Next-Generation QKD Systems

Type of action: HORIZON JU Research and Innovation Actions (HORIZON-JU-RIA) Consortium: standard Horizon Europe rule for this type of action, at least three independent legal entities from three different member or associated states, unless the call document says otherwise. Expected Outcome: This action will strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in quantum-secure communications by advancing core QKD technologies and integration capabilities. Expected results include: Development and demonstration of next-generation QKD systems, with a focus on cost-effectiveness and integration, with specific measurable improvements in one of the following parameters or features: (i) key rate (>1 Mbps over metropolitan distances), (ii) operational coverage of a network at the regional scale, >300 km for fibre-based QKD, including e.g. twin field and free-space links also for non-wired segments and for redundancy, (iii) development and demonstration of advanced quantum cryptographic protocols beyond QKD with provable security advantage over classical cryptographic systems. Implementation of hybrid quantum-classical cryptographic frameworks combining QKD and post-quantum cryptography (PQC), tested on clearly defined real-world applications. Integration of quantum communication components with network equipment and orchestration systems (e.g., software-defined networking). Validation of QKD-based security in high-priority use cases beyond EuroQCI infrastructure, including: Critical infrastructure monitoring (e.g., energy grid telemetry), Long-term secure cloud storage, Industrial control systems (e.g., transport, manufacturing), Secure multi-site enterprise communications. Strengthened European supply chain through the development of certifiable, standardised, and scalable QKD components. This action must address at least two core technical roadblocks defined in the SRIA 2030 for quantum-secure communication. These include scalability challenges in next-generation QKD protocols (e.g. MDI-QKD, DI-QKD) and the integration of QKD with PQC. Proposals are also encouraged to target at least one functionality beyond QKD in prepare-and-measure and one in entanglement-based scenarios, as identified for future quantum networks in the SRIA 2030. Scope: The action should support applied R&D in advanced QKD systems and their integration into future secure communication networks, avoiding overlap with EuroQCI deployment efforts. Proposals must include: Development and experimental validation of advanced QKD protocols and systems such as: Continuons-variable QKD (CV-QKD), Measurement-device-independent or device-independent QKD, Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD), Design and implementation of QKD integration into classical and optical networking infrastructure: Compatibility with existing network equipment (e.g., routers, switches), Interface development for SDN/NFV orchestration platforms, Secure key management compatible with enterprise-grade services. Demonstration of hybrid QKD-PQC frameworks in at least two realistic and demanding use cases, with demonstrable benefits over classical-only solutions. In addition to the QKD-focused activities, the action may also address research and first-demonstration efforts on novel quantum communication protocols beyond QKD. This includes the design, feasibility analysis, and early experimental validation of quantum primitives for security and trust in distributed and decentralized settings. These efforts should explore the implications of such protocols on future hardware and architectural choices and contribute to the long-term vision of quantum networks, as defined in the SRIA 2030. Validation of security performance through well-defined benchmarks and verification methods supporting the outcomes from EU quantum certification projects. Development of interoperable, scalable, and certifiable QKD hardware and software components (e.g., quantum random number generators, integrated photonic QKD components, single photon detectors, network controllers) supporting certification, in coordination with other specific EU programs, such as Euro-QCI.. Provision of cloud-accessible interfaces to QKD resources to facilitate remote experimentation and integration testing. Establishment of at least one demonstrator involving end-users in a live operational setting, with KPIs for availability, key rate, and resilience under different network conditions. Contribution to standards and certification activities to support widespread adoption and regulatory compliance. Engagement with industry and national network operators to ensure compatibility with telecom-grade requirements and avoid duplication with EuroQCI infrastructures, focusing instead on advancing the technology readiness of next-generation systems. This action should build on the results of the QSNP Framework Partnership Agreement and align with the SRIA 2030, the Quantum Europe Strategy and EuroQCI, targeting technology readiness and practical deployment pathways for quantum-secure communications. ">General conditions 1. Admissibility conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes. Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. Proposals should have an indicative length of 75 pages. 2. Eligible countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. The following exceptions apply: the eligibility conditions are those established in the EuroHPC JU Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173 as last amended by Council Regulation 2026/150. In accordance with Article 22.5 of the HE Regulation, the Governing Board has decided that in order to achieve the expected outcomes, and safeguard the Union’s strategic assets, interests, autonomy, or security participation is limited to legal entities established in Member States or Participating States of the EuroHPC JU [At the moment of the adoption of the Amendment No 5, the Participating States of EuroHPC JU are Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and United Kingdom (Discover EuroHPC JU - The European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU))]. In addition, legal entities which are established in associated countries to Horizon Europe that become a participant state to EuroHPC JU before the signature of the grant agreement will also become eligible. For the duly justified and exceptional reasons listed in the paragraph above, in order to guarantee the protection of the strategic interests of the Union and its Member States, entities established in an eligible country listed above, but which are directly or indirectly controlled by a non-eligible country or by a non-eligible country entity, may not participate in the action unless it can be demonstrated, by means of guarantees approved by the eligible country of establishment, that their participation to the action would not negatively impact the Union’s strategic, assets, interests, autonomy, or security. 3. Other Eligibility Conditions described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. 4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. 5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. 5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. 6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions described in the DECISION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE EuroHPC JOINT UNDERTAKING No 22/2026. Activities are expected to start at TRL 4 and to achieve TRL 7 by the end of the project. Expected project duration is 3.5 years. The EuroHPC JU estimates that an EU contribution of EUR 24 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts. Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA): Application form templates Please use the application form that you will find in the Submission System. You can find examples of standard application forms in the Reference Documents page. Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) Guidance HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) HE MGA Call-specific instructions Information on financial support to third parties (HE) Additional documents: HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 2. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 3. Research Infrastructures HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 4. Health HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 5. Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 6. Civil Security for Society HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 7. Digital, Industry and Space HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 8. Climate, Energy and Mobility HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 10. European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 11. Widening participation and strengthening the European Research Area HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 12. Missions HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 13. New European Bauhaus Facility (NEB) HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 14. Horizontal Activities HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement DECISION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE EuroHPC JOINT UNDERTAKING No 22/2026