New programme backs fundamental research to strengthen future quantum-era defence and cybersecurity capabilities.

Researchers in the Kingdom of the Netherlands can now apply for funding through the new Security and Resilience in a Quantum Era programme, a joint initiative of the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO – Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research) and the Ministry of Defence aimed at strengthening the country’s long-term knowledge base in quantum technologies.

The programme supports fundamental research with potential future applications in defence and security. Projects may be submitted under two research lines: portable entanglement for quantum networking applications and post-quantum cryptography, focusing on cryptographic techniques that remain secure against future quantum-enabled attacks.

A total budget of €4.55 million is available. Funding of up to €1.5 million is available for projects under Research Line 1, while Research Line 2 projects may request up to €385,000. Projects can run for a maximum of five years.

The call is open to eligible researchers employed at Dutch universities, universities of applied sciences, university medical centres, TO2 institutes and other recognised research organisations.

An information session for prospective applicants is planned for 7 September 2026.

There is a two-stage application procedure for the call consisting of a Letter of Intent (LoI) submission stage, followed by submission of a detailed grant application.