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

September 2, 2027

€14,000,000–€15,000,000 per project; up to 2 grants; single-stage; total topic budget €29,200,000

Supports the development and demonstration of quantum gravimetry technologies for space to advance EU leadership in quantum sensing and Earth observation.

Participation restricted to legal entities in EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports research and innovation actions (RIA) under Horizon Europe for the maturation, development, and implementation of quantum gravimetry technologies for space applications. The goal is to foster the EU’s technological leadership and independence in quantum sensing, specifically through the development of quantum-based accelerometers that surpass current electrostatic accelerometers in sensitivity, accuracy, stability, and operational time for monitoring Earth's gravity field. Projects are expected to deliver prototype subsystems or engineering models, demonstrate feasibility for satellite integration, and align with a common roadmap coordinated with EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland. Research areas include cold atom interferometry with Bose Einstein Condensates and other emerging quantum gravimetry technologies, aiming to enable global-scale, high-precision Earth observation and support the Quantum Europe Strategy. --- ## Due Dates - September 2, 2027: Full application submission deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Total topic budget: €29,200,000 - Expected contribution per project: €14,000,000–€15,000,000 - Indicative number of grants: 2 - Type of action: HORIZON-RIA (Research and Innovation Actions) - Single-stage application process --- ## Eligibility - Participation is limited to legal entities established in EU Member States, Norway, and Iceland. - Entities from other countries, or entities controlled (directly or indirectly) by non-eligible countries, are not eligible unless guarantees are provided and positively assessed. - Projects must address one of two R&I areas: (1) cold atom interferometry with Bose Einstein Condensates (targeting TRL 6), or (2) emerging quantum gravimetry technologies (targeting TRL 4–5). - Proposals must clearly identify their targeted R&I area. - Further eligibility details are provided in [Annex B of the General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-71?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=3&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Application form templates and evaluation criteria are available on the portal. - All participants must fill out a [declaration of ownership and control](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/temp-form/af/ownership-control-declaration_en.docx). - Proposals must demonstrate a clear implementation strategy and future in-orbit demonstration plan. - Intellectual property provisions and security requirements apply (see Article 16 of the Horizon Europe Model Grant Agreement). --- ## Additional Information - At least one grant will be awarded in each R&I area, subject to threshold attainment. - Projects should consider synergies with previous or ongoing EU/national quantum technology or space gravimetry actions. - The gender dimension in research content should be addressed if relevant. - Use of Copernicus/Galileo/EGNOS data is required if satellite-based Earth observation, navigation, or timing data are used. - Awarded proposals may receive a STEP Seal for strategic technologies. - For further details, consult the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL4-2027-SPACE-03-71?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=3&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [Quantum Europe Strategy](https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/quantum-europe-strategy) - [Online Manual (Application Process)](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder Homepage | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | General Enquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contacts | [National Contact Points (NCPs)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Quantum Space Gravimetry - European Commission

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