Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
Digital Europe Programme is the first EU programme that aims to accelerate the recovery and drive the digital transformation of Europe.
Worth €7.6 billion (in current prices), the Programme is a part of the next long-term EU budget, (the Multiannual Financial Framework), and it covers 2021 to 2027. It will provide funding for projects in five crucial areas: supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced digital skills, and ensuring the wide use of digital technologies across the economy and society.
The Programme is fine-tuned to fill the gap between the research of digital technologies and their deployment, and to bring the results of research to the market – for the benefit of Europe’s citizens and businesses, and in particular SMEs. Investments under the Digital Europe programme supports the Union’s twin objectives of a green transition and digital transformation and strengthens the Union’s resilience and strategic autonomy.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
To prepare for the industrialisation and deployment of quantum communication infrastructure (QCI) technological and operational capabilities and advanced QCI networks essential for European cybersecurity, and contribute to the development of a European industrial QCI ecosystem, including a thriving SME sector. This support is needed to contribute to European technological autonomy in the highly strategic field of quantum communication technologies.
Detailed Call Description
The action will focus on the following two priorities:
- Industrialisation of EU QKD devices, technologies and systems: prepare for industrialisation and for deployment (i.e. reaching TRL 8-9) quantum technology components for quantum key distribution that are stable, miniaturised and have competitive performance (e.g. cost-effective, exhibiting higher key exchange rates, link distances) that can be demonstrated over both short and long distances. QKD systems should enable scalability to multi-user network architectures and upgradability to future quantum information networks. Examples of such core technology components include quantum random number generators, photon sources, application and control software, etc (see page 7 of the call document).
- QKD-based Telecom Network System production: Develop the full run system integration from EU QKD system (level 1) to Telecom network systems (level 2), key management (level 3) until cyber security system level (level 4). The level 4 quantum cybersecurity systems will then be integrated in traditional communication networks, assuring interoperability in a full multi-user end-to-end architecture. Upgradability to quantum information networks should be considered. Work should also cover the testing and certification/standards compliance of the complete QKD-based Telecom System in view of its deployment in the EuroQCI initiative.
The final proposals selection for EU funding will ensure appropriate coverage of both priorities.
At least 60% of the budget will be allocated to proposals addressing the first priority.
Targeted stakeholders: Industry partners, including RTOs if relevant
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
SME Support Actions: 50% and 75% (for SMEs)
Thematic Categories
- Enlargement
- Industry
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
Eligibility for Participation
- Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
Eligibility For Participation Notes
In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
- be legal entities (public or private bodies)
- be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
- EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs)
- EEA countries (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein)
For the consortium composition see the details of the specific topic, in the Call document.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
It will be announced soon.
(Publish Date: 19/11/2021-for internal use only)