New primitives and protocols for functionalities of future hybrid classical-hybrid and quantum networks

What is this call about?

The topic funds foundational research on new cryptographic primitives and protocols beyond quantum key distribution for future hybrid and quantum networks. It is aimed at teams that combine quantum scientists with applied and post-quantum cryptography researchers.

What does this call fund?

Scope

The action supports research on new cryptographic primitives and protocols beyond quantum key distribution (QKD) for security and trust-based applications. It combines different cryptographic approaches with insights from quantum information science, with the aim of laying the foundations of a new cryptography for mid-term hybrid classical-quantum networks and, later, largely quantum networks.

Areas proposals should target (some of the following)

• Quantum primitives with classical equivalents, new quantum primitives not possible classically, and solutions that improve quantum cryptography protocols with classical cryptography, in particular post-quantum cryptography, for gains such as run time, energy use or lower hardware requirements.
• Analysis of results against the best classical-only counterparts, including formal assumptions, rigorous security proofs, composable security and performance.
• Links between quantum information processing, holography and cryptography, such as non-local quantum computation for position verification, and links between quantum computing and cryptographic foundations.
• A quantum cryptography roadmap identifying challenges for technical realisation and scaling, and implications for hardware and architecture.

Expected outcomes

New primitives beyond QKD, critical analysis of their strength and assumptions, insights into the limits of quantum information processing, and a roadmap for quantum cryptography and network functions.

When is the deadline?

15 September 2027 (313 days)

15 September 2027 (single-stage submission).