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Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL3-2026-02-CS-ECCC-03
Objective of the call
The objective of this call is to advance quantum-resistant cryptographic schemes and high-assurance cryptographic software to enhance the security, privacy and resilience of digital systems in Europe.
The topic supports the development of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) primitives and protocols tailored to digital wallets and eID use cases, as well as the development of formal verification tools and High-Assurance Cryptographic Software (HACS) approaches. The action aims to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy in cybersecurity and safeguard critical digital infrastructures.
Scope of activities
Proposals must address one of the following technology areas:
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Design and implementation of post-quantum advanced cryptographic schemes and protocols
• Development of quantum-resistant cryptographic primitives, including approaches beyond lattice-based methods where relevant.
• Advanced digital signature schemes tailored to wallet and eID use cases.
• Post-quantum solutions for entity authentication and authenticated key establishment over insecure networks.
• Development of Password Authenticated Key Exchange (PAKE) schemes for secure user authentication and wallet data recovery.
• Recommendations balancing security, performance and usability.
• Development of open-source, reusable cryptographic software libraries.
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High-Assurance Cryptographic Software (HACS) and formal verification
• Development of a unified specification language to formalise cryptographic safety and security requirements in software implementations.
• Improvement of tools and methodologies for evaluating cryptographic implementations and their correct usage in software applications.
• Development of formal, machine-checked guarantees of correctness and security.
• Integration and improvement of existing HACS tools within software development workflows.
Some activities may involve classified background or produce security-sensitive results. Participation is limited to legal entities established in EU Member States and Associated Countries. Entities controlled by non-eligible countries are not allowed to participate.
Eligible applicants
- Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness
- Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact
- Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge
- Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation
- Organisations based in EU Member States or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
- Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries
Specific consortium we are looking for:
- cryptography research institutes
- cybersecurity research centres
- universities specialising in applied cryptography and formal methods
- SMEs and enterprises developing secure digital wallets and eID solutions
- cybersecurity technology providers
- formal verification and software assurance experts
- organisations experienced in open-source secure software development
Eligible costs
Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum contribution under the Horizon Europe Lump Sum Model Grant Agreement. Activities may include:
- Research and development of cryptographic primitives and protocols
- Software development and implementation
- Formal verification and tool development
- Integration into software workflows
- Open-source library development
- Testing, validation and performance evaluation
- Security and compliance activities
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Research and Innovation Actions (RIA)
Funding rate:
Up to 100% of total eligible costs
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000
Number of funded projects:
Up to 4 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Deadline for submission
15 September 2026