DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-INDUSTRIAL
Create a European Industrial Ecosystem for Secure QCI technologies and systems -
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DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-08-PUBLICPQC — Transition to post-quantum Public Key Infrastructures
This topic aims to build an ecosystem for secure quantum technologies, as a necessary foundation for the transition to post-quantum infrastructures. Same technology area, but broader objective, including infrastructure.
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DIGITAL-ECCC-2024-DEPLOY-CYBER-06-PQCINDUSTRY — Deployment of Post Quantum Cryptography in systems in industrial sectors
Both calls target PQC
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DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-DEPLOY-NATIONAL — Deploying advanced national QCI systems and networks
Connected via DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-08-PUBLICPQC, not directly to the current topic.
The deployment of national quantum systems completes the transition to post-quantum keys, particularly for network security. Similar deployment objectives, but different focus (quantum infrastructures vs. post-quantum PKI).
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DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-EUROQCI-QKD — Coordinate the first deployment of national EuroQCI projects and prepare the large-scale QKD testing and certification infrastructure
Connected via DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-08-PUBLICPQC, not directly to the current topic.
Coordination of QKD deployments and preparation of test infrastructures are linked to post-quantum security (additional work for secure implementation).
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DIGITAL-ECCC-2024-DEPLOY-CYBER-07-KEYTECH — Development and Deployment of Advanced Key Technologies
Connected via DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-08-PUBLICPQC, not directly to the current topic.
This topic shares the objective of developing and deploying advanced key technologies, in particular around post-quantum cryptography (so closely related field and objective).
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DIGITAL-ECCC-2024-DEPLOY-CYBER-06-TRANSITIONEUPQC — Roadmap for the transition of European public administrations to a post-quantum cryptography era
Connected via DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-08-PUBLICPQC, not directly to the current topic.
This topic prepares public administrations for the transition to post-quantum cryptography, consistent with the deployment of suitable PKI infrastructures. (closely aligned with the objectives of this 2025 topic)
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DIGITAL-ECCC-2024-DEPLOY-CYBER-06-STANDARDPQC — Standardisation and awareness of the European transition to post-quantum cryptography
Connected via DIGITAL-ECCC-2025-DEPLOY-CYBER-08-PUBLICPQC, not directly to the current topic.
Standardization and awareness-raising are key stages in the PQC transition, in conjunction with infrastructure deployment (complementary, more cross-functional).
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HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-42 — Stimulating transnational research and development of next generation quantum technologies, including basic theories and components (Cascading grant with FSTP)
Connected via DIGITAL-ECCC-2024-DEPLOY-CYBER-06-PQCINDUSTRY, not directly to the current topic.
Both calls share a common focus on quantum technologies and their practical applications.
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Call text (as on F&T portal)
View on F&T portalOutcomes and deliverables
- Mature QKD-based systems ready for integration and deployment in an operational telecom infrastructure, over short and long distances;
- First fully functional telecom network systems managing quantum keys and assuring the interoperability between quantum and traditional cybersecurity systems, that ensure the secrecy and integrity of sensitive digital data in Europe;
To prepare for the industrialisation and deployment of quantum communication infrastructure (QCI) technological and operational capabilities and advanced QCI networks essential for European cybersecurity, and contribute to the development of a European industrial QCI ecosystem, including a thriving SME sector. This support is needed to contribute to European technological autonomy in the highly strategic field of quantum communication technologies.
Scope:The action will focus on the following two priorities:
* Industrialisation of EU QKD devices, technologies and systems: prepare for industrialisation and for deployment (i.e. reaching TRL 8-9) quantum technology components for quantum key distribution that are stable, miniaturised and have competitive performance (e.g. cost-effective, exhibiting higher key exchange rates, link distances) that can be demonstrated over both short and long distances. QKD systems should enable scalability to multi-user network architectures and upgradability to future quantum information networks. Examples of such core technology components include quantum random number generators, photon sources, application and control software, etc. Work should also cover the integration of individual components and devices to larger, standalone QKD systems and their full testing and thus compliance to EU (ETSI/CENELEC) standards (including independent device protocols) and to EAL level 4 or above (Evaluation Assurance Level of the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (ISO/IEC 15408)), in view of their potential deployment in the EuroQCI initiative. Work should also include an exploitation plan covering all the industrialisation and fabrication aspects of such devices, technologies, systems and processes underpinning the creation of an EU QKD supply chain.
* QKD-based Telecom Network System production: Develop the full run system integration from EU QKD system (level 1) to Telecom network systems (level 2), key management (level 3) until cyber security system level (level 4). The level 4 quantum cybersecurity systems will then be integrated in traditional communication networks, assuring interoperability in a full multi-user end-to-end architecture. Upgradability to quantum information networks should be considered. Work should also cover the testing and certification/standards compliance of the complete QKD-based Telecom System in view of its deployment in the EuroQCI initiative.
Individual proposals should cover at least one of the above priorities. The final proposals selection for EU funding will ensure appropriate coverage of both priorities. At least 60% of the budget will be allocated to proposals addressing the first priority.
Delegation to Agencies:Implementation: European Commission
News flashes
Flash information on the call results (FLASH CALL INFO)
Call for proposals: EU secure Quantum Communication Infrastructure
Call ID: DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01
Published: 17-11-2021 Deadline: 29/03/2022
Total budget: 154.000.000 EUR
Budget per topic:
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-DEPLOY-NATIONAL EUR 108.000.000
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-EUROQCI-QKD EUR 2.000.000
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-INDUSTRIAL EUR 44.000.000
The Comission has now completed the evaluation of the proposals submitted to the above-mentioned call. The results by topic can be consulted under topic updates.
We recently informed the applicants about the evaluation results for their proposals.
It is expected that the first grant agreements will be signed by 22.12.2022. Please note that the number of proposals that can finally be funded will depend on the finally available budget and the formal selection by the Commission.
For further details please see the DIGITAL Europe Programme
The results of the evaluation are as follows:
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-INDUSTRIAL
Number of proposals submitted: 7
Number of inadmissible proposals: 0
Number of ineligible proposals: 0
Number of above-threshold proposals: 6
Total budget requested for above-threshold proposals: 30.798.093,63 EUR
Flash information on the call results (FLASH CALL INFO)
Call for proposals: EU secure Quantum Communication Infrastructure
Call ID: DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01
Published: 17-11-2021 Deadline: 29/03/2022
Total budget: 154.000.000 EUR
Budget per topic:
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-DEPLOY-NATIONAL EUR 108.000.000
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-EUROQCI-QKD EUR 2.000.000
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-INDUSTRIAL EUR 44.000.000
The Comission has now completed the evaluation of the proposals submitted to the above-mentioned call. The results by topic can be consulted under topic updates.
We recently informed the applicants about the evaluation results for their proposals.
It is expected that the first grant agreements will be signed by 22.12.2022. Please note that the number of proposals that can finally be funded will depend on the finally available budget and the formal selection by the Commission.
For further details please see the DIGITAL Europe Programme
The results of the evaluation are as follows:
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-INDUSTRIAL
Number of proposals submitted: 7
Number of inadmissible proposals: 0
Number of ineligible proposals: 0
Number of above-threshold proposals: 6
Total budget requested for above-threshold proposals: 30.798.093,63 EUR
Call DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01 has closed.on 29th of March at 17:00hrs.
The total number of proposals submitted under this call is 35. The breakdwon per topic is as follows:
Topic Number of proposals
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-INDUSTRIAL 8
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-DEPLOY-NATIONAL 25
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-EUROQCI-QKD 2
TOTAL 35
Call DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01 has closed.on 29th of March at 17:00hrs.
The total number of proposals submitted under this call is 35. The breakdwon per topic is as follows:
Topic Number of proposals
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-INDUSTRIAL 8
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-DEPLOY-NATIONAL 25
DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01-EUROQCI-QKD 2
TOTAL 35
NB: Please note that the deadline for submission of proposals for this call, with call ID: DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01, and the topics belonging to it has been extended to 29.03.2022. at 17:00hrs (Brussels Local time).
NB: Please note that the deadline for submission of proposals for this call, with call ID: DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01, and the topics belonging to it has been extended to 29.03.2022. at 17:00hrs (Brussels Local time).
NB: Please note that the deadline for submission of proposals for this call, with call ID: DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01, and the topics belonging to it has been extended to 29.03.2022. at 17:00hrs (Brussels Local time).
NB: Please note that the deadline for submission of proposals for this call, with call ID: DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01, and the topics belonging to it has been extended to 29.03.2022. at 17:00hrs (Brussels Local time).
Opening date: 2021-11-17 (4 years ago)
Closing date: 2022-03-29 (4 years ago)
Procedure: single-stage
Budget: 44,000,000
Expected grants: 0
This call topic has been appended 14 times by the EC with news.
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DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01
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Call published · 30 Sep 2024 (2 years ago)
All expected milestones for this call have passed.
Call opens
17 Nov 2021
Call closes
29 Mar 2022
Outcome expected
29 Aug 2022 · est.
Grant agreement signed
29 Nov 2022 · est.
Work programme published
30 Sep 2024
Call published
30 Sep 2024
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Call opens
17 Nov 2021 · 4 years ago
Submissions can be made from this date.
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Call closes
29 Mar 2022 · 4 years ago
Deadline to submit a proposal.
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Outcome expected Estimated
29 Aug 2022 · 4 years ago
The maximum time to inform applicants of the evaluation outcome is five months after the call closes.
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Grant agreement signed Estimated
29 Nov 2022 · 3 years ago
The maximum time to sign the grant agreement is three months after applicants are informed of the outcome.
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Work programme published
30 Sep 2024 · 2 years ago
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Call published
30 Sep 2024 · 2 years ago
This topic was first published in TopicTree.
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