Europe has officially launched Q-PLANET, a €50 million initiative to build the continent's first industrial pilot line for neutral-atom quantum chips — a crucial step toward commercial quantum computing, sensing, and communication.
Coordinated by French quantum computing leader Pasqal, the project is one of six Quantum Chip Stability Pilot Lines established under the European Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU). The consortium brings together 28 research organizations, industry partners, and academic institutions from 11 EU member states.
Over an initial three-year phase, Q-PLANET will develop industrial-grade components for neutral atom quantum technologies, creating standardized manufacturing processes capable of supporting large-scale commercial deployment.
Why neutral-atom quantum matters
Neutral atom platforms are regarded as one of the most promising approaches to quantum computing. Unlike conventional semiconductor chips, neutral atom quantum systems depend on highly specialized chip-based components that manipulate individual atoms with exceptional precision using lasers.
Creating industrial manufacturing processes for these components is considered essential for moving quantum technologies beyond laboratory demonstrations into real-world applications — from pharmaceutical discovery and advanced materials research to secure communications and precision navigation.
What the pilot line will build
During its first three years, Q-PLANET will focus on several core technologies: - Four specialized laser wavelengths essential for atom control - Atom chips for quantum computing and sensing - Microfabricated vapor cells used in atomic clocks and high-precision field sensors
Each technology will undergo three iterative cycles of design, fabrication, and testing, with the objective of raising technology readiness from TRL 4 (lab validation) to TRL 6 (demonstration in relevant environment).
The project will also create standardized Process Design Kits (PDKs) and Assembly Design Kits (ADKs), providing companies with established manufacturing blueprints that reduce development complexity and improve supplier compatibility.
Strategic autonomy
Q-PLANET directly supports the EU's push for technological sovereignty by reducing dependence on overseas manufacturing for critical quantum components. With funding secured through a six-year Framework Partnership Agreement, a second three-year phase is planned to expand adoption and accelerate commercial deployment of European-made quantum chips.
The launch comes as the EU prepares its Quantum Act, expected later in 2026, which aims to boost quantum research, industrial capacity, and talent development across the bloc.
