Security evaluations of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) primitives

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen the security of post-quantum cryptographic systems by advancing research on their resistance to quantum and AI-based attacks. It focuses on analyzing the mathematical problems that support post-quantum cryptography, developing faster quantum algorithms, and creating robust testing environments against quantum threats. The initiative aims to identify weaknesses in current systems, recommend secure parameters, and design next-generation cryptosystems. Focus areas include lattice-based and code-based algorithms, AI-driven vulnerability discovery, and boosting European cybersecurity capabilities. Only organizations from Member States, Associated Countries, and OECD countries can participate.

• Must focus on assessing the security of post-quantum cryptographic primitives.
• Should include research on quantum algorithms that offer measurable speed-up, AI-based analysis, or both.
• Priority is given to lattice-based and code-based PQC algorithms, but other mathematical approaches are welcome.
• Projects should aim to identify vulnerabilities and suggest practical cryptosystem parameters.
• Consortia with expertise in post-quantum cryptography and quantum computing are encouraged.
• Must address improved security against both quantum and AI-powered attacks.

Example projects:

• Developing new quantum algorithms to test the security of lattice-based cryptosystems.
• Using AI to discover vulnerabilities in code-based post-quantum cryptographic schemes.
• Building a testbed to evaluate cryptosystem robustness against simulated quantum attackers.

• Personnel costs for researchers and project staff
• Costs for equipment and materials required for quantum algorithm development
• Software licenses and computational resources for cryptographic analysis
• Expenses for building or maintaining testing environments
• Travel and subsistence costs for project meetings or dissemination events
• Subcontracting costs related to specific research tasks
• Administrative and overhead costs
• Costs for dissemination, communication, and publication activities
• Training expenses for staff involved in the project

Note: All expenses are funded as a lump sum. Further restrictions or details may apply as defined in the Horizon Europe Programme.

• Budget for this Call: 4,000,000€ 
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 2,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 3,000,000€

• Applicants must be legal entities established in EU Member States, Associated Countries, or OECD countries.
• Entities established in eligible countries but controlled (directly or indirectly) by non-eligible countries or entities are not allowed to participate.
• Applicants must complete the Ownership Control Declaration to confirm compliance.
• Open to consortia and organizations with expertise in post-quantum cryptography and quantum computing.
• Eligibility is limited to the specified geographic scope; non-eligible country entities are excluded.