Quantum Forward Challenge in Life Sciences & Health
Quantum Delta NL is preparing to launch a new type of funding call: the Quantum Forward Challenge - with a first focus on Life Sciences & Health. What sets this call apart from QDNL’s previous funding calls, is its approach which is inspired by the ARPA model.
Unlike previous funding calls that often focus on predefined research tracks, this approach of the Quantum Forward Challenges is built around innovation with a strong focus on mission-driven and tight collaboration between researchers, industry and end-users. By adopting elements of the ARPA model, Quantum Delta NL aims to accelerate the translation of quantum technologies into real-world impact.
This first challenge in Life Sciences & Health marks the beginning of a broader ambition to apply this challenge-based model across multiple sectors and to build a national platform for quantum innovation, where public and private actors co-develop solutions that are both scientifically ambitious and societally relevant.
The Quantum Forward Challenge in Life Sciences & Health is designed to bring together quantum researchers, clinicians, technologists, and industry partners to co-create and work together on real challenges in healthcare. Whether it’s quantum computing for drug discovery, quantum sensing for diagnostics, or secure quantum communication for medical data — the goal is to move beyond theory and into application.
Get Ready to Apply
The call is expected to officially launch in summer 2025, with the goal of opening as early as July. We expect to accept submissions until 30 October 2025. All proposals received before that deadline will be evaluated according to the same criteria and process, ensuring a transparent and competitive selection. Early engagement and timely submission are strongly encouraged to support efficient processing and project readiness.
Quantum companies, research institutes, and Life Sciences & Health organizations are invited to engage early and begin preparing proposals to fully benefit from this opportunity.
This first challenge will support disruptive, use-case-driven projects that target real-world conditions in Life Sciences & Health. Proposals should clearly articulate a potential quantum advantage and outline a path with concrete milestones toward practical validation.
Focus areas may include (but are not limited to):
Quantum Computing for Pharma (e.g., drug simulations, quantum machine learning)
Quantum Sensing for Healthcare (e.g., ultra-sensitive biomarkers, neural diagnostics)
Quantum Optimization & Digital Therapeutics (e.g., clinical workflow optimization, personalized therapies)
Secure Quantum Communication (e.g., secure medical data transmission and storage, compliant data exchange across health systems)
Cross-cutting or adjacent proposals are also welcome — especially those involving systems-level integration or long-term data trust. Proposals must demonstrate strong potential for validation within a Life Sciences & Health ecosystem and show engagement with end-users in the field.
An information and matchmaking workshop is being planned to support interested teams on 8 July 2025. More details will be shared soon, so keep an eye on the Quantum Delta NL website and LinkedIn page.
In the meantime, questions, expressions of interest, and pre-registration for the workshop can be directed to funding@quantumdelta.nl.
