The Next-Generation QKD Systems call for proposals from the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU), part of Horizon Europe, supports 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
- Design and implementation of QKD integration into classical and optical networking infrastructure
- 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 proposal 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.
- And more
Applications are open to collaborative teams with a minimum of 3 independent organizations (public or private), each established in a different EU Member State or Associated Country to the Horizon Europe Programme. Activities are expected to validate technologies starting at TRL 4 and confirm their progression to TRL 7 by the end of the project.
This is a Research and Innovation Action grant, and the funding provides up to 24 million EUR to 1 project, up to 50% of the project costs.
Funding call: HORIZON-JU-EUROHPC-2026-NQKD-12-01
Applications close on November 17, 2026.
