Within the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026, the call HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-18 – Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies (RIA) aims to establish a strategic European initiative for the development of scalable, modular, and interoperable photonic quantum computing platforms.
This action seeks to overcome critical technical roadblocks currently limiting the advancement of photonic quantum computing, in particular the development of loss-tolerant architectures enabling fault-tolerant scaling, and the absence of a standardised and integrated control stack combining photonic hardware, firmware, and system software with reliable cross-platform benchmarking mechanisms.
Expected outcomes
Funded projects are expected to contribute to:
By 2028:
Demonstration of a photonic NISQ processor with ≥100 photonic qubits, integrating deterministic single-photon sources, low-loss waveguides, on-chip detectors, and a firmware stack (scheduler, controller, and compiler), validated through hardware-agnostic benchmarks and hybrid photonic–HPC applications.
By 2030:
Delivery of a full-stack photonic quantum computer, highly connected and modular, with on-chip integration and fibre-based interconnects, high-fidelity gates (error rates ≤10⁻³), and an indicative target of 1,000 photonic qubits, laying the groundwork for demonstrations of quantum utility on industrially relevant workloads.
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System-level interoperability and standardisation, including published interface specifications for photonic quantum hardware and software stacks (packaging, APIs, compiler interfaces, and cloud protocols compatible with telecom wavelengths);
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Validation of entanglement distribution across modules, including field demonstrations of interconnected photonic quantum processors;
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Acceleration of industrialisation and commercialisation, including roadmaps for pilot manufacturing lines, quality assurance protocols, and the development of a sovereign European value chain for photonic quantum technologies;
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Demonstration of project results through a concrete use case provided by a major end user, validating the platform’s relevance and performance under real operational constraints.
Scope and consortia
Proposals are expected to be led by a start-up with proven expertise in photonic quantum computing, in collaboration with:
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Academic, industrial, and research and technology organisations (RTOs);
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At least one large end user, whose operational needs will shape the platform design and whose infrastructure will host the field demonstration.
Projects should implement a coordinated and durable R&I programme, integrating:
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Development of open, scalable photonic quantum platforms (semiconductor and/or glass-based photonic chips);
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System integration and validation of modular architectures under realistic noise, loss, and control constraints;
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Co-design of the software stack (firmware, compilers, hybrid algorithms, and network APIs);
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Alignment with Quantum Flagship results and active contribution to the governance of the European quantum computing ecosystem, including synergies with STEP, Chips JU, IPCEI, and EuroHPC.
Key information
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Opening date: 15 January 2026
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Submission deadline: 15 April 2026
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Indicative budget: €10 million
For more information, please visit:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2026-04-DIGITAL-EMERGING-18
https://www.photonics21.org/ppp-services/european-calls.php
