Framework Partnership Agreement for developing the first large-scale quantum computers (FPA)

Fostering a vibrant European quantum computing industry will require hardware, software, and the development of user interfaces. Proposals for FPAs are expected to build on the quantum computing platforms supported under the Quantum Flagship ramp up phase. Proposals should target the development of open quantum computing platforms, integrating the key building blocks such as quantum processors in the NISQ regime (>100 qubits) with control electronics, low-level software, verification and validation of the quantum computation, etc.

Proposals should include practical strategies towards the break-even point of fault tolerance to increase algorithmic depth (number of operations) for quantum computing on existing platforms.

Proposals for FPAs must describe how the activities carried out during the ramp-up phase will be continued involving the relevant disciplines and stakeholders, how results of the ramp-up phase will be used, and how they will provide efficient coordination under strong scientific and engineering leadership.

Proposals for FPAs should also address how to integrate in these platforms a full software stack, including a compiler and scheduler, programming tools, a suite of algorithms, etc., that would allow them to showcase their capability of solving real and concrete computational problem(s) that demonstrate a quantum advantage.

Proposals should aim at the development of open quantum computer experimental systems, and work on the reduction of their form factor.

Proposals for FPAs should also cover: (i) the cooperation with complementary projects launched specifically in the area of the enabling quantum software stack (see HORIZON-CL4-2021-DIGITAL-EMERGING-02-10: 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) the collaboration with other initiatives or programmes at regional, national, transnational or global level; (iii) any additional support they may receive in their activities from relevant national, or regional programmes and initiatives; and (iv) 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.

The partnership will have a duration of 4 years.

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