The French Ministry of the Armed Forces announced framework agreements on March 7, 2024, allocating up to €500 million (~$540 million) to five domestic startups for the development of universal quantum computers through the PROQCIMA program C4ISRNET report on French defense quantum startup funding. The recipients are Alice & Bob, C12, Pasqal, Quandela, and Quobly. The agreements are administered by the defense innovation agency Agence de l’innovation de défense.
The contracts target the delivery of two universal quantum computer prototypes with 128 logical qubits of French design by 2032, with milestones structured to support technology maturation across different hardware approaches. Phase one (2024-2026) provides €60 million for proof-of-concept work. Phase two (2026-2028) allocates €75 million to select the three most promising technologies.
The initiative is part of France’s National Quantum Strategy. Defense applications covered by the program include quantum sensing, secure communications, and computational capabilities for classified environments.