Invitation to submit Expressions of Interest for potential research projects in Quantum Algorithms and Quantum Computing

The purpose of this call is to identify and assess new or ongoing research projects in quantum algorithms and quantum computing, and to explore the most appropriate collaboration framework for supporting their further development. Last year’s proposals can be resubmitted with updated content, reflecting their latest research focus and progress.
 

This call is specifically addressed to Basque Research Excellence Research Centres (BERCs), Health Research Institutes (IIS), Cooperative Research Centres (CIC), Technology Centres and Universities. 

Proposals may be submitted for consideration under any of the four collaboration modalities described below. Each EoI will be reviewed on its own merits and assessed against the objectives, partnership model and maturity requirements of the relevant modality.

• Joint Research Agreements (JRAs) with IBM: these agreements support collaborative research projects developed jointly by teams from the Basque research ecosystem and IBM Quantum. Selected projects are expected to define a shared scientific or technical work plan, with active interaction between the participating researchers. Within the BasQ framework, support may include funding to recruit additional research capacity, such as PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers, in order to reinforce the project team and accelerate the achievement of the agreed research objectives.
  
   
• Road to Utility (R2U) with IBM: this modality is aimed at projects seeking to execute meaningful workloads on quantum hardware and to advance towards scale, performance and practical utility. IBM experts may provide specialised support in areas such as problem co-design, workload mapping, algorithm and circuit design, scalability analysis, hardware execution, benchmarking and performance optimisation. Proposals should therefore present a sufficiently defined use case or computational challenge and a credible pathway for testing and iterating on quantum systems.
  
   
• Joint Global Agreements (JGAs): this modality is intended for ambitious research projects in quantum algorithms and quantum computing carried out in collaboration with internationally recognised scientific institutions. JGAs are designed to strengthen global scientific cooperation, combine complementary expertise and capabilities, and position Basque research teams within high-impact international research agendas. Proposals should identify the prospective or existing international scientific partner, explain the added value of the collaboration and outline the joint research objectives, roles and expected scientific outcomes.
  
   
• Joint Impact Agreements (JIAs): this modality is intended for research projects in quantum algorithms and quantum computing with a clear orientation towards industrial impact. Projects should address a relevant industrial challenge, application area or value-creation opportunity and must incorporate the collaboration of at least one company, either local or international. Proposals should describe the industrial need, the role of the company or companies involved, the expected research and innovation outcomes, and the potential pathway towards validation, adoption, transfer or broader economic and societal impact.

The four modalities are complementary but respond to different collaboration models. An EoI may indicate one or more preferred modalities; however, the final fit will be determined during the evaluation process. Depending on the proposal’s scientific objectives, partnership structure, level of maturity and potential impact, it may be considered suitable for one modality, more than one modality, or none.

Deadline for completing the EoI form: 23rd September 2026 at 17:00 (CET).

LINK TO THE FORM 

Important information

• The aim of this call is to encourage the participation of Principal Investigators (PIs) working in the field of Quantum Computing. Applications from women researchers are particularly encouraged.
• All funded projects will have a one-year duration, starting in January or April 2027, depending on the type of modality. One month prior to the end of the project, both technical and financial reports must be submitted to BasQ to verify the successful completion of the project.
• The grants will cover personnel costs, travel expenses, and publication fees, up to a maximum amount of €60,000 per project.

The Basque Government, under the leadership of the Science, Universities and Innovation Department and in collaboration with other institutions, is currently driving the Basque Quantum (BasQ) Strategy, which has the ambition to position the Basque Country as one of the world's leading quantum ecosystems. 

BasQ has four main strategic objectives:

• To actively contribute to scientific discovery in various areas of quantum technologies through participation in leading projects.
• To advance in the practical application of quantum computing to address the world’s most pressing challenges in materials, energy, climate change, personalized medicine, security…
• To become a reference pool of highly qualified professionals and to circulate international talent in quantum computing.
• To accelerate the use and exploitation of quantum technologies in different business sectors, foster new business opportunities, and generate social value.

The Basque Quantum (BasQ) initiative, in collaboration with IBM, launches every year a new process to collect Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from the Basque research ecosystem. The goal is to identify and evaluate new and ongoing research projects across various domains related to quantum computing and explore potential future collaborations with IBM for the advancement of these projects. Within the BasQ Strategy, different collaboration instruments and calls are promoted to identify high-potential projects and connect Basque research capabilities with IBM, leading international scientific institutions and industrial partners. 

However, in this call we are also opening the door to two new funding modalities and collaboration frameworks designed to explore and support new strategic projects for the BasQ ecosystem and to strengthen the connection between our research community and leading international scientific institutions as well as industrial partners. 

Please, if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us. Many thanks for your cooperation!