The aim of this proposed research programme is to strengthen a future-proof and sustainable knowledge base in the field of quantum technology. The focus is on fundamental research, with further development and long-term applications in defence-relevant contexts in mind.
The call for proposals distinguishes between two research lines:
Line 1: Portable entanglement for applications in quantum networks. The aim of this research line is to explore solutions to make entanglement ‘portable’, by generating it at a single location and then storing it long-term in a portable memory. This should eventually lead to deployable applications suitable for mobile, energy-constrained and infrastructure-poor environments.
Line 2: Post-quantum cryptography. The aim of this research line is to increase our knowledge and confidence in existing and new quantum-resistant cryptography, which operates on existing (conventional) ICT systems without the need for quantum hardware.
To promote new scientific knowledge and insights in both areas, this programme aims to fund multiple projects per research line.
Researchers are invited to submit proposals individually (for both Line 1 and Line 2) or on behalf of a consortium (Line 1 only). Consortia may consist of researchers from various relevant disciplines as well as relevant societal organisations, including companies.
Key dates
The provisional schedule is as follows:
Publication of the call for proposals: July 2026
Submission deadline for letters of intent via ISAAC (mandatory): September 2026
Online information session: September 2026
Deadline for proposals: November 2026
Further information and exact dates will be available once the call for proposals has been published. Please keep an eye on the NWO website for updates.
Funded by the Ministry of Defence
NWO and the Ministry of Defence are collaborating on several programmes aimed at stimulating knowledge development and knowledge utilisation with and by civilian research organisations, thereby contributing to the security and innovative capacity of the Netherlands in both the short and long term. To this end, the Ministry of Defence has committed financial resources to NWO, which are being used to develop various research programmes centred on a range of themes. The cooperation agreement between NWO and the Ministry of Defence includes provisions on, amongst other things, knowledge security, scientific autonomy and matters such as open science.
* This is solely an announcement of a proposed research programme by NWO. Proposals for funding may be submitted following the publication of a call for proposals in the Government Gazette.
