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Grant Analysis

Purpose & Target

The core objective of the DigiQ Exchange Program is to provide financial support to Master's students in Quantum Technology, enabling them to undertake exchange semesters or thesis projects at partner institutions within the DigiQ network. - Target recipient type: Individual students, specifically those enrolled in a relevant Master Degree Programme. - Target recipient size: Individuals. - Designation: SECTOR-SPECIFIC (focused on Quantum Technology). - Geographic scope: European countries, specifically those where DigiQ partner institutions are located or eligible host countries are identified. - Key filtering criteria: Enrollment in a relevant Master's program, affiliation with or commitment to join the DigiQ network, and academic performance. - Grant frequency: The program runs year-round with ongoing applications until the program ends on September 30, 2026, making it a recurring opportunity.

Financial Structure

Total funding available across the entire DigiQ consortium for exchanges: €200,000.
Maximum funding available for a single student: €6,120.
A maximum of 55 exchanges/students will be supported.
Monthly eligible costs for financial support depend on the host institution's country for in-person participation:
Up to €900 per month for Group 1 countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Norway).
Up to €800 per month for Group 2 countries (Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Netherlands, Malta, Portugal).
Up to €700 per month for Group 3 countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey).
Additional financial considerations:
Disadvantaged students receive an additional €120 per month on top of the base monthly stipend.
Students already receiving financial support from other programs can receive a top-up of up to €100 above the maximum rate of the host institution's country.
For virtual participation, financial support is €150 less than the rate of the home institution's country.
Mobility payment types:
Non-living mobility (no need to move address): Around €300 monthly.
Living mobility (requires moving to a new address): Payment up to the regional maximum, either as a stipend or refund.
Funding is provided by the student's home institution, host institution, or another DigiQ partner within the consortium.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant (Student) Eligibility

Must be enrolled in a relevant Master Degree Programme.
Must be part of a DigiQ network, committed to joining a DigiQ network at the next possible date, or a recent graduate with a certification from a DigiQ network.
For mobility support, institutional mobility is required; meaning the student's home and host institutions must be different.

Institutional Eligibility

The host institution must be a DigiQ Partner institution.
The student's home institution must be a DigiQ Partner or the student must be committed to joining the network through a partner.
Funding can be provided by the student's home institution, host institution, or another DigiQ partner.
DigiQ Partner institutions include: Aarhus University, Fundacio Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques, Ceske Vysoke Uceni Technice V Praze, Københavns Universitet, Ruprecht-Karls Universitaet Heidelberg, Universite Paris-Saclay, Ecole Normale Superieure, Universitat de Barcelona, Rheinisch-Wesfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Universitite de Strasbourg, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona, Sorbonne Universite, Deloitte Technology De Troyes, Instituto Superior Tecnico.

Geographic Requirements

Exchanges are possible in countries listed across three groups based on stipend rates, covering a broad range of European nations. These include:
Group 1: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden, United Kingdom, Liechtenstein, Norway.
Group 2: Austria, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Cyprus, Netherlands, Malta, Portugal.
Group 3: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey.
Virtual participation in the internship program is also eligible.

Application Process

Application Process and Timeline

Students should contact their local DigiQ Coordinator to discuss exchange possibilities.
Exchange opportunities are available flexibly on a case-by-case basis.
Applications are accepted year-round.
The deadline for application submission is March 31, 2026, at 17:00:00 UTC.
All internships must be completed by September 30, 2026.

Required Documentation and Materials

A Motivation letter stating the value of the exchange for the applicant and for the DigiQ network, including justification for funding.
A Curriculum Vitae (CV).
A Course plan + Learning Agreement.
Applicants should check with their local coordinator for any specific additional documents or information required by the host institution.

Selection Process

An eligibility check will be performed by a local representative to confirm enrollment in a DigiQ network, host institution status as a DigiQ Partner, and funding availability from the home/host institution.
Selection is carried out by a Mobility Panel (or the WP leader during the ramp-up phase).
Candidates are evaluated based on their submitted documentation according to specific evaluation criteria.

Project Implementation

The maximum duration for an exchange is 6 months.
All internships and exchanges must be completed by September 30, 2026.

Evaluation Criteria

Selection for the DigiQ Exchange Program is based on merit, considering academic qualifications and research excellence relative to the opportunities a candidate has had. The evaluation process incorporates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles. Academic Performance (total 3 points)

Grades.

Motivation Letter & Course Plan / Learning Agreement (total 3 points)

Clear motivation and defined research interests (2 points).
Demonstrated match with the chosen network event (1 point).

CV (total 3 points)

Prizes, awards, and fellowships (1 point).
Previous research experience (1 point).
Publications or other outstanding features of the CV (1 point).

Background and Experience (total 3 points)

Candidate possesses sufficient background and training required for attending the network event, considering any statement of support.

Learning Potential & Community Service (total 3 points)

Candidate demonstrates potential for leadership or has experience in leadership roles, including supervising students.
Candidate has a record of impact on the scientific community (e.g., involvement in student chapters, outreach activities).

Cross-cutting Considerations for Evaluation

The excellence and output of the candidate are evaluated relative to their experience and the opportunities they have had compared to other candidates.
The selection committee may consider factors such as gender, disability, educational opportunities, socio-economic background, and refugee status to ensure equitable assessment.

Compliance & Special Requirements

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance

Mobility Committees involved in student selection must align with DigiQ DEI guidelines, ensuring a structured, gender-representative, and transparent process.
Committees should actively aim for balanced gender representation (e.g., at least 40% men, 40% women, and 20% of any gender).
Efforts must be made to encourage applications from underrepresented genders, disadvantaged students, or those with career breaks, changes of fields, parental leave, or caregiving responsibilities.
20% of the mobility funding is reserved for under-represented groups; these funds can only be given to any DigiQ student if sufficient effort (decided by the mobility panel) has been made to allocate them to under-represented groups first.
Mobility committees must comprise members from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to promote broad viewpoints and minimize bias.
All committee members must have equal voting/grading rights.
Members should be familiar with local policies, recognition of academic achievements from other institutions, conflict of interest, and anti-discrimination practices.

Institutional and Reporting Requirements

Local coordinators awarding internships must form a local mobility committee aligned with DigiQ DEI guidelines to evaluate applications.
Local advertising of DigiQ mobility funding opportunities must follow DigiQ track guidelines.
Local coordinators must identify potential funding sources (home, host, or other DigiQ consortium partners).
Local mobility committee funding decisions must be notified to the WP4 Leader before being finalized.
The Workpackage 4 Leader will be informed of all successful applications by partner local representatives.
Thorough reporting to the DigiQ Executive Board is required on practices for assigning mobility funding and incorporating DEI guidelines.

Intellectual Property Policies

Intellectual property policies regarding student thesis projects or research conducted during exchanges are not explicitly detailed in the provided grant materials.

Grant Details