Quantum Forward Challenge
Breakthrough Quantum Innovations
THE CALL IS CLOSED!
This Quantum Forward Challenges is the first call in our ambitious program to support innovation with a strong focus on mission-driven and tight collaboration between researchers, industry and end-users. 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 new program 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, impactful challenges. 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.
Life Sciences & Health - Quantum Forward Challenge 2025
This first challenge will support disruptive, use-case-driven projects that target real-world conditions in Life Sciences & Health. It supports you in building a solid foundation for future R&D projects that show potential quantum advantage and outline a path with concrete milestones toward practical validation.
We have designed a programme to encourage bold, disruptive feasibility projects. These high risk-high gain R&D projects require high investments and solid preparation. The approach ensures both early risk-taking and structured follow-through, enabling breakthroughs to move from concept to application.
Projects may address challenges such as (but not limited to):
Drug discovery bottlenecks: Simulating complex molecules (e.g., transition-metal-containing compounds) that are intractable for classical methods, or optimizing reaction pathways in drug synthesis using quantum algorithms.
Biomarker detection and sensing: Using quantum technology to identify early-stage biomarkers (e.g., neurodegenerative diseases; cancer) with sensitivity beyond classical spectroscopic tools.
Clinical decision support or scheduling optimization: Applying quantum optimization or hybrid methods to reduce treatment planning time, match patients to trials, or optimize surgical throughput in hospitals.
Medical data trust and security: Using quantum-safe encryption or secure multi-party computation to enable new cyber security measures or meet GDPR-compliant sharing of sensitive patient data across institutions.
Personalized digital therapeutics: Quantum-enhanced modelling of biological feedback loops for adaptive drug dosing or home-based monitoring systems.
Call for proposals: Feasibility Study in Life Science and Health
Publication date: 13/10/2025
Deadline for submission: 24/11/2025 (12:00 CET) (CLOSED)
Budget: €2 Million
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Do you need to have a legal entity in the Netherlands before applying to the funding?
No. But if your proposal is funded, a legal entity must be established.
What % of the proposal project is required to take place in The Netherlands?
There is no hard requirement here. But bear in mind that the economic and societal impact should be focused on The Netherlands. Your proposal will be evaluated on this criterium.
Can the funds be used for university based research?
It is possible to fund university research, under the specific conditions of the call. Focus needs to be on valorisation and a clear path towards economic and societal impact.
Do you know any reference to a relevant party which we can collaborate with?
Individual referral for and to ecosystem players is possible.
Is it allowed to submit more than one proposal per organisation?
Yes, it is. We will look at your organisation in terms of capacity to execute the plans as proposed.
Are postdocs allowed to participate in the project?
Yes, they are. But keep in mind that this call focuses on valorization and commercialization—not on funding purely academic research. Activities must aim for tangible, meaningful impact.
What if we have questions about intellectual property in relation to the funding percentage?
These are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us directly to discuss.
Does the scope need to cover both life sciences and health, or is one sufficient?
It does not need to include both. Either life sciences or health is acceptable within the scope.
If we purchase equipment, are all associated costs eligible for funding?
Costs are covered only on a depreciation basis—limited to the duration and use within this project.
How should we interpret feasibility and validation within a one-year timeframe?
You should build on a project with strong potential for impact. This feasibility study is meant to lay the groundwork for a well-prepared, high-impact initiative.
Can we hire additional employees during the project?
Yes, you can. However, they must be included in the budget you submitted. The ultimate end date of December 31st, 2026, is fixed.
Do all partners have to sign the full proposal? A signing estafette in large projects is time consuming.
Letters of Intent are acceptable, though stronger commitment is preferred. You may also use a page with signatures per party to enable parallel signing. Once your project is funded, all funded parties must sign.
Does the end-user need to be assigned for the proposal?
No, but this may influence the assessment, as impact is crucial.
We use and develop Open Source Software. Is that a problem?
No. Just make clear why this is important and how it contributes to your intended impact.
Are costs for outreach possible in a user meeting, one-off meeting, allowed in month 12?
Outreach is only eligible if it directly supports technical input for the feasibility study. If the activity is primarily promotional, it is not included.
Is higher TRL included?
Yes. The call is not limited to lower TRL. It is about making real-world impact, with a strong push for implementation. We want to see quantum set into action as far as possible.
Is funding deliverable-based, or best-effort based?
Funding is deliverable-based.
Are activities regarding regulation part of the feasibility study?
Yes, they can be. But they should remain balanced and form part of your R&D preparation.
Non-economic activities never apply to companies, right?
Correct.
Can I discuss a specific question in a one-on-one conversation?
Absolutely. Please reach out to funding@quantumdelta.nl.
