BM Hanke: "22 million euros support for semiconductor and quantum technologies" BMIMI supports transnational calls under Chips JU
Semiconductor and quantum technologies are among the most important technologies of our time, offering enormous growth opportunities for the Austrian economy. The European Union has also recognized their importance, and is placing a conscious emphasis on further developing these key technologies.
In order to keep Europe competitive and innovative, the European Commission and EU countries have been working since 2024 under the Chips Joint Undertakings (Chips JU) initiative to establish a next-generation European Research and Development (R&D) semiconductor infrastructure and to develop and manufacture quantum chips.
Nearly three months ago, several consortia were selected under Chips JU to develop six additional pilot lines for quantum chips “Made in Europe” as part of strategic, long-term planned cooperations. Austrian partners are involved in five of these pilot lines. Applications from the selected consortia for the first phase of implementation have been underway since early August. The BMIMI is providing around 20 million euros to co-finance the Austrian partners during this phase.
“Transnational pilot lines are an important instrument for converting high-quality research into marketable applications. The BMIMI is a strong supporter of these initiatives, as they not only strengthen the domestic innovation and economic location, but also the technological sovereignty of Europe, creating the basis for future-proof jobs and sustainable growth. Our goal is clear: Austria and Europe should continue to play a leading role worldwide in quantum innovation,” said Innovation Minister Peter Hanke.
Quantum computing as a game changer in drug development and weather predictions
Initiatives to enhance the development and manufacturing of quantum chips are indispensable for the entire European location, for quantum computing is the computer technology of the future. As the core of quantum computers, these chips enable solutions to problems that are too complex for classical computers, including the most advanced high-performance computers. Thus, quantum computers can significantly accelerate the development of new drugs or enable more precise climate models and weather forecasts.
The BMIMI also supports applied quantum technologies in the broadest sense, from computing and simulation to quantum communication and sensing and metrology. To engage Austrian partners in the transnational call under the European partnership QuantERA, the BMIMI is planning a budget of 2 million euros. Preparations for the calls are currently underway.
QuantERA is a leading European network of research funding organisations that supports and subsidises the development of quantum technologies (QT). Science and technology are at the heart of the QuantERA consortium, which invests in excellent research and innovation – and in the people who drive them forward.