A Bernoulli factory is a randomness manipulation routine that takes as input a Bernoulli random variable and provides as output another Bernoulli variable whose bias is a function of the input bias. Recently proposed Quantum-to-Quantum Bernoulli Factory schemes encode both input and output variables in qubit amplitudes. This primitive could be used as a key ingredient for quantum networking at the interface of quantum computing and cryptography, as well as a subroutine for more complex quantum algorithms thus extending current approaches of randomness generation and manipulation. An open challenge is to design an approach for the implementation of a general and “low-cost” Quantum-to-Quantum Bernoulli Factory. Via a photonics technological platform, the goal of POQUB is 1) to develop a general scheme of Quantum-to-Quantum Bernoulli Factory; 2) to identify relevant use cases within blind quantum computing, via interaction with industries; 3) to design a roadmap for the innovation technological transfer of all the PoC outcomes. As a technological platform, POQUB will exploit reconfigurable photonic circuits which represent a compact, stable and scalable solution due to its natural potential for unlocking versatile and high-speed applications. The developed scheme is expected to have relevant applications also in several other scenarios for quantum technologies.

Quantum Technologies (QT) is a highly interdisciplinary, paradigm-changing area of research. European researchers have been at the forefront of these developments, delivering many groundbreaking scientific results and advancing technological exploitation. For the past four years, the QuantERA network has been successfully providing the research community with a coordinated Europe-wide approach to support cutting-edge research in QT. Building on this experience, with EU support, the QuantERA consortium (currently present in 30 countries) will continue its activities and develop them even further. The central objective of this proposal is to launch a transnational co-funded call with a planned budget of over €26M of national contributions. €15M of EU contribution is expected to support the co-funded call budget and project tasks. In accordance with the FET Work Programme 2018-2020, the scientific scope of the QuantERA II co-funded call will complement the Quantum Technologies Flagship activities. QuantERA II will seek to effectively liaise with the QT Flagship and other stakeholders in the field of QT research to make the best use of the collective European experience in QT research funding, as well as address the gender imbalance in QT research and spread the research excellence across European Research Area (ERA). A range of additional activities will be integrated into the launch of the co-funded call: strengthening the multilateral dialogue with policy makers regarding the design of future funding instruments, stimulation of networking and exchange of best practices, continuation of mapping of public QT policies in Europe, use of the Guidelines on Responsible Research and Innovation in QT developed in the first QuantERA programme. The QuantERA II proposal conforms to the specific challenges and scope of the Work Programme Horizon 2020-Future and Emerging Technologies by providing a structured framework to coordinate national and regional research programmes in QT.

QuantERA III is aimed at strengthening Europe’s leadership in Quantum Technologies (QT) through a highly coordinated transnational approach. Building on the success of its predecessors, QuantERA III will subsidise cutting-edge research by launching a Cofunded Call for Proposals in 2025, backed by over €37 M in national contributions, targeting two critical areas: Quantum Phenomena and Resources and Applied Quantum Science. Additional €15 M of the EU contribution shall be allocated to both the Cofunded Call budget and the project tasks. By supporting projects that lay the foundations for future QT advancements and translating quantum science into practical applications, the Programme will catalyse new directions in the field, ensuring the EU’s leading status in this transformative technology sector. QuantERA III’s objectives align seamlessly with the EC’s Work Programme, as it seeks to address fragmentation in QT research across the European Research Area (ERA) and develop synergy in transnational research efforts. QuantERA III is designed to meet the highest standards of excellence, capitalising on the collective expertise and resources of 40 RFOs from 30 countries (incl. 14 Widening countries) – the Programme will achieve its objectives through a well-structured approach that leverages the unique strengths of each Consortium partner. It will explore further funding opportunities, continue mapping QT policies in Europe, address gender imbalance in QT, and – liaising with the Quantum Flagship and other stakeholders – engage with non-European countries to expand its reach and amplify its impact. The Consortium aims to build a sustainable vision for QuantERA beyond Horizon Europe, benefitting the entire ERA by enhancing Europe’s innovation capacity and maintaining its competitive edge on the global stage. Through its comprehensive framework of six Work Packages, the proposal ensures the realisation of its goals, aligning perfectly with the EC’s priorities for R&I.