Call for proposals: From quantum research to innovation

The Nordic countries have a strong research environment in quantum technology, and well-established national support for turning research into innovation. However, these efforts are not well connected across the region. The methodology should therefore use cross-border cooperation as a key element, giving researchers with commercial ambitions access to peers, expertise and partners throughout the Nordics.  

The methodology should also be transferable to other technology areas.

About the call

Nordic Innovation will fund one project through this call. The call is designed as a collaborative process, in which the selected project is developed further with Nordic Innovation:  

1. Joint development: The selected concept will be developed into the final project in cooperation with Nordic Innovation and a steering group set up by Nordic Innovation. The steering group will follow the project throughout its duration. 

2. Two phase approach: The call is structured so that the elected concept can be financed for a phase 2, in which the project will be scaled beyond the limits of phase 1. 

Applicants who wish to be considered for phase 2 must include a scaling plan for phase 2 in their application. The decision on phase 2 will be made during phase 1, based on the results achieved, and the final proposal for phase 2 will be developed together with the steering group. 

The selected proposal will be funded through the program Nordic Forward: Resilience and competitiveness for 2050, which has a strong focus on technologies as enablers for societal change. The program contributes to the Nordic Vision 2030, which states that the Nordics should become the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. 

Background 

The use of quantum technology is expected to have game-changing potential in many sectors and have a transforming effect on vital services and societal functions. The report 'The Nordic-Baltic Quantum Ecosystem', makes several recommendations on how to position the Nordic region as a frontrunner in developing and applying quantum technology solutions. 

The Nordic countries are currently conducting important research in quantum technology.However, a key challenge is that the path from research to practical application remains underexplored. Many researchers lack the time, knowledge, capacity and networks needed to explore the commercial potential of their research alongside their academic work.  The report 'Barriers to Commercialization in the Nordics' points to a weak entrepreneurial culture in academia as a contributing factor to the limited commercial output from research. With this call, Nordic Innovation wants to address this challenge.  

The call builds on a pilot workshop carried out in April 2026, in which 15 phd students, postdocs and researchers received training in how to develop a business plan based on their research. The experiences from the pilot have provided valuable insights into reasearchers’ needs, which this call builds on. The report from the workshop can be found here.

Project description 

Nordic Innovation is seeking proposals that outline a methodology or framework that:  

• Creates a Nordic route that helps scientists translate their quantum technology research into real-world business cases 

• Stimulates cross-border cooperation between scientists to accelerate the path to commercialisation 

• Builds on, and connects, existing national initiatives, such as technology transfer offices, incubators and national programs, without competing with them  

• Uses cross-border cooperation as a key element, giving participants access to peers, expertiseand partners  across the Nordic region  

• Supports different commercialisation pathways (for example: start-up, licensing, integration into an existing company, development as part of a product line) and addresses relevant commercial challenges that scientists face (such as business knowledge, capacity, time or support) 

• Is transferable to other technology areas.  

Nordic Innovation values projects that can create synergies with our existing project portfolio between projects is an important aspect to create value from the project. The elected project must explore opportunities for cooperation with projects already funded by Nordic Innovation. 

Deliverables in phase 1:

During phase 1, a final report must be submitted. For proposals including phase 2 financing, a plan for continuing operations after funding from Nordic Innovation has ended must also be submitted. Requirements for this plan will be discussed with Nord Innovation during phase 1.  

The final report should outline:  

• Added/unexpected value/results 

• Explanation of deviations from project plan and lack of achievement of project goal (if applicable) 

• Lessons learned 

• Detailed methodology report, including experiences from testing the methodology with participants 

The documents will provide the basis for the continuation of the project for a phase 2.

Two-part approach 

The call is structured so that elected project proposals can be financed for a phase 2, in which the project will be scaled beyond the limits of phase 1. Proposals involving both phases, a scaling plan for phase 2 must be submitted.  

A scaling plan may include a plan to consolidate the project results from the first phase, for instance by establishing permanent mechanism that will continue providing services for researchers to take steps towards establishing a start-up company. It may also include plans on how to provide additional services, expand the network and/or include research in other technological fields.  

Submitting a two-phase approach is optional. However, a project proposal that only submits a concept for phase 1, will not be eligible for direct funding of a second phase.  

The proposals that present a two-phase approach, must submit a scaling plan for the second phase. A grant decision for a possible second phase will be determined in course of the implementation of the first phase, during which a final project proposal for a second phase must be completed. The steering group will together with the project leader develop go/no-go scenarios for funding of phase 2. 

Funding 

Nordic Innovation will finance one project. We guarantee financing of phase one, with the option to finance phase two if the project has submitted a proposal consisting of two separate phases.  

Phase 1 may include recruiting participants, carrying out activities based on the chosen methodology, establish a network, developing a sustainable business plan: up to NOK 2,000,000 for a period up to 24 months.   

Phase 2, aimed at scaling and consolidating a mechanism that will ensure a route from research to innovation, including financial sustainability for the mechanism beyond the funding by Nordic Innovation: up to NOK 5,000,000 for a period of up to 24 months. 

Total funding available is up to NOK 7,000,000 divided in two phases. The amounts per phase cannot exceed the amounts mentioned above. 

Phase 2 funding depends on Phase 1 results, available budget and Nordic Innovation's strategic priorities. If any changes could affect Phase 2, Nordic Innovation will engage in dialogue with the project partners well in advance of any decision. 

While the applicants must submit a budget for the whole project period, changes may be made during the project development period. 

The funding applied for must be matched or exceeded by co-funding from project partners. Co-funding may include in-kind contributions such as working hours.  

Governance 

The project will report to a steering group that will be set up by Nordic Innovation. The steering group will provide guidance to the project and support the elaboration of the final project description, including phase 2, if applicable.  

Who can apply 

Applicants can be: 

• Cluster or ecosystem organizations  

• Private or institutional investors  

• Companies  

• Innovation institutions  

• Consultancies  

• Higher education institutions  

• Public sector actors  

Consortium partners from countries outside the Nordic region are welcome to participate, but only partners from the Nordic countries can receive funding from Nordic Innovation.  

Eligibility  

Co-funding requirement 

At least 50 % of co-funding is required. 

Participation of at least three Nordic countries  

The project must be carried out by a consortium of at least three partners from three different Nordic countries.  

De Minimis aid obligations  

Under EU law, an undertaking may receive State Aid of up to EUR 300 000 over a three-year period (de minimis aid). Since Nordic Innovation is financed by the five Nordic governments, our grants are divided into five parts when calculating State Aid. As such, only 20 % of a grant count towards the de minimis limit for any one country. Each grant recipient must declare and register its State Aid upon signature of contract.  

Evaluation criteria  

All proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:   

Effect (30 %)  

• How well is the project objective formulated? 

• How will the project address the participating scientists' challenges on the pathway to commercialization? 

• How does the project complement efforts to commercialize quantum technology in the Nordics? 

• Which indicators/KPIs are proposed to measure project success? 

• How does the project contribute to the Nordic Vision 2030?  

Methodology (30 %) 

• How is the chosen methodology, together with its associated tools, suited to achieving the project's objectives? 

• How does the project stimulate cooperation between researchers across the Nordic region? 

• How is the methodology applicable to transfer research to innovation for other technologies?   

• How does the project engage/include already existing national initiatives to promote innovation from research? 

Consortium competence and capacity (25 %)  

• To what extent does the consortium demonstrate its necessary expertise and proven track record in achieving the objectives of this call?  

• How are the different parts of the Nordic region represented in the consortium?  

• How does the consortium demonstrate in the proposal how it is staffed to manage unforeseen incidents such as absence among key personnel? 

Exit strategy (15 %) 

• How does the project aim to ensure continued operations after the funding period from Nordic Innovation has ended? 

• How will the project generate a revenue stream after the funding ends?  

Evaluation method 

The evaluation will use a relative points model. Within each of the award criteria the proposals will receive a score between 0 and 10. The best proposal within each of the award criteria will receive 10 points, while the remaining proposals will be given a score that reflects the difference relative to the best offer. The score for each award criterium is multiplied with the indicated percentage for the award criteria, which gives a sum for the proposal. The sums for all the award criteria are added, and the grant will be awarded to the proposal with the highest total sum.  

Nordic Innovation reserves the right to not provide any grants. 

Some of the proposals may be invited to an interview as part of the evaluation process, if it is deemed necessary. 

External experts may be consulted in the evaluation process.