European quantum consortium Photonics for Quantum (P4Q) has secured a 50-million-euro budget to make photonic quantum chips more reliable and scalable. Coordinated by Pepijn Pinkse at the University of Twente, P4Q unites 29 partners from universities, research institutes and industry across twelve countries. Their aim is to develop standards and production techniques that enable repeatable, manufacturable quantum devices.
The project targets tangible improvements such as reduced optical loss, stable operation at cryogenic temperatures and photonic circuits that can be integrated into larger quantum systems. Beyond fundamental research, P4Q aims to lower entry barriers for startups and smaller companies by scaling test and production infrastructure and aligning design and fabrication through process and assembly design kits.
Commercial partners include Quix Quantum, which develops a photonic quantum processor, integrated photonics foundries Ligentec and New Origin, and Thales. Among the participating research organizations are Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Imec and TNO. The EU is providing half of the funding; national governments chip in the rest.
