PhotonQBoost Matching Mission to Poland: Fully Funded Innovation Trip for European SMEs in Photonics & Quantum Tech! Apply now for your chance to join 20 selected companies in Warsaw, 21–23 October 2025!
About PhotonQBoost Mission to Poland Open Call
PhotonQBoost is an EU-funded initiative under the Horizon Europe programme, designed to help European SMEs overcome key barriers to innovation and competitiveness by facilitating the adoption of Photonics and Quantum technologies. Through a combination of open calls, advisory services, and international missions, the project offers a robust pipeline of support services that target real industrial challenges in sustainability, digitalisation, and technology uptake.
The Matching Missions are a central pillar of PhotonQBoost’s internationalisation strategy. These short-term, high-impact delegation visits aim to connect SMEs with strategic innovation actors in other EU countries, helping to initiate partnerships, access new markets, and test emerging technologies in practical, collaborative settings.
What is the PhotonQBoost Mission to Poland Open Call?
This Open Call supports participation in a 3-day, fully-funded international mission to Warsaw, Poland (21–23 October 2025). Selected SMEs will benefit from a structured and engaging programme:
- Pre-visit support: information about the host, agenda, and logistics.
- On-site experience: matchmaking events, workshops, site visits, and peer discussions.
- Post-visit follow-up: help forming partnerships, advisory services, and access to future funding opportunities (e.g., PhotonQBoost FSTP calls).
The programme supports innovation, learning, and international collaboration, with a special focus on the Agrifood and Biotech sectors.
Why Apply to PhotonQBoost Mission to Poland Open Call?
Participating in this PhotonQBoost mission offers multiple benefits:
- Lump-sum funding: Each selected SME receives a €610 flat-rate travel grant, covering mission-related expenses. This grant is disbursed after confirmed participation and submission of feedback.
- Strategic exposure: Gain direct access to key players in the innovation ecosystem and explore how your technologies can contribute to agrifood and biotech transformation.
- Networking and visibility: Present your organisation, discover collaboration opportunities, and position yourself for upcoming PhotonQBoost funding calls.
- Expert guidance and follow-up: After the mission, selected SMEs may access further tailored support services including:
- Investment-readiness coaching.
- Sustainability and digitalisation support.
- IP strategy development.
- Funding and market access advisory.
- Business model innovation and standardisation engagement.
Who Can Apply?
This Open Call is targeted at European SMEs that meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Legally established in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country.
- Compliant with the EU SME definition (fewer than 250 employees; ≤ €50 million annual turnover or ≤ €43 million balance sheet).
- Active in or exploring Photonics or Quantum technologies, especially with relevance to Agrifood and Biotech.
- Registered for at least 6 months prior to the call deadline.
Entities not eligible for funding (e.g., large companies or Polish-based SMEs) may still apply to participate without grant support, based on an Expression of Interest. Final selection in such cases rests with the mission host.
How to Apply?
- Review the guidelines to confirm eligibility and funding rules.
- Prepare your application using the provided template, available on the official platform.
- Submit your proposal through the PhotonQBoost Cascade Funding Platform:
Application Portal. - Wait for evaluation and notification of results (up to 20 SMEs will be selected).
The application includes basic company information, eligibility declarations, a short company description, motivation for participation, and a description of the team members who will attend the mission.
All applications must be completed in English and submitted electronically through the platform. Only one application per SME is allowed.
Evaluation & Selection Process
Applications will undergo a three-step evaluation process:
- Eligibility check (based on formal criteria such as country, SME status, etc.).
- Quality assessment by two independent internal reviewers:
- Interest of the Company (alignment with SME needs and mission goals).
- Team Visiting (expertise, decision-making capacity, gender balance).
- Country of Origin (geographical distribution across the selected participants).
Each criterion is scored from 0 to 5. Proposals must receive at least 3 points per criterion and 10 points overall to be considered.
3. Final ranking and communication of results.
- Evaluation Period: 27 August – 12 September 2025.
- Notification of Results: Around 15 September 2025 (indicative date).
- Sub-grant Agreements Signature: 15 – 30 September 2025.
Key dates
Final Thoughts on the PhotonQBoost Mission to Poland Call
Whether you’re developing photonic tools for precision agriculture, exploring quantum sensors for biotech processes, or building your network in the EU innovation landscape, this mission offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow.
Seize the opportunity to engage with top innovators, explore new markets, and get ready for future funding rounds in PhotonQBoost and beyond.
More Information
- Official Guidelines and Documents: PhotonQBoost Website
- Submission Platform: Cascade Funding Portal
- Helpdesk: photonqboost@eura-ag.de
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