Deploying advanced national QCI systems and networks

Outcomes and deliverables

• First deployed QKD experimental networks integrated and operating with existing communication networks in several Member States and addressing different advanced use cases, stimulating the emergence of a fully-fledged and technologically autonomous European quantum communication industry and contributing to preparations for the full deployment of the EuroQCI;
• A large number of trained users in quantum communication technologies and Member States ready for the design and deployment of next generation highly secure communication and data networks.

The objective of this topic is twofold. On one hand to deploy advanced national quantum systems and networks for testing quantum communication technologies and for integrating them with existing communication networks. On the other hand to use these quantum systems and networks for developing and testing use cases in support of national QCI initiatives in the context of the EuroQCI initiative. This support is needed to contribute to European technological autonomy in the highly strategic field of quantum communication technologies.

In each participating Member State, the project should include the following activities:

• Deploying advanced experimental quantum systems and networks combining the best of quantum and classical security technologies. Where possible, using pilot devices, technologies and systems developed and manufactured in the EU, in order to support their further development towards maturity and their compliance with the EuroQCI’s security needs. Making these systems and networks widely available for undertaking and testing (in a number of real use cases) the functioning and the provision of very high security QKD components and systems, their interoperability and the end-to-end secure functioning of the system architecture.

The aim is to prepare the large-scale uptake and use of such systems and technologies, operating in traditional telecommunications networks (including, where relevant, existing TESTA infrastructure) by national stakeholders and their first use in advanced use cases in different application scenarios:

- targeting firstly public use cases by linking public authorities within the country;
- making these quantum networks available to industries operating the network’s different layers contributing to developing national-based production chains for supplying critical quantum communication components and systems. This includes the integration of quantum and traditional cybersecurity systems in communication systems and networks (possibly also supported by post-quantum algorithms), which will be used to prepare for the future large-scale deployment of EuroQCI;
- making these quantum systems and networks available for educational purposes providing a training environment for technical and research staff as well as national users from public authorities or other organisations.

• Demonstrating first long-distance quantum communication networks (including, for example, quantum internet demonstrators) compatible with the overall EuroQCI system architecture, in order to prepare the large-scale deployment of a QCI spanning the EU;
• Where relevant, testing the interface between the EuroQCI’s space and terrestrial systems.
• Cooperating and participating with other Member States in the deployment plan and strategic efforts towards designing and building an overall EuroQCI system architecture, including by exchanging lessons learned and experiences in building robust and fully secure QKD systems and networks.

Implementation: European Commission