France, Germany, and the Netherlands have awarded over €30 million ($33.8 million USD) in joint funding to a new set of quantum R&D projects under the first Trilateral Call for Quantum Innovation. The initiative, launched in March 2024, supports European cross-border collaboration in quantum computing, communication, and sensing technologies. French partners received €11 million ($12 million USD) in support from the France 2030 plan, while selected projects span the broader European quantum ecosystem.

The trilateral program attracted over 120 applications and selected projects through a two-stage competitive evaluation. Key priorities include scalable architectures for fault-tolerant quantum computing, photonic and superconducting systems integration, and hybrid platforms supporting quantum networking. The call builds on shared priorities for advancing European technological sovereignty in quantum technologies.

Among the funded French-led or French-participating projects are:

  • Ad Astra: Accelerating low-cost quantum error correction, with IQM, Silent Waves, Orange Quantum Systems, and CNRS–QuantECA (Institut Néel).
  • TUF-TopiQC: Developing a photonic quantum error correction platform; partners include Quandela, CNRS–C2N, Universität Paderborn, and Qubit Pharmaceuticals.
  • MEETQ: Enabling superconducting qubit–quantum memory integration; led by WeLinQ, QphoX, and Sorbonne University (LIP6).
  • AUTOCAT: Scaling noise-biased cat qubits with automatic calibration and advanced control electronics; led by Alice&Bob, CNRS–Institut Néel, Qblox, and Qruise.

The initiative is closely aligned with the EU’s broader goal to industrialize quantum research and ensure global competitiveness. Projects were selected to accelerate transition from laboratory-scale prototypes to commercially viable platforms, and several include partners from the quantum industry, academic research, and national labs.

Each participating country coordinates funding through its own national instruments: France through France 2030, the Netherlands via Quantum Delta NL, and Germany via the BMBF’s “Quantum International” funding program. The joint call emphasizes not only research but also industrial participation and workforce training, addressing Europe’s need for scalable quantum infrastructure and talent development.

Full documentation is available from France here, from the Netherlands here, and from Germany here.

May 20, 2025

Print Friendly, PDF & Email