European Quantum Communication Infrastructure Initiative – Implications for Future Data Security in Europe
The presentation will delve into the inception, goals, and progress of the EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure) initiative and its implications for the development of data security within the European Union, with examples given from developments in Sweden. The key aspects of the EuroQCI’s design, including its terrestrial and space segments, its integration into current communication infrastructures, and the role of quantum key distribution (QKD) will be outlined. The presentation will also highlight the significant steps taken by the European Commission, the European Space Agency, and all EU member states in supporting and implementing this initiative and its coming phases. The specific context of Sweden’s involvement in the initiative will be highlighted, focusing on the National Quantum Communication Infrastructure in Sweden (NQCIS) project. An overview will be given of the collaborative efforts between KTH and Ericsson to establish a local quantum network, the unique geographical challenges faced by Sweden, and the various projects and technologies being developed for QKD links. The presentation will also emphasise the relevance of RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) in this context. As a significant player in Sweden’s innovation ecosystem, RISE’s potential contributions to the EuroQCI and NQCIS projects can be multifaceted, from supporting the development of technologies to fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
Core Insights:
In the first part of the presentation, we’ll explore the background of the EuroQCI initiative – its origin and history, its fundamental goals, and the progress that’s been made since its inception in 2019. EuroQCI represents a significant step forward in data security and distribution, integrating quantum-based systems into existing communication infrastructures to provide an added layer of protection for governmental institutions, data centres, and other critical infrastructure. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) services are explained, which represent a highly secure form of encryption, and the dual terrestrial and space segments of the EuroQCI. Finally, the investment made into the EuroQCI by the European Commission, the European Space Agency, and all EU member states is described.
In the second part, Sweden’s involvement in the EuroQCI is elaborated upon, focusing on the National Quantum Communication Infrastructure in Sweden (NQCIS) project. The NQCIS project represents a vital component of Sweden’s commitment to the EuroQCI.
The presentation concludes by discussing how RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) fits into this landscape, detailing the possible ways RISE could contribute to the success of the EuroQCI and NQCIS projects.
