 to 17.5 million to support innovative, products, services or business models that can create new markets or disrupt existing ones. New application process - 3 main stages.
The dedicated STEP Scale Up call supports fast-growing SMEs and small mid-caps in transforming breakthrough prototypes into globally competitive industrial leaders. The focus is on quantum technologies, advanced semiconductors and other critical deep-tech enablers. You can also apply as an investor or PLC.
Research and Innovation Action (RIA):
Objective: R&D to establish new knowledge or explore the feasibility of a new or improved technology, product, process, service or solution (including basic and applied research, technology development and integration, testing and validation on a small-scale prototype in a laboratory or simulated environment).
Funding Rate: 100% of the project costs are covered by EU funding + 25% overhead.
TRL Level: Typically lower TRL (1-6 ) and involves more basic research.
Innovation Action (IA)
Objective: Produce plans or designs for new or improved products, processes, or services. This includes prototyping, testing, demonstrating, piloting, large-scale product validation, and market replication.
Funding Rate: 70% of the project costs (except for non-profit legal entities, where a rate of 100% applies) + 25% overhead.
TRL Level: Projects at higher TRL levels (5–8). Products or technologies are almost ready to be demonstrated in the real environment.
The European Chips Act will unlock unprecedented funding to support the semiconductor sector across Europe. As of the recent global chips shortage, the European Chips Act will mobilise up to EUR 43 billion of public and private investments through 2030 to bolster Europe’s research, technology and industry in semiconductors.