With the Quantum Technologies Call Innovation Fund Denmark (IFD) invests in ambitious and, preferably, interdisciplinary research and innovation projects within quantum technology that can create new specific solutions to important, politically prioritized societal challenges and create value throughout Denmark. The Quantum Technologies call invests in projects that are carried out in close collaboration between research institutions and the business community as well as in early stage foundational research (in Danish “grundlagskabende forskning”) projects.
With this call a new strategic investment in quantum technology is initiated which over the coming years will contribute to maintaining and further developing the Danish positions of strengths in the field and pave the way for further cooperation with strategically important international partners. The investments will significantly increase the total investment volume in the area and help set the direction for future investments.
The call supports projects along the entire value chain – from the early stage foundational research, through applied research to demonstration projects of quantum technology.
Examples of projects can be where the goal is to lay the foundations for future quantum technology solutions and where the focus is to explore the use of new quantum phenomena, concepts, resources, protocols, algorithms and/or address major challenges that prevent broad applications of quantum technology. Other possible examples are projects where the goal is to use known quantum effects and established concepts and translate these into technological solutions that enable the development of new quantum based devices, systems and applications.
Different from the IFD's usual Grand Solutions calls, in this quantum call projects with company- or industrial participation undertaking foundational research can be submitted, however there is no requirement for company- or industrial participation in projects. These projects must however provide a clear description of the application potential in the long term and how the results will impact and progress research within quantum technology fields. Furthermore, and as a consequence of this adjustment, the usual 75% cap on IFD funding of total project costs is raised to 90%, although general state aid rules still apply. Further details on the framework for investment rates etc. can be found in the guidelines for the Quantum Technologies call (see link under section 5: "Guidelines and inspiration").
The three overall decision criteria are:
- Quality of the idea – the quality of the research and innovation
- Impact – (potential) value creation during and after the project
- Quality of execution – efficiency in the project execution and the implementation of the results
Further information about the decision criteria can be found in the guidelines for the Quantum Technologies Call, which will be published on Innovation Fund Denmark's website at the beginning of August 2023 (see link in section 5: “Guidelines and inspiration”)
In addition to the three decision criteria, reference is made to the guidelines for the Quantum Technologies call. The distribution of the funds originates from the current Finance Act and the agreement on the disposition of the Research Reserve (see links under section 5: "Guidelines and inspiration").
Applications to Grand Solutions must be submitted via www.e-grant.dk which is the application portal of Innovation Fund Denmark. The call opens in e-grant on August 10th, 2023.
The evaluation process is described in detail in the guidelines for the Quantum Technologies Call and briefly outlined below.
Applicants are notified of the decision via www.e-grant.dk . E-grant has prepared a FAQ that can be accessed here .
It is expected that the project applications will receive either invitation for investment negotiations or rejection of application in January 2024, after which the investment negotiations can be initiated with an expected project start in Q2 2024.
Applicants within this the Quantum Technologies call must take into account the guidelines below.
The following can be used as inspiration to the application within the present Quantum Technologies call:
Innovation Fund Denmark hosts regular webinars and Q&A on Grand Solutions where everyone is welcome to participate. For this call a webinar is planned for August 18th, 2023, 13.00 PM. Registration via Innovation Fund Denmark's website.
Frequently asked questions to the Quantum Technologies call and related answers can be found on Innovation Fund Denmark's website here e.
6.1. Contact Information
For questions regarding formalities, Innovation Fund Denmark's Investment Officers may be contacted. In connection to this, please note that Investment Officers or other employees of Innovation Fund Denmark are not allowed to answer specific questions regarding projects or ideas.
The following Investment Officers may be contacted regarding questions to this Quantum Technologies call:
Troels Jørgensen
Telephone number: 6190 5033
Email: troels.joergensen@innofond.dk
Innovation Fund Denmark accelerates Danish research and innovation to solutions that strengthen Danish society's competitiveness and sustainability. We do this by investing in researchers, companies and entrepreneurs who create value, jobs and solve societal challenges - and by realizing potentials in the innovation system.
Innovation Fund Denmark wants to promote diversity in all its aspects. Therefore, all interested applicants, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender identity, disability status, age or professional areas, etc., are encouraged to apply for the fund's programs.
