The European Commission has revealed a major investment of €65m to drive innovation in quantum chips in the EU.
Managed by the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU), a European partnership established to reinforce the EU’s semiconductor sector, the funding aims to support the development of quantum chips for computing and sensors.
Chips JU has now opened calls to accelerate semiconductor research and innovation, with the funding representing the first call in quantum technologies.
Quantum chips explained
Quantum chips, or quantum processors, are specialised computing devices that harness the principles of quantum mechanics to process information.
Unlike classical computers, which use bits (0s and 1s) as their basic unit of data, quantum chips use quantum bits or qubits.
These qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement.
This allows quantum computers to perform many calculations in parallel, making them exceptionally powerful for certain types of problems.
The importance of quantum chips lies in their potential to revolutionise fields like cryptography, optimisation, drug discovery, and materials science.
In cryptography, these chips could break currently unbreakable encryption by solving complex mathematical problems at unprecedented speeds.
In materials science and pharmaceuticals, quantum computers could simulate molecular interactions more accurately, speeding up the development of new drugs and materials.
The importance of quantum chips in driving innovation across an array of sectors cannot be understated, with the EU’s latest investment signalling Europe’s intent to become a leader in the field.
Europe’s quantum investment
The €65m funding is expected to be matched by states participating in Chips JU and is part of a wider €200m investment in quantum chips over the next three years.
The call will select projects for the development and manufacturing of quantum technologies that increase European innovation to establish a robust manufacturing supply chain for quantum chips.
The closing date for proposals is 21 January 2025 at 17:00 CET.
