SPRIND Launches Quantum Sensing Initiative to Back European Projects and Startups

Insider Brief

• SPRIND launched a Quantum Sensing Initiative to fund and accelerate European quantum sensing projects and startups toward real-world applications.
• The initiative begins with two SPRIND Funken calls, Quantum-Driven Intelligence and QuantumSense Exploration, focused on data-driven sensing applications and new quantum measurement approaches.
• SPRIND said the program is aimed at researchers, startups, deep-tech teams, industry users and investors seeking to build market-ready quantum sensing products.
• SPRIND will host a webinar on June 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. CEST to explain the Quantum Sensing Initiative.

SPRIND, the German Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovation, has launched a Quantum Sensing Initiative to identify, fund and accelerate quantum sensing projects and startups in Germany and Europe.

The initiative is designed to help move lab-tested quantum sensing technologies toward real-world applications, support market entry and strengthen the European ecosystem around one of the most promising areas of quantum technology. SPRIND said the program will focus on bold approaches with the potential to become market-ready products, rather than on incremental improvements alone.

Quantum sensors use quantum effects to measure physical quantities with high precision and sensitivity. The technology could support applications in industry, mobility, climate and environmental monitoring, security and infrastructure. SPRIND said the field is still developing, creating an opportunity to identify promising ideas early and help shape them before markets and technical standards are fully established.

The agency is opening the initiative with two SPRIND Funken, or challenge-style funding programs: Quantum-Driven Intelligence and QuantumSense Exploration. Together, the calls are intended to give an initial push to a broader, long-term series of measures in quantum sensing, including challenges, exploratory programs, individual investments and other support formats.

Quantum-Driven Intelligence focuses on combining quantum sensor data with existing data sources, models and sensor systems to produce actionable insights. SPRIND said the challenge is aimed at applications in areas such as geological analysis, satellite-based systems, climate monitoring, infrastructure, security and autonomous driving. Teams may use real or simulated quantum sensor data.

The program will support up to 15 teams in Stage 1, which begins Sept. 20, 2026. Funding is available up to 200,000 euros in Stage 1 and up to 100,000 euros in Stage 2. After four months, a jury will select up to 10 teams to continue for an additional two months.

QuantumSense Exploration is aimed at expanding the technological foundations of quantum sensing. The call seeks new quantum systems, measurement methods or discovery approaches that could make new types of quantum sensors possible. SPRIND said possible approaches could include AI-supported exploration based on physical simulations or the systematic analysis of scientific literature across disciplines.

The exploration challenge will support up to seven teams in Stage 1, also beginning Sept. 20, 2026. Funding is available up to 450,000 euros in Stage 1 and up to 150,000 euros in Stage 2. After five months, a jury will select up to five teams to continue for two additional months.

Applications for both calls are open until Sept. 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. CEST. SPRIND said projects may receive financial support, mentoring, coaching and networking opportunities, with additional support possible after the initial challenge period for promising efforts.

The initiative is aimed at researchers, startups, deep-tech teams, industry groups, users and investors working on new approaches in quantum sensing. SPRIND said it is especially interested in teams that can connect technical progress with emerging markets, applications and value creation.

SPRIND will host a webinar on June 25, 2026, at 1 p.m. CEST to explain the Quantum Sensing Initiative and the two open calls. The agency said members of the ecosystem who can contribute technology, components, research results, networks or applications can contact quantumsensing@sprind.org.