Investing in new emerging quantum computing technologies (RIA)

In order to reach large-scale quantum computing in Europe, breakthroughs in scalability of quantum computing processors, devices and integrated platforms are needed, together with the ability to perform qubit operations such as read, write, and data transfer, and qubit manipulation with a universal set of quantum gates. Besides the traditional quantum architectures now under development in the Quantum Technologies Flagship, further qubit and platform types, such as for example neutral Rydberg atoms, photonic qubits, and spin qubits, need to be considered as candidates for quantum computing that would require further research and development efforts.

The development of new emerging open quantum computer systems and platforms should be integrating the key building blocks such as quantum processors (> 10 qubits) with limited qubit overhead, control electronics, software stack, algorithms, applications, etc. Work should address the scalability towards large systems (>100 qubits), the verification and validation of the quantum computation, fault-tolerance and solving a concrete computational problem to demonstrate the quantum advantage.

Proposals should also cover: (i) the cooperation with complementary projects launched specifically in the area of the enabling quantum software stack (see HORIZON-CL4-2022-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-10: Strengthening the quantum software ecosystem for quantum computing platforms), including also the need to establish from the beginning of this cooperation appropriate IP exploitation agreements; (ii) any additional support they may receive from relevant national, or regional programmes and initiatives; and (iii) contribution to the governance and overall coordination of the Quantum Technologies Flagship initiative. They should also contribute to spreading excellence across Europe; for example, through the involvement of Widening Countries.

In this topic the integration of the gender dimension (sex and gender analysis) in research and innovation content is not a mandatory requirement.