External opportunities

Opportunities for funding, networking, and professional development in quantum in Switzerland and abroad. Please reach out to the QSE Center at [email protected] if you would like assistance in applying to any of these calls, or if you have questions. 

Funding callDescriptionDeadline/DateAdditional information
CYD Fellowships – A Talent Program for Cyber-Defence ResearchThe 13th call for applications is now open with a rolling deadline for Master Thesis Fellowship applications and Proof-of-Concept fellowship applications. Calls are also open for Doctoral and Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship applications, with a deadline listed below.February 25, 2026Please reach out to [email protected] if you have interest or questions
EuroTech 2026 Visiting Researcher ProgrammeThis funding allows EPFL researchers and staff members to visit colleagues from our of the EuroTech partner institutions ( DTUIP ParisTechnionTU/e and TUM) for a period of one to two weeks. It aims at increasing the links between the institutions and will cover travel and accommodation. March 1, 2026Please check here for more information or contact Gillian Olivieri
Large-Scale Photonic Quantum Computing Platform Technologies (RIA): DIGITAL (HORIZON-CL4-2026-04)This action will establish a strategic European initiative to develop scalable, modular, and interoperable photonic quantum computing platforms. Proposals for this topic are expected to address and provide credible solutions to at least two major technical roadblocks currently limiting the advancement of photonic quantum computingApril 15, 2026For more information, please contact EPFL Research Office: [email protected]

EIC Pathfinder
The EIC Pathfinder supports earliest phases of scientific and technical research and development of future, groundbreaking, market-creating technologies. The Programme aims to identify radically new technologies that have the potential to create completely new markets. These visionary and high-risk projects are supported at an early stage (TRL 1-4) of development. Budget per project up to 4 million EUR.
12.05.2026
For more information, please contact EPFL Research Office: [email protected]
1The topic encompasses actions within the scope of the co-programmed European Partnership on Globally Competitive Space Systems (‘Space Partnership’) in the areas of satellite communication (SatCom), Earth Observation (EO) and New Commercial Space Transportation Solutions and is part of cohesive activities in the domain of digital developments under the grand heading of “digitalisation for commercial space solutions”.03.09.2026For more information, please contact EPFL Research Office: [email protected]

Digital Europe Programme
As part of the Horizon package 2021–2027, this program strengthens Europe’s digital capacities and complements programmes such as Horizon Europe. With over EUR 8.1 billion in funding, the DEP covers high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, digital skills and the use of digital technologies.2026-2027For more information, please contact EPFL Research Office:  [email protected]

ERC Plus
The new funding scheme is planned to support outstanding researchers from Europe and anywhere in the world with bold ideas and a vision for transformative research that goes beyond the scope of existing ERC programmesTBDFor more information, please contact EPFL Research Office: [email protected]
QAI Ventures Quantum Accelerator ProgramThe Accelerator is designed for early-stage teams working in quantum technologies (hardware, software, sensing, communication)running deadlineThis program is exclusively for quantum startups or those interested in exploring quantum technology.

New approaches for decentralized, federated and sustainable AI data processing (RIA) DIGITAL (HORIZON-CL4-2027-04) 
Project results are expected to contribute to developing new approaches, tools and techniques that overcome the obstacles of today’s centralised AI compute techniques: limits in the availability of energy and AI compute capacity in centralised standalone environments, limited availability of types of AI chips, data quality and security and latency in AI data processing. The ultimate objective is to help overcome EU’s AI compute capacity bottlenecks by offering alternative decentralised and sustainable AI compute models that enable exploitation of diverse hardware processing architectures and scaling approaches.18.03.2027For more information, please contact EPFL Research Office: [email protected]