Funke
QuantumSense Exploration
The foundations of quantum sensing are well understood. Quantum effects can be deliberately harnessed to perform measurements with previously unreachable precision. Yet despite the enormous progress in the field, today’s quantum sensing technologies still use only a small fraction of the potentially available quantum systems and measurement methods.
Only a small portion of the theoretically conceivable space has been explored technologically. The true potential of quantum sensing is therefore far from exhausted.
This is exactly where this SPRIND Funke comes in. We want to open up this still largely unexplored space. We are looking for radically new approaches to make new quantum systems and measurement methods usable for quantum sensing.
The challenge: To develop novel methods to identify and leverage new quantum sensors or quantum systems suitable for sensing applications more rapidly, systematically, and at greater scale.
In this SPRIND Funke, teams are invited to open up new pathways for harnessing previously unused quantum effects, quantum systems, or measurement principles for sensing applications. The focus is not on optimizing already known sensor types, but on discovering entirely new quantum systems that can be used for sensing. We are looking for approaches that go beyond the current state of the art and create entirely new technological possibilities.
Possible approaches could include AI-supported exploration based on physical simulations or the systematic, AI-assisted analysis of cross-disciplinary scientific literature. The goal may be to identify new molecules with highly readable quantum states, unlock alternative quantum systems, or develop novel measurement concepts that significantly simplify existing applications or enable entirely new ones.
Teams are free to define their own transformative approach. We are not looking for incremental improvements, but for exploratory approaches with the potential to fundamentally expand the technological foundations of quantum sensing.
Teams participating in this Funke are fully challenged. SPRIND therefore provides intensive and individual support. This includes funding of up to €450,000 in Stage 1 and up to €150,000 in Stage 2. In order to help the teams develop their full potential, SPRIND provides them not only with financial support but also with individual mentoring, networking opportunities, and coaching.
To enable teams to focus entirely on their innovations, funding is provided quickly and with minimal bureaucracy. Stage 1 will begin on September 20, 2026, with up to ten teams. After five months, the jury will decide which teams, up to a maximum of seven, will continue for an additional two months. The challenge will run for a total duration of seven months.
The goal is to make bold ideas visible in a short period of time, identify technological potential at an early stage, and activate the ecosystem.
Taking it one step further: Ideas with breakthrough innovation potential must ultimately reach real-world application in order to create impact. That is why promising projects may continue to receive SPRIND support even beyond the challenge itself.FormularbeginnFormularende
Detailed information can be found in the call for submissions and the participation agreement.
The application period runs until 6 September 2026 (6pm CEST). All applications submitted by this deadline will be considered.
Do you have any questions about the Challenge? Write to us at challenge@sprind.org.
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