This initiative, also supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, aims to attract leading experts in quantum technology.
SQUASH will host 40 post-doctoral researchers from around the globe, offering fellowships to advance their research in four multidisciplinary areas: quantum theory, quantum materials, quantum technology, and quantum computing and information. The project consortium includes 43 partners, featuring five Slovenian companies.
The Ministry emphasizes that the goal is to develop highly skilled, innovative experts in quantum research and technologies, preparing them for the challenges of the second quantum revolution. Through diverse international and cross-sectoral secondments and training programs, fellows will enhance their skills and career prospects.
The €5.7 million grant comes from the MSCA co-funding regional, national, and international programs (COFUND), part of Horizon Europe, a key EU research and innovation funding initiative. The European Commission announced that €96.2 million would be distributed among 27 COFUND projects, with SQUASH ranked third among the 15 selected post-doctoral projects, reflecting its exceptional quality.