The scope of this topic is the development of EU technologies and components for a space quantum gravimeter or gradiometer (this may include hybrid sensors, relying both on quantum and classical technologies) and which will lead to the development of an Engineering Model and its potential qualification for a pathfinder mission.
Framework Partnership Agreements (FPAs) in quantum computing are expected to establish a stable and structured partnership between the Commission and the institutions and organisations in quantum computing who commit themselves to establishing, maintaining and implementing a strategic research roadmap aligned with and contributing to the Quantum Flagship Strategic Research Agenda in a scalable open quantum computing platform based on a specific quantum platform technology.
Proposals should address the development of relatively mature quantum sensing technologies and single or network-operating devices that have the potential to find a broad range of new applications in transportation, precise localisation, health, security, telecommunications, energy, electronics industry, construction, mining, prospection, and much more.
Proposals should aim to explore new quantum effects and gain new knowledge that is not limited to the pillar activities, and which may contribute to new quantum technologies and applications in the long term. Areas of particular interest include quantum information theory, the identification of new laws and limits, understanding the mechanisms behind decoherence…
Proposals for both FPAs above are expected to establish well-networked lab facilities that interact and support each other. Proposals should federate key competences in the whole innovation value chain, from business-model development to promoting open-access to innovation and know-how, in order to provide access and support to European quantum technologies innovation actors.
Framework Partnership Agreements (FPAs) in quantum simulation are expected to establish a stable and structured partnership between the Commission and the institutions and organisations in quantum simulation who commit themselves to establish, maintain and implement a strategic research roadmap in a scalable open quantum simulation platform based on a specific quantum simulation platform technology.
Software-based communication technologies such as 5G and beyond will bring many benefits but also pose a number of new challenges for the police and the judiciary. In particular, lawful interception systems will have to adapt to the increased use of encryption including end-to-end encryption, to edge computing that might limit the availability and accessibility to relevant data and to slicing technology that will multiply the number of virtual operators.
Proposals for FPAs are expected to develop quantum communication technologies with improved performance and security to ensure European leadership. They are expected to build on the ongoing projects supported under the Quantum Flagship ramp up phase and on those currently defining the EuroQCI initiative.
During the next decades the European Union should seize the opportunities that quantum technologies will bring. However, quantum technologies will also pose a significant risk to the security of our society. The advent of large-scale quantum computers will compromise much of modern cryptography, which is instrumental in ensuring cybersecurity and privacy of the digital transition.
Fostering a European quantum computing industry will require hardware, software, and the development of user interfaces. Proposals should address the development of quantum-specific algorithms and methods to solve problems, for example in chemical and materials simulation, data analysis and optimisation, and space data processing and mission planning, as well as the more general development of novel quantum algorithms for yet unexplored application areas.
