Brussels, 28 April 2025 - The Public Authorities Board (PAB) of the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) has selected six consortia under its recent quantum calls, marking a significant step forward in Europe’s efforts to advance quantum chip technology. The action plans of the selected partnerships are expected to be funded with €145 million through a set of specific grant agreements completed later this year. These actions aim to strengthen Europe’s quantum ecosystem and accelerate the development of industrial-scale manufacturing capabilities.

The quantum pilots will improve the durability and reliability of quantum chips across applications such as sensing, communication, and computing. The consortia will explore mature and scalable quantum technologies, including superconducting, photonic, semiconducting, diamond-based, and neutral-atom-based technologies. They will also target the development of high-quality trapped-ion technologies and leverage European fabrication capabilities to enhance Europe’s technological sovereignty in this field. Additionally, these actions will address the entire value chain, from design to microfabrication and testing, enabling Europe’s first open-access pilot line production capabilities targeting stable production, a foundational step towards higher performance, efficiency, and manufacturing of quantum technologies made in Europe.

This selection is the first major step in implementing a long-term strategic vision for quantum technologies in Europe. Through strategic and technical frameworks, the Chips JU will set out long-term collaborations with the selected consortia, defining the detailed technological objectives and overall cooperation framework between the JU and the projects in a specific area, serving as a foundation for future actions.

Jari Kinaret, Executive Director of the Chips JU, remarked: “Quantum technologies are critical to secure Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage, and the selection of these six partnerships is a significant step towards this goal. Investing in this area is crucial to drive technological advancements and support applications across sectors such as communication, computing and sensing, and ultimately secure Europe’s sovereignty and promote a sustainable quantum ecosystem.”

These actions will contribute to Europe’s strategic goal of reducing reliance on external markets by reinforcing local innovation and industrial capacity in quantum chips. It will support the transition from research to industrial production through the integration of advanced testing environments and building of scalable platforms. The outcomes of these partnerships will support future pilot lines and reinforce Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem by integrating quantum innovations into the chips value chain.

Next steps 

The Chips JU will work with the selected consortia to prepare the strategic and technical frameworks. Once the agreements are finalised, the consortia will be invited to submit proposals for the specific implementation activities under such frameworks. 

About Chips Joint Undertaking:

The Chips Joint Undertaking supports research, development, innovation, and capacity building in the European semiconductor ecosystem. Launched by the European Union Council Regulation No 2021/1085 as amended in September 2023 via Council Regulation 2023/1782, it contributes to reinforce the competitiveness and resilience of the semiconductor technological and industrial base, engaging a significant EU, national/regional and private industry funding of nearly €11 billion. The Chips JU is funded by the European Union, Chips JU Participating States and the Private Members.

Media Contacts:
Chips Joint Undertaking 
communication@chips-ju.europa.eu
Luciano.Gaudio@chips-ju.europa.eu