
- The Quantum SME programme, spearheaded by Quantum Delta NL in collaboration with Nano4Society and MinacNed is open for applications
- The objective: to connect 125 high-tech SME companies in the Netherlands to quantum technology and to increase the added value of SMEs in quantum technology.
- Over the next seven years, the programme will make available a total of 35 million euros to SMEs. In addition, companies have to contribute 17 million euros through a cash or in-kind contribution.
The Quantum SME Programme aims to make SMEs – small and medium-sized companies in areas ranging from chemistry, logistics, IoT, life sciences, health to cybersecurity – aware of the opportunities that quantum technology offers to SMEs. In addition, high-tech SMEs in the Netherlands can potentially play a role in the value chain of quantum technology, for example in software development, consultancy and the supply of materials, equipment and electronics.
Through annually recurring calls (approximately 5 million euros per year), the programme provides funding for innovation projects that revolve around the development of products and services necessary for the (further) development of quantum technology and derived products in the value chain.
SMEs can submit projects as individual companies or in a Public-Private Partnership consortium from EUR 500,000 to EUR 2 million per project. The call’s subsidization terms are now available on the SME Programme page. An expression of interest is expected to be sent in by 28 February; the deadline for the full application submission is 4 April. Teams will find out whether their application was successful by 1 June 2022.
High ambition
The SME programme is part of Quantum Delta NL’s agenda to position the Netherlands as a leading international centre and hub for quantum technology: Quantum Delta NL. Our starting position is excellent: Dutch universities and knowledge institutes are leaders in the field of qubits, quantum internet, quantum algorithms and post-quantum cryptography, serving as a magnet for global business investments and talent.
We are also strong when it comes to systems engineering and combining technologies into working systems, which is crucial for innovation. The Netherlands wants to maintain and further strengthen its position as a frontrunner and pioneer.
With the allocation of 615 million euros from the National Growth Fund in April this year, Quantum Delta NL has set out four courses of action and three ambitious, overarching catalyst programmes (CAT) that aim to accelerate developments, make quantum technology tangible through demonstrators and allow end-users and researchers to acquire user experience.
- In CAT-1, work is being done on Quantum Inspire, the first public European quantum computer in the cloud.
- In the CAT-2 programme, the foundation is being laid for the next generation of digital infrastructure in the Netherlands and a quantum internet network is being developed.
- In CAT-3, companies and knowledge institutes work together on the development of the technology and applications of quantum sensing.
In addition, the programme includes four action lines on all links of the ecosystem: research, knowledge, talent, entrepreneurship and social impact. The SME programme is aligned with action line 2: ecosystem development, market creation and infrastructure.
Read everything about the Quantum SME programme on its webpage.
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