24 million euros over three years Europe to build first quantum Internet ecosystem

Following approval by the European Commission, on October 14, the European Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) launched a seven-year project [1] to develop a full-stack prototype network connecting distant cities to build a "Made in Europe" quantum Internet ecosystem.

01European Quantum Internet Consortium

The Quantum Internet Alliance team at the launch event.

Founded in 2017 by European leaders in the field, QuTech, ICFO, the University of Innsbruck and the Paris Center for Quantum Computing, the European Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) is an established world-leading team of 40 partners, including academic institutions, telecom operators, system integrators and quantum technology startups across Europe. Their common goal is to solve all the challenges towards building one of the world's first large-scale quantum network prototypes in Europe. In recent years, QIA has laid the groundwork for the realization of its prototype network: including the first multi-processor quantum network in the lab, the first quantum software and network stack, and a state-of-the-art quantum repeater system to enable long-range quantum communication in the future.

This time, QIA will implement a seven-year program aimed at developing a full-stack prototype network connecting distant cities. In this way, QIA will drive an innovative European Quantum Internet ecosystem, leveraging QIA's world-leading developments and translating them into innovative engineering solutions. The prototype network will be able to connect users in two metropolitan areas hundreds of kilometers apart.

02World's first prototype quantum network: will be a 'game changer'

"QIA is on a moonshot mission to build a prototype quantum network that has the potential to be the first of its kind." Professor Stephanie Wehner (QuTech), Director of the Quantum Internet Alliance, said [2], "This is a very challenging endeavor and I am excited that with this project we now have the opportunity to reach the dream of making the quantum Internet a practical reality for all."

The goal is to build two metro-scale networks containing quantum processors and photonic clients over long-distance fiber-optic backbone links using quantum repeaters. This network will be fully programmable, allowing the use of platform-independent software to implement any application supported by the hardware. The photonic client will enable low-cost access to quantum Internet technologies in the future.

"Developing the ability to interconnect metropolitan networks via long-range links based on quantum repeaters will be a game changer," said Prof. Dr. Hugues de Riedmatten (ICFO) of the QIA executive team, "It will demonstrate the capabilities of the Internet and pave the way for the realization of a true industrial expansion of the quantum Internet, connecting more metropolitan networks through the long-distance backbone between them."

The first phase of the program, which will last 3.5 years starting in October 2022, has a total budget of €24 million. Quantum Internet technology is expected to offer various benefits to different sectors, such as security in the telecommunications and financial sectors. In the first phase, QIA aims to identify several pilot use cases that can be demonstrated on early quantum Internet technologies.

"We want to build a prototype quantum network with all the elements needed to extend the development of the European quantum Internet industry, capable of bringing value to users in the EU and beyond." Stephanie Wehner, director of the Quantum Internet Consortium, said the network has the potential to be the first of its kind in the world, with the ultimate goal of making the quantum Internet available to everyone. That's why there's a strong focus on accelerating the transition from research to engineering and ultimately bringing the technology to market. "

What really sets QIA apart is that we are advancing a full-stack system that bridges the gap from quantum hardware to advanced software. As a result, we are building a complete system that is ready to be integrated by the telecom industry." said Dr. Wojciech Kozlowski (QuTech) of QIA's executive team.

03Bringing together European talent from various countries and industries

Beyond that, the second goal is to create a platform for European quantum Internet innovation and to translate these technological advances into innovation. "This includes support for entrepreneurs, knowledge protection, nurturing talent in different fields, use case development, and a technology forum that brings together academic and industrial players along the value chain," Wehner explains, adding that this ecosystem approach will extend to all member states and that this interdisciplinary community approach is one of the reasons QIA received this One of the reasons for the funding.

Professor Tracy Northup (University of Innsbruck) of the QIA executive team said, "We hope to expand QIA's activities to all EU member states and have invited students, engineers and entrepreneurs to join our mission to build a global quantum Internet by participating in our internship program."

Reference:

[1]https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/new-european-quantum-internet-programme-launched/

[2]https://quantum-internet.team/2022/10/14/the-quantum-internet-alliance-will-build-an-advanced-european-quantum-internet-ecosystem/