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Call for proposals: Safety and Resilience in the Quantum Age

4 August 2026

NWO has opened the call ‘Security and Resilience in a Quantum Era’ for applications. Researchers are invited to submit proposals for fundamental research into portable entanglement in quantum networks and post-quantum cryptography, with a view to long-term applications in defence-related contexts. Proposals may be submitted individually or on behalf of a consortium of researchers and societal partners. A total of over €4.5 million is available. An information session will be held on 15 September 2026; letters of intent must be received by 29 September 2026 at the latest, and the deadline for applications is 3 November 2026.

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Purpose of the call

The aim of this research programme is to strengthen a future-proof and sustainable knowledge base in the field of quantum technology. The focus is on fundamental research that contributes to the Netherlands’ long-term security and capacity for innovation.

Call for proposals

This call for proposals distinguishes between two lines of research:

  • Research area 1: portable entanglement | €1,000,000 to €1,500,000 per project

  • Research area 2: post-quantum cryptography | max. €385,000 per project

For each category, the two highest-scoring applications will be awarded funding.

Information session

On Tuesday 15 September 2026, NWO is organising an online information session on this call from 09:00 to 11:00. During this session, further details will be provided about the call for proposals and the application procedure, and there will be an opportunity to ask questions of staff from NWO and the Ministry of Defence. Attendance is optional and free of charge.

Key dates

  • Information session (optional): 15 September 2026, 09:00–11:00

  • Letters of intent (compulsory): 29 September 2026, before 14:00

  • Applications (mandatory): 3 November 2026, before 14:00

Cooperation with the Ministry of Defence

NWO and the Ministry of Defence are collaborating on several programmes aimed at promoting the development and application of knowledge with and by civilian research organisations, thereby contributing to the security and innovative capacity of the Netherlands. To this end, the Ministry of Defence has committed funding to NWO, which is being used to develop various research programmes covering a wide range of topics.

Further information

View the full call for applications and register for the online information session.

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