Quantum technologies are among the most exciting and promising research fields of our time – in Germany and worldwide, they are at the top of the agenda for state funding programmes. With their almost unlimited possibilities, they offer the potential to produce groundbreaking innovations and solve challenges that were previously considered insurmountable.
The German government sent an impressive signal of the relevance of this area on 26 April 2023 with the publication of the comprehensive Action Plan for Quantum Technologies (file in German). This concept not only underlines the enormous importance of quantum technologies in the context of the German innovation strategy, but also points to the urgent need for action: Research and development activities in this area must be further expanded and intensively promoted. A similar objective is also pursued by the Agenda Quantum System 2030 (file in German), published by the ‘VDI-Technologiezentrum’, which defines central measures and visions for the future of quantum technologies.
The global focus on quantum technologies is also reflected in the massive funding commitments made by many countries. Overall, a comprehensive increase in global funding can be observed, which, according to the Quantum Technology Monitor, totalled around 42 billion US dollars in 2023 (see graphic). Furthermore, a total of around 10 billion US dollars in additional public funding was provided worldwide during the year. While private and corporate investment in quantum technology start-ups has slowed somewhat compared to previous years, increased government funding is ensuring that the ecosystem continues to grow.
This growth is of central importance, as quantum technologies could unlock an estimated economic potential of around 2 trillion US dollars by 2035. This illustrates the long-term value that these technologies can have for the economy and society. China and the United States, in particular, are vigorously pursuing the development of these technologies, significantly intensifying international competition in this area. Germany and Europe are facing the challenge of keeping pace in this innovation race and securing their competitiveness. Not only technological progress plays a role here, but also economic necessity: In view of the current economic situation, the pressure is growing on Germany to invest in research and development in order to ensure long-term innovation and growth.
Quantum technology is more than just a field of research – it is a central driver for the future of the economy and society. Current developments and investments make it clear: The foundation for technological and economic success in the coming decades is being laid here.
Calls for proposals are usually open for several years, with two deadlines per year for the submission of project outlines. These outlines, which are about 15 pages long, are evaluated on the basis of specific funding criteria such as innovation, risks and market potential. In the competitive process, only the best proposals submitted receive funding approval. The prerequisite is that the project meets the requirements of the reviewers in a subsequent, detailed full proposal.
The German research ministry primarily funds projects in industrial research, i.e. pre-competitive projects in the early development phases (technology readiness levels TRL 1 to TRL 3). Despite the effort involved, participation in these calls for proposals is worthwhile:With the Central Innovation Programme for SMEs (ZIM), the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWK) offers an attractive and comparatively low-threshold funding programme. One major advantage is that there is no competition between projects and applications can be submitted at any time. From 2025, the project budget was significantly increased: €560,000 for cooperation projects and €690,000 for individual projects, with a funding rate of 25% to 55%.
A particular advantage of this programme is that companies can start work on the project at their own risk immediately after submitting the application (i.e. the very next day). This avoids the often months-long wait for the approval notice, which saves an enormous amount of time. If the application is approved, the eligible costs can be settled retroactively. Here, too, the criteria of ‘innovation, risks, market’ are crucial for success. Funding is available for pre-competitive ‘experimental developments’ in the area of technology readiness levels TRL 4 to TRL 6.
In addition, international (bilateral) tenders within the framework of the ZIM can be worthwhile, as an increased funding rate of 10% is granted for German partners.
Furthermore, the tax research allowance (‘steuerliche Forschungszulage’) offers an excellent opportunity to promote research and development activities. Germany-based companies can apply for funding in the form of a tax allowance for up to four years retrospectively. For companies that have been in existence for less than 3 years, the test for the status of ‘company in difficulty’ does not apply. Sole traders are also eligible for funding. This tax incentive is a flexible and attractive option for supporting innovation and further development in various sectors.
At the European level, there are numerous funding programmes specifically geared towards quantum technologies. Corresponding calls for proposals are regularly published on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal. The funding budgets of these programmes are usually geared towards larger consortia. Applications often require extensive project descriptions of up to 100 pages and are associated with intense competition. Nevertheless, applying can be worthwhile, although it is advisable to work with funding experts and strategically build a convincing project consortium.
The funding programmes of the European Innovation Council (EIC) are particularly attractive, but also highly competitive. The EIC Pathfinder supports disruptive, highly innovative development projects at an early stage (TRL 1-3) and with project partners from at least three European countries, while the EIC Accelerator is the only EU programme to support the development of individual companies up to market maturity and the costs of a successful product launch (TRL 7-9). In between, the EIC Transition programme fills the gap and covers the development from laboratory sample to prototype (TRL 4-6), but – with a few exceptions – requires a successful EIC Pathfinder project. These programmes offer unique opportunities for breakthrough innovations, but require a strategically well-thought-out application.
Quantum technologies are not only a visionary field of research, but also a decisive driver of economic growth and technological sovereignty. The current national and international funding programmes offer companies and research institutions excellent opportunities to advance innovation projects in a targeted manner and benefit from attractive financial support.
Anyone who wants to successfully position themselves in this dynamic environment should look into the appropriate funding opportunities at an early stage. Our experts for quantum technologies are available to provide comprehensive advice – from selecting suitable programmes to submitting applications.
Text: Frederick Vinzent
EurA AG
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