Neutral-Atom Platform Technologies

What is this call about?

The topic funds one action that develops industry-ready neutral-atom quantum simulators and computers, their software stack and cloud access, and demonstrates real-world applications beyond classical computing.

What does this call fund?

Scope

The action aims to establish European leadership in neutral-atom quantum simulation and digital quantum computing by advancing the maturity and usability of neutral-atom quantum processors, with a focus on practical applications. It builds on the PASQuanS2 framework partnership and is aligned with the Strategic Research and Industry Agenda (SRIA 2030) and the Chips for Europe initiative.

Activities

• Develop and deploy scalable processors with individually addressable neutral atoms, supporting analogue simulation, hybrid analogue-digital techniques and gate-based computing.
• Demonstrate at least two real-world use cases on problems intractable for classical computing, such as materials science, chemistry or optimisation, with benchmarking and verification of quantum advantage.
• Build a complete software stack, including quantum control, electronic control components, user programming interfaces and classical simulation support.
• Provide cloud-based access across Europe, with hybrid quantum-classical workflows in high-performance computing environments and support for non-expert users where possible.
• Implement error mitigation, correction and detection techniques, and benchmarking and cross-platform validation tools that support standardisation.
• Strengthen the EU supply chain for key components such as trapping and control optics, laser systems and photonic interfaces, and coordinate training, documentation and user engagement.

The action must address at least two of the technical challenges named in SRIA 2030 for neutral-atom platforms, such as stable atom control during multi-qubit operations, quantum non-demolition measurement and high-fidelity universal gates.

Expected outcomes

• Industry-ready, cloud-accessible quantum simulators based on 10,000 neutral atoms.
• A programmable neutral-atom computing platform with 1,000 physical qubits and a path to 10,000, coherence times of hundreds of interaction times and operation infidelity below 1%.
• Demonstration of simulation or computing beyond classical computability, at least two new applications and a stronger European industrial base in quantum technologies.

What are proposals expected to do?

• Activities are expected to start at TRL 4 and reach TRL 7 by the end of the project.

When is the deadline?

17 November 2026 (12 days)