Create a European Industrial Ecosystem for Secure QCI technologies and systems

Outcomes and deliverables

• Mature QKD-based systems ready for integration and deployment in an operational telecom infrastructure, over short and long distances;
• First fully functional telecom network systems managing quantum keys and assuring the interoperability between quantum and traditional cybersecurity systems, that ensure the secrecy and integrity of sensitive digital data in Europe;

To prepare for the industrialisation and deployment of quantum communication infrastructure (QCI) technological and operational capabilities and advanced QCI networks essential for European cybersecurity, and contribute to the development of a European industrial QCI ecosystem, including a thriving SME sector. This support is needed to contribute to European technological autonomy in the highly strategic field of quantum communication technologies.

The action will focus on the following two priorities:

* Industrialisation of EU QKD devices, technologies and systems: prepare for industrialisation and for deployment (i.e. reaching TRL 8-9) quantum technology components for quantum key distribution that are stable, miniaturised and have competitive performance (e.g. cost-effective, exhibiting higher key exchange rates, link distances) that can be demonstrated over both short and long distances. QKD systems should enable scalability to multi-user network architectures and upgradability to future quantum information networks. Examples of such core technology components include quantum random number generators, photon sources, application and control software, etc. Work should also cover the integration of individual components and devices to larger, standalone QKD systems and their full testing and thus compliance to EU (ETSI/CENELEC) standards (including independent device protocols) and to EAL level 4 or above (Evaluation Assurance Level of the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (ISO/IEC 15408)), in view of their potential deployment in the EuroQCI initiative. Work should also include an exploitation plan covering all the industrialisation and fabrication aspects of such devices, technologies, systems and processes underpinning the creation of an EU QKD supply chain.

* QKD-based Telecom Network System production: Develop the full run system integration from EU QKD system (level 1) to Telecom network systems (level 2), key management (level 3) until cyber security system level (level 4). The level 4 quantum cybersecurity systems will then be integrated in traditional communication networks, assuring interoperability in a full multi-user end-to-end architecture. Upgradability to quantum information networks should be considered. Work should also cover the testing and certification/standards compliance of the complete QKD-based Telecom System in view of its deployment in the EuroQCI initiative.

Individual proposals should cover at least one of the above priorities. The final proposals selection for EU funding will ensure appropriate coverage of both priorities. At least 60% of the budget will be allocated to proposals addressing the first priority.

Implementation: European Commission