Quantum Skills Digital Academy: Join the discussion and find project partners!

Objective: This topic aims to establish a sectoral academy in quantum. This academy will serve as a central hub for interdisciplinary quantum technologies training. It will offer tailored tutorials, hands-on activities, and summer schools to equip professionals from non-quantum backgrounds with the skills needed to drive the industrial applications of quantum computing, communication, simulation, and sensing. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional disciplines and quantum technologies. The academy’s efforts will underpin the EU’s ambition to lead globally in quantum technologies. 

Scope: Proposals are expected to focus on the following activities as listed under the three pillars below:

Pillar 1: Knowledge, Education, and Training
Proposals should design and deliver interdisciplinary educational programmes and training modules in quantum technologies for both technical and non-technical profiles. This includes: 

• Design interdisciplinary education and training in quantum technologies with academia, research, and industry partners.
• Deliver at least one Master’s (ISCED 7) or Doctorate (ISCED 8) programme using ECTS; may be single or joint degrees aligned with the European Degree Blueprint.
• Create standalone training modules for students, professionals, start-ups, SMEs, public sector staff, and educators; aligned with the European Microcredentials framework.
• Offer tutorials, practical sessions, and summer schools for non-experts and STEM students to gain specialised quantum skills.
• Include internships, fellowships, lab visits, and the use of simulations, lab kits, and teaching aids in curricula to enhance real-world understanding.

Pillar 2: Building the Ecosystem

(a) Ecosystem Development:

• Build strong collaboration between academia, research institutions, and industry (incl. SMEs) to support EU-wide rollout of quantum education and training.

• Co-organise hands-on initiatives like internships, mentorships, summer schools, bootcamps, company visits, and career days.

• Promote participation from women, underrepresented regions, people with disabilities, and students from countries engaged in EU digital partnerships.

• Develop ‘Teach-the-Teacher’ programmes and organise lab visits to upskill educators and improve knowledge transfer.

(b) Scaling Up & Dissemination

• Conduct campaigns via social media and events for students and the general public to raise interest in quantum careers.

• Share best practices and collaborate across EU Member States and eligible third countries.

• Launch a dedicated academy landing page within the Digital Skills and Jobs Platform to showcase all initiatives.

Pillar 3: Measuring Progress

1. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Develop a solid methodology to monitor labour market trends and track progress in closing quantum skills gaps.

• Use EU frameworks like the Digital Decade Reports and infrastructures such as the Common European Data Space for Skills.

• Regularly assess and adapt activities based on monitoring outcomes.

2. RELEVANCE Criteria

• Show how the academy supports EU’s technological sovereignty in quantum technologies.

• Ensure coherence with existing EU quantum initiatives.

• Combine quantum physics, computer science, and engineering in curricula.

• Include activities such as industry-linked education events, teacher and business training, summer schools, and internships.

3. IMPLEMENTATION Criteria

• Identify and address gaps in quantum education with scalable, innovative approaches aligned to market needs.

• Detail degree levels, standardisation across Europe, and certification for training modules.

• Describe collaboration between universities and industry in developing content.

• Outline main curricular elements and hands-on components (internships, lab work).

• Attract top talent from public and private sectors; promote student and expert mobility (e.g. via Erasmus+).

• Explain scholarship schemes, fee waivers, and mobility grants, possibly using Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP).

• Detail any planned investment in shared digital tools and lab facilities.

4. IMPACT Criteria

• Communicate activities to pupils, students, and the workforce via dissemination, especially on platforms listing EU education offers.

• Demonstrate potential to expand and replicate across regions.

• Run campaigns on the impact of quantum technologies, especially targeting high schools.

• Enhance capacity to attract and retain talent in quantum, with a focus on coordinated EU outreach.

• Promote career pathways via industry, with emphasis on women's participation and underserved regions.

Type of action and funding rate: Lump Sum Grants — 50% funding rate

Funding: € 10.000.000
Deadline: The application deadline is 2 September 2025 – 17:00:00 CEST (Brussels)
Call Text: The call for proposal text can be viewed here. 
Call Information: Available on the Funding & Tender Portal.
Info session: On 16 May 2025, the European Commission will presentDIGITAL Europe Programme 8th Call for Sectoral digital skills academies. Register now!

Find Project Partners & Prepare Proposals  

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Best of luck with your proposals!