Objective
Error rates in quantum computers are approaching the point where quantum error correction becomes viable. These early fault-tolerant quantum computers (FTQC) can do nontrivial computations, but remain limited: logical qubits are scarce, logical operations are expensive, and error correction reshapes noise in subtle ways. Understanding such machines requires new theoretical and practical tools. They are also a lens through which foundational problems in quantum computer science can be viewed.
This project addresses a central question: how to verify and understand the behaviour of early fault-tolerant quantum computers.
(1) Characterization. Existing characterization procedures are designed for physical qubits. Fault-tolerance introduces new challenges, such as non-unitary gates, syndrome dependent logical noise, and memory effects. I will develop rigorous characterization protocols for logical operations, drawing on tools from representation theory and advanced statistics, and will test them on experimental platforms.
(2) Testing and learning. Quantum property testing and learning offer algorithmic tools for characterization (and are interesting in their own right). I will design novel tolerant testing and learning algorithms, focusing on stabilizer and entanglement structure, and analyse their robustness to noise.
(3) Simulation. The structural restrictions of FTQC can enhance classical simulability, delaying quantum advantage. I will develop and analyse improved classical simulation tools, focusing on stabilizer rank methods. These results will both benchmark FTQC, and provide references for characterization.
By linking characterization, testing, and simulation, this project establishes a systematic framework for early FTQC, providing a foundational layer on which we can build the next generation of quantum computers.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2026-STG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3526 KV Utrecht
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.