Quantum Experimental Pilot Lines for Quantum Technologies

What is this call about?

The topic funds one action that builds experimental pilot production lines for quantum processors, sensors and components, with shared access for academic and industrial partners and a path to Chips JU pilot lines.

What does this call fund?

Scope

The action implements the pilot production elements of the Qu-Pilot framework partnership. It advances experimental pilot line capacity for quantum hardware as a step towards industrial-scale production, acting as the link between academic research and the stable pilot lines of the Chips Joint Undertaking.

Activities

• Establish or enhance experimental pilot production infrastructure for TRL 4 to 6 quantum hardware, with a strong research and development focus.
• Develop pre-industrial processes for quantum processors (for example superconducting, trapped-ion or photonic), quantum sensors (for example NV centres) and cryo-compatible packaging and interconnects.
• Integrate cleanroom lithography, etching and deposition tailored to quantum devices, in materials such as silicon, diamond and III-V compounds, converging with Chips JU standards.
• Create shared-cost fabrication access models open to academic and industrial partners.
• Develop standardised workflows for yield analysis, reproducibility and quality assurance that support component certification.
• Work continuously with Qu-Test and other testbeds, align with the Chips JU pilot line roadmap and contribute to a cross-domain European infrastructure for computing, sensing and communications.

Expected outcomes

• Experimental quantum pilot lines covering diverse platforms and materials, laying the ground for integration into Chips JU pilot lines.
• Scalable, reproducible quantum fabrication processes, addressing early certification, standardisation and quality control.
• A stronger pan-European quantum hardware ecosystem with open access for SMEs, start-ups and research institutes.

When is the deadline?

17 November 2026 (12 days)