February 24, 2026 -- QEC4QEA (Quantum Excellence Centre for Quantum-Enhanced Applications) is designed to make quantum computing more accessible and easier to use. It will connect end users with quantum application developers, experts, and computing providers. By bringing these groups together, QEC4QEA will help users navigating the complexity of quantum computing technologies and apply them effectively in real-world workflows. For this purpose, the project builds on European quantum computing infrastructure that combines quantum and high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities.

QEC4QEA will support users at every stage of the application journey. It will provide access to guidance, tools, and services needed to develop, test, and run quantum-enhanced applications. These services will include training, support in selecting appropriate computing resources, and assistance with efficient execution. The goal is to provide a complete and practical support chain that allows users to focus on results rather than technical barriers.

By guiding users to the most suitable resources and helping them optimise their workflows, QEC4QEA will enable applications to run efficiently and cost-effectively on European quantum computers and hybrid quantum-HPC systems operated by EuroHPC JU and national organisations. This approach is expected to accelerate innovation across Europe, encourage the development of new quantum-enhanced applications, and build lasting expertise and interest in quantum technologies.

Together with its sister project QEX, QEC4QEA supports EuroHPC JU’s vision of strengthening Europe’s knowledge base and building a thriving, sustainable quantum ecosystem.

The QEC4QEA project is coordinated by Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and brings together 19 partners from eight EuroHPC JU participating countries (France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Spain and Turkey), representing a broad range of scientific and technical expertise.

QEC4QEA is structured into five clusters led by major European supercomputing centres that are deploying and operating the EuroHPC quantum-HPC infrastructure:Forschungszentrum Jülich, CEA, Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), CINECA, and PCSS. Led by these centres, the clusters combine advanced supercomputers and quantum computers with strong technical expertise, established application portfolios, and direct access to cutting-edge HPC and quantum computing infrastructures. This federated model will strengthen cross-regional cooperation, maintain close proximity to users, maximise synergies, and ensure scalable impact at the European level.

The consortium will also closely work with key European Quantum Flagship projects, including OpenSuperQPlus, PASQuanS2, and QuIC, as well as major national initiatives such as QSolid (Germany), HQI (France), Quantum Spain (Spain), and KCIK (Poland).

The QEC4QEA Quantum Excellence Centre has been selected following the call HORIZON-EUROHPC-JU-2023-QEC-05-01 and is funded by the Horizon Europe programme, with a total EU contribution of around EUR 4.9 million.