Netherlands Launches TechBridge Call for Quantum Technology Tie Ups Between Netherlands And Germany

The Netherlands is actively seeking collaborative research and development projects with Germany to advance quantum technology for aerospace applications, a move intended to bolster European strategic autonomy amidst increasing global tensions. This new call for proposals, launched with close collaboration from Airbus Tech Hub Netherlands and Quantum Delta NL, will fund industry-led consortia focused on quantum computing, sensing, and communication relevant to the aviation industry. Proposals must demonstrate added value through international cooperation, leveraging complementary expertise between the two nations, with French partners also welcome to participate if they secure independent funding. The initiative aims to support projects falling within Technology Readiness Levels 4, 7, ultimately enhancing the performance and security of European aerospace infrastructure. TechBridge Call: Netherlands-Germany Aerospace Quantum R&D Rising geopolitical instability is driving increased European investment in strategic technologies, and a new collaborative research and development initiative between the Netherlands and Germany specifically targets quantum technology’s application within the aerospace industry. The TechBridge call for proposals, launched in March 2026, seeks to fund joint projects designed to bolster European strategic autonomy in this rapidly evolving field, with an open invitation for French partners to participate if they can independently secure funding. Three thematic areas are prioritized: quantum-based sensing and navigation for improved accuracy and resilience, particularly in GNSS-denied environments; quantum cryptography for secure communication channels and robust data protection; and quantum computing for optimization challenges in aircraft design, flight operations, and air traffic management. Projects exploring quantum-enhanced simulations to improve fuel consumption and system performance are also welcomed, with a focus on solutions applicable to real-life aerospace scenarios. “The project must fit the scope of the call,” and demonstrate a clear path toward “commercialization,” according to the initiative’s guidelines. Consortia applying for funding must adhere to strict qualification criteria, including leadership from at least one company each from the Netherlands and Germany, and a commitment to balanced participation and diverse expertise. The initiative emphasizes the value of international cooperation, seeking projects that leverage “unique infrastructure, complementary expertise, or new market opportunities.” Financial parameters are also defined; no single organization or country can claim more than 70% of the total eligible project costs, ensuring equitable contribution. The application process requires partners to submit national applications to their respective funding organizations, using the “exact same project title” to maintain clarity. Successful projects will be subject to a mandatory consortium agreement outlining collaboration scope, intellectual property ownership, and dispute resolution. Funding decisions will be communicated by mid-October 2026, and the maximum project duration is capped at 36 months. Quantum Sensors for GNSS-Denied Navigation & Timing The increasing prevalence of GPS jamming and spoofing, coupled with the vulnerability of satellite-dependent systems to solar flares and conflict, is driving significant investment in alternative positioning technologies. Currently, reliance on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) presents a single point of failure for critical infrastructure and applications ranging from aviation to autonomous vehicles. Consequently, research is intensifying on quantum sensors as a means of providing robust and accurate navigation and timing, even when GNSS signals are unavailable or compromised. These sensors exploit the principles of quantum mechanics to measure physical quantities with unprecedented precision, offering a potential solution to the growing threat of GNSS denial. A key focus of current development is the creation of quantum sensors specifically designed for aerospace applications. These devices, operating on principles distinct from traditional inertial measurement units, promise to enhance accuracy in navigation, positioning, and timing, particularly in challenging environments. Projects are concentrating on the development of sensors capable of functioning reliably in real-life aerospace settings, improving the performance of avionics and navigation systems. The TechBridge call for proposals between Germany and the Netherlands explicitly prioritizes “quantum-based Sensing and Navigation” with the goal of developing sensors for use in GNSS-denied environments. This initiative, born from a need to address rising geopolitical tensions and bolster European strategic autonomy, seeks to fund collaborative research that delivers scalable and reliable outcomes. The scope of this research extends beyond simply replicating GNSS functionality; it aims to fundamentally improve the resilience of aerospace systems. Proposals are encouraged to address Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4, 7, indicating a progression from laboratory proof-of-concept towards demonstrable prototypes. Furthermore, the call for proposals highlights the importance of quantum cryptography for secure communication, stating that research “is essential to secure communication channels within aerospace operations, particularly in mission-critical settings.” This dual focus on positioning and secure communication underscores the holistic approach being taken to enhance aerospace security. The collaborative nature of the TechBridge program, with invitations extended to French partners capable of securing independent funding, reflects a broader European effort to establish leadership in this critical technology area. Quantum Cryptography for Secure Aerospace Communications Airbus Tech Hub Netherlands is spearheading efforts to bolster the security of aerospace communications through the implementation of quantum cryptography, a move driven by escalating geopolitical concerns and a growing need for European strategic autonomy in critical technologies. Recognizing the vulnerabilities inherent in conventional encryption methods, researchers are actively investigating quantum key distribution (QKD) and related technologies to safeguard sensitive data transmitted between aircraft, ground stations, and control centers. This focus extends to developing “quantum repeaters and quantum memories for scalable networks,” essential components for establishing secure, long-distance quantum communication channels within aerospace operations. The impetus for this research stems from a collaborative initiative between the Netherlands and Germany, with encouragement for French partners to join, provided they secure independent funding. This partnership, formalized through a call for proposals managed by TechBridge, specifically targets projects falling within Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4, 7, emphasizing practical application rather than purely theoretical exploration. A key area of investigation centers on securing communication in scenarios where traditional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are compromised or unavailable, a growing threat in modern conflict zones. Researchers aim to apply quantum cryptographic methods in real-world scenarios, enhancing the security of communication between aerospace platforms and ensuring robust data protection. The initiative isn’t solely focused on encryption; it also encompasses the development of infrastructure to support these systems, acknowledging the complexities of integrating quantum technologies into existing aerospace architectures. Beyond secure communication, the call for proposals highlights the broader potential of quantum technology within the aerospace sector. However, the emphasis on quantum cryptography underscores its immediate relevance to national security and the protection of critical infrastructure. Based on its quantum technology strategy, Germany is striving to position itself among the international leaders in this field – building on an excellent national and European ecosystem. VDI Technologiezentrum (VDI) Quantum Computing for Aircraft Optimization & Simulation The pursuit of enhanced efficiency and performance in aerospace engineering is increasingly turning to the potential of quantum computing, with collaborative research initiatives emerging to accelerate its application. Researchers are exploring how quantum-enhanced simulations can improve operational efficiency, specifically targeting fuel consumption, route optimization, and overall system performance. The scope extends to intricate challenges like composite optimization, specifically, “stacking sequence design”, and the development of quantum solvers for nonlinear flow dynamics, all with the goal of demonstrable applicability within the aerospace sector. This focus on practical application is underscored by the requirement that projects demonstrate a clear path toward commercialization, quantifying expected economic and societal value. Furthermore, the initiative recognizes the crucial role of quantum sensors in revolutionizing navigation and security. Consortium Requirements & Funding Allocation (TRL 4-7) The collaborative nature of quantum technology development necessitates a careful balance between innovation and practical implementation, a dynamic reflected in the requirements for participation in the TechBridge call for proposals. While many funding initiatives prioritize purely theoretical advancements, this initiative specifically targets projects demonstrating a clear trajectory toward real-world aerospace applications, demanding a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4, 7. Successful proposals will necessitate carefully constructed consortia, adhering to strict guidelines designed to maximize impact and equitable contribution. The program mandates that each consortium be “co-led by two legal entities that are independent from each other,” with at least one for-profit company originating from both the Netherlands and Germany. This structure aims to prevent dominance by a single entity and ensure a balanced distribution of expertise and resources. Projects are limited to a maximum duration of 36 months and must demonstrate a civilian purpose, excluding purely military applications. “A signed consortium agreement on the execution and commercialisation of the projects results is mandatory for selected projects upon approval,” and must be submitted within three months of evaluation results. This rigorous framework underscores the program’s commitment to not only funding promising research but also ensuring its responsible and effective translation into tangible aerospace solutions. The consortium must be (co)led by two legal entities that are independent from each other. At least one (for profit) company from the Netherlands, and one (for profit) company from Germany. Source: https://www.rvo.nl/sites/default/files/2026-02/Call-for-Proposals-for-Joint-R%26D-Projects-between-Germany-and-the-Netherlands-Innovating-Aerospace-Business-with-Quantum-Technology.pdf Tags: