50 million euro European Quantum pilot P4Q launched
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Empowering pioneers, quantum solutions light the path to innovationDriving progress and shaping the future of industriesHarness quantum potential to optimize public services and decision-makingThe first commercial 19-inch rack-mounted quantum computerExperience high-performance hardware to accelerate your projectsProcess your quantum algorithm with our cloud serviceInnsbruck, Austria – The home of ion trap quantum computingMeet the partners fueling our success and shared visionJoin our team and be part of a vibrant and forward-thinking companyFebruary 10th, 2026Across a dozen European countries, a new European pilot will be started in 2026: Photonics for Quantum (P4Q). In this project, a large consortium is working on ways to make photonic chips for quantum applications more reliable and scalable. The coordinator of P4Q, Pepijn Pinkse (University of Twente, NL): “Ideas that currently remain in the lab can grow into really useful devices more quickly.”As the global race for quantum technology accelerates, Europe wants to strengthen its knowledge and manufacturing capacity. It is precisely at the intersection of photonics and quantum that there is a strategic opportunity there. P4Q therefore focuses on standards and production techniques that are needed to make quantum chips work properly not once, but time and time again. That is a crucial step from research to application.In practice, these are very tangible improvements. Less loss of light in chips and glass fibers. Components that remain stable at extremely low temperatures. And photonic circuits that are suitable for integration into larger systems, such as full stack quantum computers, quantum sensors or secure communication networks.Imagine sensors that can detect minute traces of contamination in water pipes. Or a compact device in a hospital lab that measures extremely weak signals, with a precision that classic technology does not achieve. Such applications require reliable photonic chips that work not only in the lab, but also outside it.The same chips also play a role in large-scale quantum computers and in ultra-secure quantum communication, for example through the exchange of entangled photons. It sounds futuristic. But P4Q is working on the step that is needed to bring these types of technologies to use in companies and research facilities.P4Q brings together 29 partners: universities, research and technology organisations (RTOs) and industrial foundries. Within the project, Process Design Kits and Assembly Design Kits are being developed, among other things, so that design and production are better aligned. Various photonic platforms are also receiving attention, such as silicon nitride (SiN), thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) and alumina (AlOx).An important part is scaling up test and production facilities. This increases quality and at the same time lowers the threshold for start-ups and smaller companies to get started with quantum photonics. Europe is investing 25M€ in this project. The same amount comes from national governments in 12 European countries.The project is organised into eight work packages and includes small commercial partners, foundries, universities, research institutes, as well as the multinationals. P4Q focuses on technologies that grow into TRL-8 and MRL-8: ready for large-scale demonstration and further industrialisation.AIT, Aluvia, AMIRES, AQT, C2N, CEA-Leti, Delft Networks, ICFO, IMEC, IMS CHIPS, Leonardo, Ligentec, LioniX Internationaal, New Origin, PlanQC GmbH, Q*bird, QphoX, QuiX Quantum, Sintef, Sparrow Quantum, Thales Alenia Space, Thales R&T, TNO, TU Delft, TU Eindhoven, Tyndall National Institute, University of Twente (coordinator), VTT, QuandelaIn the Netherlands, P4Q is supported by Oost NL and financially made possible by Quantum Delta NL, Nanolab NL and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.© Photocredits: Rick BeversJanuary 27th, 2026We are thrilled to announce that our Quantum Tour is back.October 23rd, 2025The focus of the visit was an ambitious vision put forward by Federal Presidents Steinmeier and Van der Bellen: “Europe must and can reinvent itself!”September 25th, 2025Computational fluid dynamics is an integral part of aerospace research and enables applications in many disciplines. 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