Launch of a new Joint Call for R&D projects in the fields of Data, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Technologies

The Ministry of the Economy and the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR), in collaboration with Luxinnovation, are launching a new joint call for research and development (R&D) projects dedicated to Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and/or Quantum Technologies. The initiative aims to stimulate collaboration between companies and public research institutions to carry out innovative research projects and to accelerate the deployment of advanced digital technologies, thereby reinforcing Luxembourg's digital sovereignty in line with the government's strategy.

Driving digital sovereignty through Data, AI and Quantum innovation

Data, AI and Quantum Technologies have become essential technological pillars for strengthening Luxembourg's digital sovereignty, supporting innovation capacity and improving the competitiveness of companies. These technologies enable the analysis of large datasets, the optimisation of industrial and scientific processes, the modelling of complex systems and the preparation of future breakthroughs in quantum-enabled computation and secure communication.

Call topics

The joint call supports innovative, high-quality R&D projects that strengthen Luxembourg's economy by promoting sustainable growth, diversification, and enhanced research capabilities. Projects must be scientifically excellent, build on the state of the art, and contribute to the creation of new knowledge in industrial research or experimental development activities.

Projects should address complex, future-oriented challenges, producing solutions that surpass current technologies. Applicants must clearly explain how they integrate data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and/or quantum technologies to improve their products, processes, or services.

The call focuses on three thematic areas:

1. Data-based solutions: large-scale simulations, advanced analytics, predictive modeling, and data management innovations.
2. Artificial Intelligence: AI for process optimization, automation, domain-specific models, real-time and edge AI, and trustworthy or sustainable AI.
3. Quantum technologies: quantum and hybrid algorithms for computing, quantum simulation, and secure communication via quantum networks and cryptography.

The call for projects targets private-sector R&D actors ready to explore or deploy these technologies in collaboration with public research institutions. Such public-private partnerships ensure access to scientific expertise, infrastructures, and best practices, promoting knowledge transfer, reduced technological barriers, and greater R&D impact.

Objectives

The specific objectives of the Data-AI-Quantum Joint Call are:

• To foster innovation and sustainable value creation by stimulating strong partnerships between public research institutions and industry in the fields of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.
• To strengthen companies' expertise in:
  • Advanced data processing, analytics, and data-driven decision-support systems.
  • AI models and methods, enabling their development, fine-tuning, and deployment for relevant industrial and societal use cases.
  • Quantum technologies, including quantum algorithms, simulation and communication approaches, thereby preparing companies for future capabilities in quantum-enabled computation and communication.
• To encourage the implementation of innovative projects that contribute to the development of Luxembourg's economic landscape and are consistent with national strategic and digital-sovereignty priorities.
• To enhance Luxembourg's attractiveness as an innovation hub by promoting advanced technological research and high-impact applications in data, AI, and quantum technologies.

All proposals must be submitted by a public-private consortium. The contribution of companies and research organisations should be balanced, with no partner bearing more than 70% of the total project cost. Eligible public research organisations may receive up to 500,000 euros in funding from the FNR, while eligible companies may receive up to 700,000 euros from the Ministry of the Economy under the national RDI framework. Project durations are targeted for a 24 to 36 months period.

Further details on the joint call, including the full text of the call description, eligibility and evaluation criteria, as well as further information can be found here.

Submission timeline and procedure

To facilitate the emergence of projects and to support interested actors in their efforts, Luxinnovation, the national agency for the promotion of innovation, has set up an online platform where companies and public research actors are invited to submit their project outline.

1. The submission and evaluation process is structured in two phases: The first phase, open from 1 March to 1 April 2026 at 14:00, requires the submission of a Project Outline. This outline will be used to verify eligibility, alignment with the call's objectives, and the relevance of using data, AI and quantum technologies.
2. Following this initial assessment, selected consortia will be invited to submit a Full Project Proposal between 30 April and 1 July 2026 at 14:00. The proposals will then be evaluated by an independent expert panel on scientific, technical and economic criteria, and funding decisions will be communicated by October 2026.

Through this joint call, the Ministry of the Economy, the FNR and Luxinnovation reaffirm their commitment to fostering applied research, encouraging strong public-private partnerships and promoting the development of new technological capabilities that will shape Luxembourg's future innovation ecosystem.

A webinar will be organised on 5th of March. It will present the objectives of the Joint Call Data, AI & Quantum Technologies as well as the process of preparing applications, followed by a Q&A session. Information and registration: https://joint-calls.research-industry-collaboration.lu/joint-call-data-artificial-intelligence-quantum-.

Press release by the Ministry of the Economy, the Luxembourg National Research Fund and Luxinnovation