[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 16, 2025

€500,000–€1,000,000 per project (topic WA1-3); up to €24,000,000 total call budget; project duration up to 30 months

Supports research on quantum computing, post-quantum cryptography, and quantum sensing for advancing air traffic management (ATM) systems.

Single-stage call; lump sum funding; strong focus on ATM cybersecurity and resilience.

--- ## Description This grant opportunity, part of the Horizon Europe programme under the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking, funds research activities exploring the application of quantum technologies to air traffic management (ATM). The scope includes quantum computing for complex ATM optimization, post-quantum cryptography for ATM cybersecurity, and quantum sensing for resilient navigation solutions. The call specifically targets advances that will contribute to the Digital European Sky vision, aiming to make Europe’s airspace the most efficient and environmentally friendly by 2045. Proposals should address one or more of the following: - **Quantum computing in ATM:** Exploration of how quantum computing (including quantum annealing) can solve ATM challenges such as trajectory and traffic flow optimization, emergency management, separation management, network impact assessment, acceleration of machine learning/artificial intelligence, and climate modeling. - **Post-quantum cryptography:** Assessment of ATM’s cybersecurity needs, development of roadmaps for introducing post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and consideration for future adoption of quantum key distribution (QKD). - **Quantum sensing:** Investigation of quantum sensing for alternative position, navigation, and timing (A-PNT) in aviation, especially as a backup to satellite navigation, and other novel quantum sensing applications relevant to ATM. Projects are expected to deliver actionable research results, contribute to the resilience and sustainability of European ATM, and support the transition to quantum-safe and advanced digital infrastructure. --- ## Due Dates - **Full proposal deadline:** September 16, 2025 --- ## Funding Amount - **Indicative budget for this topic (WA1-3):** €500,000–€1,000,000 per project - **Total call budget:** Approximately €24,000,000 (across all ER3 topics) - **Project duration:** Up to 30 months (including 6 months for dissemination and exploitation) - **Funding mechanism:** Lump sum grant --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Legal entities established in EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. See [Annex B of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-13-general-annexes_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf) for details. - **Consortium requirements:** Typically, at least three independent legal entities from different eligible countries. - **Exclusions:** Actions must have an exclusive focus on civil applications (no military objectives). Certain countries may be restricted for reasons of security or EU sanctions. - **Financial and operational capacity:** Applicants must demonstrate the ability to carry out the proposed work. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-3?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=14&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - **Call type:** Single-stage; submit full proposal by the deadline. - **Application documents:** Use the [standard application form (Part A)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) and the [SESAR-specific Part B template](https://www.sesarju.eu/sites/default/files/documents/procurements/Tpl_Application%20Form%20(Part%20B)%20(HE%20RIA%20and%20IA)%20(HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03).rtf). - **Evaluation:** Proposals are evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation. Minimum thresholds apply (see [evaluation form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/ef/ef_he-ria-ia_en.pdf)). - **Additional requirements:** Proposals must incorporate open science practices, address gender dimension where relevant, and include a plan for dissemination, exploitation, and communication. --- ## Additional Information - **Lump sum funding:** Grants are provided as lump sums; actual costs do not need to be reported, but all activities must be completed as described. - **Dissemination and exploitation:** Beneficiaries must share results with other grants from the same call and make results available for reuse under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory conditions. - **Intellectual property:** Specific obligations apply for standardization and linked actions. - **Maximum project duration:** 30 months (including a required 6-month period for dissemination and exploitation). - **Supporting documents:** See the [call page](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-3?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=14&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) for all relevant templates, guides, and legal documents. --- ## External Links - [Call topic and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03-WA1-3?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=14&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [SESAR 3 JU Bi-Annual Work Programme 2024–2025](https://www.sesarju.eu/sites/default/files/documents/GB/2025/Bi-Annual%20Work%20Programme%20for%20years%202024-2025%20Third%20Amendment.pdf) - [SESAR 3 JU Project Handbook](https://www.sesarju.eu/sites/default/files/documents/procurements/SESAR%203%20JU%20Project%20Handbook%20-%20Edition%2002.00.pdf) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Online Manual for EU Funding & Tenders](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Application form (Part B) template for this call](https://www.sesarju.eu/sites/default/files/documents/procurements/Tpl_Application%20Form%20(Part%20B)%20(HE%20RIA%20and%20IA)%20(HORIZON-SESAR-2025-DES-ER-03).rtf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------|---------| | General call queries | [info-call@sesarju.eu](mailto:info-call@sesarju.eu) | | EU Funding & Tenders IT Helpdesk | [Contact form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | European Commission general contact | +32 2 299 11 11 | | National Contact Points (NCPs) | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | ---

Investigate quantum sensing and computing applied to ATM

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