On February 26th and 27th, Porto became the epicenter of Photonics and Quantum innovation as EurA hosted the first in-person kick-off meeting of PhotonQBoost. This EU-funded project, officially launching in December 2024, aims to accelerate the sustainability, resilience, and global competitiveness of European SMEs by harnessing the transformative power of Photonics and Quantum technologies.
PhotonQBoost brings together a dynamic consortium of 12 partners from 9 countries throughout Europe working collectively to support SMEs in their journey toward innovative and sustainable solutions. With €3.6 million in cascade funding allocated for distribution over the next four years, PhotonQBoost is set to create significant impact across Europe’s deep-tech landscape.
The kick-off meeting in Porto, marked a crucial milestone in aligning strategies, defining shared objectives, and setting the stage for a collaborative and forward-thinking project. Partners from all participating organisations: EurA (coordinator), Sploro, Photonics Bretagne, Sonnenberg Harrison, Photonics BW, Photonics Finland, Toolas, iTECH, PPTF, Czech Optical Cluster, Photonics Austria, and JOANNEUM RESEARCH, gathered to discuss project goals, outline the work plan, and establish key deliverables.
The two-day agenda was filled with focused discussions, ideation workshops, and strategy sessions designed to ensure a clear and cohesive path forward. The meeting opened with a warm welcome from EurA, followed by an overview of PhotonQBoost’s key challenges and upcoming activities. Throughout the sessions, the consortium emphasized transparency, coordination, and collective responsibility among partners.
A central feature of PhotonQBoost is its Open Calls, designed to engage European SMEs in developing advanced solutions that address critical sustainability challenges across various industries. The first Open Call is set to launch in November 2025, offering selected SMEs up to €40,000 in funding, as well as access to mentoring, technical support, and a powerful innovation ecosystem.
These Open Calls will play a pivotal role in the project’s mission to boost the adoption of Photonics and Quantum technologies, enabling SMEs to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive global market.
As PhotonQBoost moves forward, the consortium remains committed to fostering collaboration, innovation, and open communication. With a structured plan in place and shared enthusiasm among partners, the project is meant to empower SMEs, drive sustainability, and strengthen Europe’s position as a leader in Photonics and Quantum technologies.
Stay tuned for more updates on PhotonQBoost’s progress, upcoming Open Calls, and opportunities to engage with this transformative project. Together, we’re lighting the way for a more sustainable and competitive future.
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