Newsletter March 2023

Focus

Quantum Research and Innovation

When Alain Aspect, John F. Clauser and Anton Zeilinger won the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics, quantum physics received public visibility. While the phenomena described by this field are often counter-intuitive – if not outright strange – their outstanding potential is being harnessed in technologies such as quantum computing, sensing and communication.

Switzerland has a thriving quantum research and innovation ecosystem. This is in part due to successful participation in the European Framework Programme Horizon 2020 (H2020), in particular the €1 billion Quantum Flagship initiative. In H2020, Swiss entities were involved in about 50% of the grants funded, leading to high visibility of the Swiss quantum ecosystem, opening markets for Swiss companies and helping them to develop their networks.

Although Switzerland can participate as a non-associated Third Country in the majority of collaborative calls in Horizon Europe, this does not apply to most of the quantum technology calls. Moreover, Swiss companies are excluded from accessing EU financial support instruments. The political reasons for this are centred around European strategic autonomy. The unfortunate consequence is that fruitful collaborations begun in H2020 have been severed, creating a lose-lose situation in a global technology race currently led by the USA and China.

The Swiss participation rate in EU grants has dropped to 10% and the impact is being felt by the community. To mitigate the situation, the Federal Government has enacted transitional measures. For example, there was a Swiss National Science Foundation quantum call in the second half of 2022 and the CHF 10 million Swiss Quantum Initiative will support national projects in 2023 and 2024. Although the outlook might seem grim, opportunities for collaborations at the European level and beyond do exist. In 2023 and 2024, there will be 1 Horizon Europe call topic per year for which Swiss entities are eligible. There are also other funding schemes such as QuantERA calls. Finally, successful quantum-related projects involving Swiss entities are still running. Notably, the MIRAQLS project, an EU-Canada collaboration on quantum sensing, involves 13 entities, 4 of which are Swiss.

Author: Loïc Fave, National Contact Point for Digital
Illustration: Alexandra Rosakis

Synergies Between EIT and MSCA

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) was established to contribute to sustainable economic growth and competitiveness by reinforcing the innovation capacity of the EU and its Member States. To allow interested stakeholders to explore the full potential of the opportunities offered under the Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions and EIT, the EU has published an overview of the different types of actions.

Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking – 2023 Work Programme

CBE JU is a partnership between the EU and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC). In 2023, €215.5 million will be dedicated to advancing competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe across 18 topics. The CBE JU Info Day will be held on 20 April 2023. The call for proposals will open after the event and the deadline is planned for 20 September 2023.

Learn About Running Cancer Mission Projects

Have you checked out the R&I exhibition yet? This year's European Research and Innovation Exhibition showcases projects that are paving the way to achieving the goals of the EU Cancer Mission.

Euresearch MSCA Events

Save the dates! All the 2023 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) calls and related events organised by Euresearch are summarised in our MSCA overview. Don't miss interesting opportunities for more information – visit our event page to stay up to date!

European Cancer Imaging Initiative

In January, the European Commission launched the European Cancer Imaging Initiative, one of the flagship actions under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. It will develop and provide the necessary digital infrastructures to allow healthcare providers, research institutes and innovators to use available imaging data for new solutions in treatment and care.

KDT 2023 Call

The Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking (KDT JU) has opened a first round of 3 calls for 2023. Information regarding call topics is available on the EU's Funding & Tenders Portal, as well as in the KDT JU Work Programme. Interested parties looking for support are invited to visit Innosuisse’s KDT JU webpage or contact Euresearch (digital@euresearch.ch).

Clean Aviation Call

The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking launched its second call for proposals to accelerate the sector's trajectory towards climate neutrality. The call includes over €137 million in EU funding, resulting in an overall budget of over €350 million including private contributions. Check out the dedicated call page for more information.
Deadline: 11.05.2023

Ideal-ist Brokerage Platform

The Ideal-ist online brokerage platform is still open until the end of the month. Consortia looking for additional members to apply to the digital calls on 29 March 2023 are encouraged to use the platform to help round out their project team.

Swiss Start-ups Win EIT Funding

Gold Track is a tailor-made scaling programme that pairs promising start-ups with life science advisors. Of the 7 companies who have recently secured funding, 2 are Swiss – SensArs (Vaud) and Epios SA (Geneva)!

Infoevent – MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

Do you want to give your career a boost by applying for an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship? This even will inform you about the specifics of the 2023 MSCA PF call and how to participate with a Swiss host institution. Registration is open.
25.04.2023, Online

Basic Training on EU R&I Funding Opportunities

If you are new to Horizon Europe – the EU Framework Programme for R&I – then this event is for you! You will gain an overview, learn how to find your way in the wealth of opportunities and receive tips on how to get started.
18.04.2023, Online

Newsletter March 2023

Quantum Research and Innovation