The objective of this funding measure is to accelerate the transfer of quantum science into practical, real-world applications beyond academia. The call focuses on areas such as quantum communication, computing, simulation, metrology, sensing, and imaging, aiming to make quantum-based solutions both technologically feasible and economically competitive. It promotes early industrial involvement and strong transnational collaboration to bridge the gap between fundamental research and market-ready technologies.

Funding is available for pre-competitive, collaborative research and development projects within the field of Applied Quantum Science. Supported projects should address the translation of known quantum effects and concepts into tangible technological applications. Possible focus areas include advanced quantum communication systems that improve range, efficiency, and robustness; new quantum simulation approaches for materials, chemistry, or biology; the development of quantum computing platforms and hybrid computational architectures; as well as quantum metrology, sensing, and imaging solutions for precision measurement and diagnostics. Projects in quantum information science may also target the generation and use of non-classical states or device-independent quantum methods.

Eligible applicants are international consortia composed of at least three independent partners from a minimum of three participating countries, typically three to six in total. Transnational balance is required: no more than 60 % of the total requested funding may come from one country, and no single partner may claim more than 40 %. German participation must include at least one company, either as a funded or associated partner. Each consortium must include an exploitation plan describing the pathway toward application, the intended exploiter, and the expected innovation outcomes.

Project results may be used only within Germany or the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as in Israel, Switzerland, South Korea, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Exclusive exploitation outside these regions is not permitted. Projects may last 24 or 36 months, and other durations are not accepted at the application stage.

The call follows a two-stage procedure. In the first stage, consortia must submit a transnational project proposal through the QuantERA online platform. In the second stage, German partners from selected consortia will be invited to submit a full national proposal to the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) via the designated project management agency within two months of the invitation. The deadline for the transnational project proposal is 5 December 2025, 17:00 CET. Invitations for national full proposals are expected in May 2026, with submission deadlines communicated individually.

All German applicants must register with the VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH (Project Management Agency – Quantensysteme) before submitting a proposal. At this first stage, no additional national forms are required. For German project partners, the minimum funding amount is 120.000 Euro, and at least 50 % of the total eligible costs must be personnel-related. Simplified cost rules apply, allowing flat rates of up to 8.000 Euro per full-time equivalent (FTE) for travel and 10.000 Euro per FTE for consumables; higher costs must be justified. Universities and university hospitals receive a 20 % project allowance on eligible expenditure.

Publications resulting from funded projects should be made openly accessible, either directly via open-access journals or through secondary publication within twelve months. Selected provisions of the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement apply to ensure consistency with European standards.

The measure is administered by the VDI Technologiezentrum GmbH – Project Management Agency Quantensysteme, VDI-Platz 1, 40468 Düsseldorf.
Scientific contact: Dr. Bastian Hiltscher, +49 211 6214-441
Procedural contact: Sebastian Krug, +49 211 6214-472