Deadline: 19-Jan-2027
The European Commission is providing funding of approximately €900,000 to €1,000,000 through a Coordination and Support Action (CSA) to accelerate the development and adoption of standards for quantum technologies. The initiative aims to strengthen interoperability, reliability, benchmarking, quality assurance, and international collaboration across quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum control systems while enhancing Europe’s leadership in global quantum standardisation.
Program Overview
The European Commission’s Quantum Technologies Standardisation Action supports activities that develop and promote standards necessary for the growth, integration, and commercialization of quantum technologies.
As quantum technologies move from research laboratories into real-world applications, internationally recognized standards are becoming essential for ensuring compatibility, interoperability, reliability, performance measurement, and market adoption.
The initiative seeks to align European research and industrial priorities with emerging global standards while supporting collaboration among academia, industry, SMEs, start-ups, and standardisation organizations.
Funding Information
- Indicative funding per project: €900,000 to €1,000,000
- Funding mechanism: Coordination and Support Action (CSA)
- Program framework: Horizon Europe
- Eligible participants: Global participation permitted under Horizon Europe eligibility rules
- Project focus: Quantum technology standardisation and interoperability
Key Focus Areas
The funding opportunity supports activities related to:
Quantum Computing Standardisation
- Hardware-software interfaces
- Quantum programming interoperability
- Quantum benchmarking frameworks
- Quantum processor performance evaluation
- Modular quantum architectures
Quantum Communication Standards
- Quantum networking protocols
- Secure quantum communication frameworks
- Quantum internet interoperability
- Quantum cryptography standards
Quantum Sensing and Metrology
- Quantum sensing protocols
- Measurement methodologies
- Calibration frameworks
- Metrology standards
- Performance validation methods
Quantum Control Technologies
- Control electronics
- Device interoperability
- Modular system integration
- Quantum hardware control standards
Performance and Benchmarking
- Benchmarking methodologies
- Quality assurance frameworks
- Reliability assessment
- Performance metrics
- Validation procedures
What Is Quantum Standardisation?
Quantum standardisation refers to the development of common technical specifications, protocols, measurement methods, interfaces, and best practices that allow quantum technologies developed by different organizations to work together efficiently.
Standardisation helps:
- Improve interoperability between systems
- Reduce technological fragmentation
- Accelerate commercialization
- Increase investor confidence
- Enhance reliability and trust
- Enable international collaboration
- Support regulatory compliance
Without common standards, quantum technologies risk developing into isolated ecosystems that are difficult to integrate and scale.
Program Objectives
The action aims to:
- Strengthen Europe’s leadership in quantum technologies
- Support international quantum standards development
- Promote interoperability across quantum systems
- Reduce technical barriers to adoption
- Facilitate integration of quantum technologies
- Support implementation of research outcomes
- Encourage participation in global standardisation activities
- Build consensus among stakeholders
The initiative builds upon existing standardisation roadmaps developed by European organizations and supports outcomes generated through:
- Horizon Europe projects
- Digital Europe Programme initiatives
- EuroHPC Joint Undertaking activities
Supported Activities
Funding may support a broad range of standardisation-related activities.
Standards Development
- Drafting technical standards
- Developing technical specifications
- Creating interoperability frameworks
- Defining benchmarking methodologies
- Establishing performance metrics
Coordination Activities
- Collaboration with standardisation organizations
- International engagement initiatives
- Cross-sector coordination efforts
- Stakeholder consultations
Knowledge Sharing
- User guides
- Best-practice documents
- Training modules
- Educational resources
- Technical documentation
Stakeholder Engagement
- Workshops
- Conferences
- Expert consultations
- Industry roundtables
- Community-building initiatives
Why This Initiative Matters
Quantum technologies are expected to transform sectors such as:
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare
- Advanced manufacturing
- Financial services
- Telecommunications
- Energy systems
- Scientific research
- National security
However, widespread adoption depends on common standards that enable different systems and technologies to operate together.
This initiative addresses a critical gap by supporting internationally recognized standards that can accelerate innovation while reducing uncertainty for developers, investors, users, and policymakers.
Who Is Eligible?
Participation is open to a wide range of organizations.
Eligible applicants include:
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Public research organizations
- Private companies
- SMEs
- Start-ups
- Technology developers
- Industry associations
- Standardisation bodies
- International organizations
Participation is open to:
- European entities
- Non-associated third-country entities
- International organizations
Applicants must satisfy applicable Horizon Europe eligibility conditions.
Applicant Requirements
Organizations must:
- Be legally established entities
- Register in the Participant Register
- Obtain a Participant Identification Code (PIC)
- Complete validation procedures before grant agreement signature
- Meet Horizon Europe eligibility requirements
Expected Project Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to deliver:
- New quantum technology standards
- Technical specifications
- Interoperability frameworks
- Benchmarking methodologies
- Industry best practices
- Training materials
- User implementation guides
- Stronger international collaboration networks
Projects should contribute to long-term adoption and commercialization of quantum technologies.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Review Horizon Europe participation requirements and verify organizational eligibility.
Step 2: Register Your Organization
Register through the Horizon Europe Participant Register and obtain a PIC number.
Step 3: Build a Consortium
Engage relevant partners from:
- Industry
- Academia
- SMEs
- Start-ups
- Standardisation organizations
- International stakeholders
Step 4: Develop the Project Proposal
Clearly define:
- Standardisation objectives
- Technical focus areas
- Stakeholder engagement strategy
- Expected outcomes
- Implementation methodology
Step 5: Demonstrate Impact
Explain how the project will:
- Improve interoperability
- Advance standardisation
- Support adoption of quantum technologies
- Strengthen international collaboration
Step 6: Submit the Application
Complete and submit the proposal according to Horizon Europe application requirements.
Tips for a Strong Proposal
- Align activities with international standardisation priorities.
- Demonstrate strong industry participation.
- Include SMEs and start-ups where possible.
- Show clear pathways to adoption and implementation.
- Address interoperability challenges directly.
- Build partnerships with recognized standardisation organizations.
- Include practical outputs such as standards, guidelines, and training resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on research without standardisation outcomes
- Limited stakeholder engagement
- Weak industry participation
- Lack of interoperability objectives
- Insufficient international collaboration
- Failure to demonstrate implementation pathways
- Duplication of existing standardisation efforts
- Poor alignment with Horizon Europe objectives
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this funding opportunity?
The program supports the development and adoption of standards for quantum technologies to improve interoperability, reliability, benchmarking, and international collaboration.
How much funding is available?
Projects are expected to receive between €900,000 and €1,000,000.
Which quantum technology areas are covered?
The action supports quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum control technologies.
Can organizations outside Europe participate?
Yes. Participation is open to eligible entities worldwide, including non-associated third countries and international organizations, subject to Horizon Europe rules.
Are SMEs and start-ups eligible?
Yes. SMEs and start-ups are strongly encouraged to participate.
What types of outputs are expected?
Expected outputs include standards, technical specifications, benchmarking methods, user guides, training materials, and interoperability frameworks.
Is collaboration with standardisation organizations required?
Yes. Strong coordination with European and international standardisation organizations is considered an essential component of the action.
Conclusion
The European Commission Quantum Technologies Standardisation Action represents a strategic investment in the future of the global quantum ecosystem. By supporting the development of standards, interoperability frameworks, benchmarking methodologies, and international collaboration mechanisms, the initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum technologies while ensuring that European research, innovation, and industrial priorities help shape the next generation of global quantum standards.
For more information, visit EC.