Xecs Quantum Call within Eureka: international R&D projects in quantum technologies, national funding for Ukrainian research institutions, outlines due 26 November

The Eureka cluster Xecs has launched its first thematic call focused on quantum technologies. The initiative supports collaborative international research and development projects aiming to industrialise and commercialise quantum innovations across Europe.

Funding is decentralised, meaning each participating country funds its own national partners. For Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science provides up to UAH 199,000 per year for up to three years to universities and research institutions, while domestic enterprises can join on a self-funding basis.

Project submissions follow a two-stage evaluation process. Consortia must prepare and submit their initial Project Outlines by 26 November 2026, with successful applicants progressing to the Full Project Proposal stage.

What is funded

The call funds applied research and development initiatives that accelerate the industrialisation and market entry of quantum technologies. Projects must aim to progress solutions from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4-5 up to TRL 6-7, helping bridge the gap between laboratory demonstrations and market-ready solutions.

Eligible thematic domains include quantum sensing, quantum metrology, quantum communications and cybersecurity, and enabling Electronic Components and Systems (ECS) technologies for quantum computing. Approved projects run for up to three years and are accompanied by an active reporting and review framework.

Who can apply

Participation is structured around international consortia. A qualifying consortium must include at least two independent organisations originating from at least two Eureka member countries.

The call is aimed at research organisations, universities, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and large industrial partners. Within Ukraine, scientific research institutes and higher education institutions are eligible for direct state grant assistance.

Private commercial companies, including Ukrainian SMEs, are eligible to take part in project consortia. However, under current national Ukrainian arrangements, corporate participants must finance their own involvement.

Conditions and requirements

National financing rules apply to all individual partners within a consortium. In Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science covers up to 100% of eligible costs for qualifying scientific and academic institutions, subject to an upper cap of UAH 199,000 annually for a maximum duration of three years.

Practical tip. Consult with national public authority representatives before finalising your proposal outline. Because funding availability and eligibility terms differ across participating Eureka nations, validating national compliance early prevents consortia from pursuing unviable partner configurations.

How to apply

The process follows four successive phases: project idea development, consortium building, project submission and evaluation, and post-award project management. Consortia are encouraged to use official matchmaking platforms and events to identify international partners and define their joint project concepts.

Proposals must be prepared in English and submitted via the online Xecs Project Zone. Submissions begin with a Project Outline due by 26 November 2026, which is evaluated by technical experts and national public authorities before shortlisted consortia are invited to draft Full Project Proposals.

Applications are submitted on the donor’s page: eureka-xecs.com.