Quantum Grand Challenge

The Quantum Grand Challenge aims to advance quantum computing in Europe by supporting projects that develop integrated quantum hardware-software solutions. The program focuses on bridging the gap between promising quantum prototypes and scalable, market-ready platforms, with the objective of driving scientific innovation, economic relevance, and industrial-scale deployment. Selected projects are expected to deliver comprehensive technical and financial roadmaps, benchmarks, proof-of-principle prototypes, and clear commercialization pathways. Successful entities benefit from tailored advisory services and, if selected for Phase 2, further venture debt financing for real-world demonstrations and scaling.

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Agency	HORIZON (EU)
Region	EU
Country	N/A
Legal form	Company
Start date	14 Oct 2025
End date	8 Jan 2026
Max funding	Up to EUR 300,000 per project (Phase 1); up to two tranches of around EUR 15 million each as EIB venture debt (Phase 2, subject to due diligence)
Budget	EUR 4,000,000 for Phase 1 (2025); EUR 100,000,000 top-up to InvestEU for Phase 2
Coverage	Funding provided according to project needs and subject to satisfaction of Horizon Europe and EIB due diligence; detailed coverage may vary.

Grant application conditions

Applicant Type	Project proposals must be submitted by a single legal entity (mono-beneficiary CSA), typically a start-up company developing quantum computing solutions.
Eligible Countries	Applicants must be established in EU Member States or InvestEU associated countries (Norway, Iceland). Certain non-EU/non-Associated Countries may have specific eligibility, subject to Horizon Europe rules.
Ownership Restriction	Entities controlled directly or indirectly by a non-eligible country or entity may not participate unless positive guarantees are provided and approved by the eligible country of establishment.
Security and Strategic Interests	Applicants must ensure that control over the legal entity does not restrict the project, that sensitive information and intellectual property remain within eligible countries, and that relevant security clearances are obtained where appropriate.
High-Risk Supplier Exclusion	Entities assessed as high-risk suppliers of mobile network communication equipment, or those owned or controlled by such, are excluded unless guarantees can be provided.
Proposal Format	Proposals should not exceed 10 pages and must be submitted in accordance with Horizon Europe Work Programme templates.
Project Outputs (Phase 1)	A technical and financial roadmap including milestones, risk assessments, and commercialization timelines Technical documentation with preliminary benchmarking results (component, system, and application level) Proof-of-principle prototypes demonstrating the feasibility of integrated quantum hardware and software Expression of interest from potential end-user partners
Project Duration (Phase 1)	Approximately four months for Phase 1 projects.
Phase 2 Eligibility	Up to 7 entities from Phase 1 will be invited to apply for Phase 2 EIB funding based on progress, market readiness, and assessment outcomes; there is no automatic progression.
Application Submission	Phase 1 proposals: Submitted via EU Funding & Tenders Portal Phase 2 investment proposals: Submitted to European Investment Bank after successful completion of Phase 1
Documentation	https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-QGC-02-01

Eligible expenses

Evaluation criteria

Excellence: Relevance to call objectives, particularly regarding strategic EU interests and quantum technology goals; feasibility and ambition of proposed roadmap; capacity to develop integrated quantum hardware-software systems and deliver proof-of-principle or prototypes.

Impact: Potential to advance beyond state-of-the-art; capacity to address major challenges or yield significant societal, industrial, or economic benefits; evidence of practical computational advantages; clarity of commercialization and adoption strategy.

Implementation: Credibility of Phase 1 activities (roadmap development, benchmarking, prototypes) and their scalability into Phase 2; project management quality and ability to deliver real-world impact.

Business exclusions

Reporting

Application process

Application requirements