About

EQUIP (European QUantum-safe Implementations for security and Performance) is a European research initiative addressing one of the most urgent cybersecurity challenges of the coming decade: the secure deployment of post-quantum cryptography (PQC). As quantum computing threatens today's public-key cryptography, Europe must rapidly transition to quantum-safe solutions that are efficient, trustworthy and ready for real-world use. EQUIP brings together leading experts in cryptography, hardware and software engineering, physical attack analysis, certification and regulatory compliance to develop secure and efficient PQC implementations across platforms ranging from embedded devices and IoT systems to cloud infrastructure. By combining innovative countermeasures, rigorous security evaluation and certification-ready methodologies, EQUIP strengthens Europe's readiness for the quantum era.

Vision

EQUIP envisions a future where post-quantum cryptography can be deployed at scale without compromising security, performance or interoperability. As organizations prepare for the transition to a quantum-safe digital ecosystem, the project aims to remove the barriers that currently hinder the adoption of PQC technologies across critical infrastructures, connected devices, industrial systems and cloud services. By advancing secure, efficient and certifiable implementations, EQUIP seeks to establish a trusted foundation for next-generation cybersecurity. The project's long-term vision is to strengthen Europe's technological sovereignty and resilience by enabling widespread deployment of quantum-safe cryptography that is practical, verifiable and ready to meet the evolving demands of a connected digital society.

Keyfacts

Reference

Reference Number:
101308625

Programme type:
HORIZON-RIA

Programme acronym:
HORIZON-CL3-2025-02-CS-ECCC

Duration

Project Start: 01.11.2026

36 Months

Cost and Funding

Costs:
€ 2.911.175,00

Funding:
€ 2.911.175,00

Motivation

The transition to post-quantum cryptography is no longer a future concern, but an immediate cybersecurity priority. Advances in quantum computing threaten the public-key cryptography that secures today's digital infrastructure, creating risks for governments, businesses and critical services. At the same time, deploying post-quantum cryptography in real-world systems remains a major challenge. Existing solutions often struggle to balance security, performance, implementation cost and regulatory compliance, particularly on embedded and resource-constrained platforms. EQUIP was launched to address these challenges through a holistic approach that combines cryptographic design, secure implementation, attack evaluation, testing and certification. By enabling secure, efficient and deployable quantum-safe solutions, EQUIP helps prepare Europe's digital infrastructure for the post-quantum era.

Mission and Objectives

The transition to post-quantum cryptography is no longer a future concern, but an immediate cybersecurity priority. Advances in quantum computing threaten the public-key cryptography that secures today’s digital infrastructure, creating risks for governments, businesses and critical services. At the same time, deploying post-quantum cryptography in real-world systems remains a major challenge. Existing solutions often struggle to balance security, performance, implementation cost and regulatory compliance, particularly on embedded and resource-constrained platforms. EQUIP was launched to address these challenges through a holistic approach that combines cryptographic design, secure implementation, attack evaluation, testing and certification. By enabling secure, efficient and deployable quantum-safe solutions, EQUIP helps prepare Europe’s digital infrastructure for the post-quantum era.

Work Packages

WP1

Project, Risk and Innovation Management P1

01.11.2026

30.04.2028

Detailed information

WP1 is responsible for the operational management and technical vitality of the project, encompassing management tasks on contractual, financial, legal, technical, administrative and ethical levels. The main objective is the establishment of a sound and flexible project management structure and an efficient management process, as well as the provision of an effective risk management strategy to avoid deviations from the work plan. Another focus of WP1 is to respond to opportunities through active innovation management. The proposed activities will help to maximize the benefit for consortium partners and stakeholders, and the overall impact of the project. The Coordinator will be TEC, supported by the technical leader KUL and the scientific leader TUG.

Communication, Dissemination, Exploitation, Standardization and Training P2

01.05.2028

31.10.2029