Objective
The transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) poses a significant implementation challenge for embedded systems. NIST-standardised algorithms are quantum-resistant, but their high demand for computational resources, energy, and logic area prevents their adoption in billions of resource-constrained IoT and edge devices. This leaves a strategic market segment, mandated for upgrades by EU regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act, vulnerable and underserved.
The primary objective of the MINQ project is to bridge this gap by developing and validating a new generation of ultra-low-power, area-efficient PQC hardware IP cores. Led by Resquant (a deep-tech SME from Poland), the project will advance this technology from TRL 4 (functional prototype) to TRL 5 (validated in a relevant environment). In parallel, the project will validate the business model and prepare the company for follow-on investment.
MINQ employs an integrated dual technology and business methodology. The technical work involves a novel co-optimisation framework and advanced power-saving techniques, validated on FPGAs and evaluated for low-power ASIC nodes. Simultaneously, the business validation will engage semiconductor vendors to gather quantitative market requirements (e.g. power/area budgets) that guide the technical design. This process will secure customer traction (targeting ≥7 Letters of Intent). The project's final deliverables are the TRL 5 validated IP and a comprehensive investment-readiness package.
Relevance to the Work Programme: This project directly addresses the EIC Pre-accelerator call (HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-02-ACCESS-01). It supports a Widening country deep-tech SME in maturing its technology (TRL 4 to 5) and developing investor readiness. This package will prime MINQ for EIC Accelerator or private VC funding, fulfilling the call's core objective. The project also enhances EU digital sovereignty by creating a European supplier of critical security IP.
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.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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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) HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-02
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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.
90-135 Łódź
Poland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
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.