Apply now for up to €50,000 and gain expert support to advance your photonics and quantum innovation for a more sustainable and resilient industry
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About PhotonQBoost
PhotonQBoost has officially launched its second open call, a funding opportunity designed to accelerate the adoption and development of Photonics and Quantum technologies. With a total budget of €728,800, the Open Call for Solutions, Missions, Trainings & Services is directed at SMEs established in the European Union or Horizon Europe Associated Countries that are either developing innovative Photonics and Quantum solutions or integrating these technologies into existing products, services, or processes.
Selected companies can secure up to €50,000 in direct financial support, complemented by advisory and support services designed to accelerate sustainability, resilience, and competitiveness. Applications are now open and will remain so until 19 January 2026 at 17:00 CET.
About the 2nd Open Call
The purpose of this call is to select SMEs demonstrating excellence and impact potential to:
- Receive up to €40,000 to develop and implement photonics and/or quantum challenge-oriented solutions. Challenges are distributed among the Advanced Manufacturing, Agrifood, Life Science and Health, Mobility, and Digital Technologies sectors.
- Receive up to €10,000 to be used for training and related services that enhance their resilience and/or sustainability.
- Participate in up to two Matching Missions organised by the project in 2026 and receive up to €1,440 to cover participation costs.
In addition to financial support, beneficiaries will gain access to mentoring, coaching, and networking opportunities to help them implement the activities described in their applications.
This non-financial support will be delivered by the project partners under the Advisory Support Services Framework of PhotonQBoost.
SMEs are invited to apply for any or all the available grants (Solutions, Missions, Trainings and Services), with a maximum funding per beneficiary of €50,000.
Why Apply?
This Open Call is an opportunity not only for financial support but also for access to an innovative ecosystem built specifically for the growth of SMEs. Successful applicants will benefit from personalised mentoring from leading Photonics and Quantum specialists, provided by PhotonQBoost partners.
The call also enables SMEs to directly connect with new markets, research organisations, industrial clusters, and potential commercial partners across Europe. In addition, participants may gain international exposure through structured missions designed to foster collaboration, encourage joint innovation efforts, and expand cross-sectoral opportunities.
The programme is designed to shorten the path between innovative technological ideas and their successful deployment, ensuring SMEs can develop impactful products with measurable environmental, economic, and societal benefits.
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) legally established in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. To be eligible, applicants must have been officially registered before 17 July 2025.
SMEs do not need to specialise in Photonics or Quantum technologies to participate. Companies from any sector may apply, provided that their proposals and participation clearly integrates or advances Photonics or Quantum solutions.
Applicants may collaborate with complementary organisations, including other SMEs, technology providers, research centres, or industry partners, as long as their role is clearly described and documented. Each SME may submit only one application under this call, and the combined funding requested across all three grant categories (Solutions, Trainings & Services, and Missions) may not exceed €50,000.
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official application form:
Important Dates
- 1st InfoDay: 09/12/2025 – 11:00 CET
- 2nd InfoDay: 08/01/2026 – 11:00 CET
- Submission: 19/01/2026 – 17:00 CET
Proposal Requirements
To ensure a fair, transparent, and competitive selection process, all applicants must submit a complete and well-structured proposal that clearly demonstrates the relevance, feasibility, and expected impact of their activities.
While the specific requirements vary depending on the type of grant selected (Solutions, Trainings & Services, or Missions), every application must provide accurate information, coherent justification, and comply with the official Guidelines for Applicants.
Evaluation & Selection Process
All proposals submitted to OC2-2025 will undergo a multi-stage evaluation process designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with the objectives of the PhotonQBoost programme.
First, an eligibility check verifies that each application complies with all formal requirements, including SME status, completeness of documents, and adherence to submission rules. Only proposals that meet every criterion proceed to the next stage.
Eligible applications are then assessed by two independent experts with technical and scientific expertise in Photonics and/or Quantum technologies. To uphold consistency and minimise evaluator bias, all scores undergo a normalisation process, after which proposals are ranked. Funding is awarded to the highest-scoring applications within the limits of the available budget.
SMEs that are selected for funding will then proceed to a legal validation phase, during which their organisational and financial information is verified. Once this step is successfully completed, applicants will be invited to sign a Sub-Grant Agreement.
Additional Support Beyond Funding
Funding is just one element of the broader support ecosystem offered by PhotonQBoost. Selected SMEs gain access to experienced mentors and technology experts who will help them refine their sustainability strategies, strengthen technical and business capabilities, and accelerate their innovation journey. The project’s consortium also facilitates direct connections with industry clusters, research institutions, and innovation networks, enabling SMEs to forge long-lasting partnerships.
Final Thoughts
The Open Call for Solutions, Missions, Trainings and Services, represent an exceptional opportunity for SMEs interested in advancing their resilience and sustainability capabilities. SMEs with innovative ideas, ambitious goals, or a desire to explore new markets are strongly encouraged to participate.
Those interested in applying or learning more are invited to join the upcoming Info Day sessions, where the PhotonQBoost team will provide additional guidance and answer questions.
- 1st InfoDay: 09/12/2025 – 11:00 CET
- 2nd InfoDay: 08/01/2026 – 11:00 CET
More Information
Additional details about the call, the PhotonQBoost project, and its consortium partners can be found on the project website:
- Website
- Guidelines
- Apply Link
- For questions, applicants may contact the PhotonQBoost helpdesk at photonqboost@eura-ag.de
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Open Call Analysis: PhotonQBoost – Solutions, Missions, Trainings and Services
