EuroHPC JU Launches Six Quantum Calls Totaling €119 Million

The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) launched six new calls on 13 August 2026 under the Horizon Europe programme to advance strategic quantum technologies and supporting infrastructure across Europe. The calls, with a combined indicative budget of €119 million ($139 million USD), cover trapped-ion, superconducting and neutral-atom computing platforms, next-generation quantum key distribution systems, open-access testing infrastructure, and experimental pilot lines. Applications close on 17 November 2026 at 17:00 CET, with most projects expected to run for 3.5 years.

Quantum Computing Platform Technologies

Three platform calls each carry an indicative budget of €20 million and seek full-stack systems integrated with classical high-performance computing resources and offering cloud accessibility:

Trapped-Ion Platform Technologies (HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-TIPT-09): Full-stack quantum computer with over 1,000 individually addressable physical qubits, integrated cryogenic systems, advanced error correction, and standardised interfaces.

Superconducting Platform Technologies (HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-SPT-10): Quantum processing unit with at least 1,000 physical qubits based on chiplet technology supporting long coherence times, fast readout, and error correction, plus European component supply chains.

Neutral-Atom Platform Technologies (HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-NAPT-11): Fully programmable platforms with up to 10,000 neutral atoms for simulation and 1,000 physical qubits for computing, with a credible roadmap toward 10,000 physical qubits, operation infidelities below 1 percent, robust error mitigation, and demonstrated applications in energy and health.

A fourth call, Next-Generation QKD Systems (HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-NQKD-12), allocates €24 million. It targets key rates exceeding 1 Mbps over metropolitan distances, operational coverage beyond 300 km on a regional scale, hybrid quantum-classical frameworks combining quantum key distribution with post-quantum cryptography, and real-world demonstrations beyond the existing EuroQCI infrastructure, including energy grids, cloud storage, and industrial control systems.

Testing Infrastructure and Pilot Production

The remaining two calls address validation, certification, and manufacturing readiness:

Quantum-Testing Infrastructure for Quantum Technologies (HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-QTI-13): €20 million to establish a pan-European open-access network of distributed testing facilities covering processors, sensors, photonics, and control electronics, with a focus on TRL 4–7. The action will develop interoperable methodologies, certification services aligned with emerging standards, and a digital platform for remote test execution to support SMEs and startups.

Quantum Experimental Pilot Lines for Quantum Technologies (HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-QEXP-14): €15 million to bridge academic quantum research and industrial-scale production, connecting experimental pilot-line capabilities with established pilot lines under the CHIPS Joint Undertaking. Qu-Pilot will serve as a testbed focused on technological innovation, manufacturing reproducibility, and scalability for quantum processors, sensors, and cryo-compatible packaging at technology readiness levels 4–6, including standardised workflows for quality assurance and certification pathways.

Bottom Line

EuroHPC JU’s €119 million package advances European quantum platforms, secure communications, and manufacturing infrastructure under Horizon Europe.

Find out more here.

—
Further articles, reports, and the latest quantum computing news may be found at The Qubit Report.