HellasQCI

SEEWQCI: Building a Quantum Communication Infrastructure to securely connect South-Eastern and Western Europe

user_hellas_qci — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:15:47 +0000

The protection of Europe’s critical infrastructure and sensitive data is being fortified through quantum encryption technologies, ensuring secure communications within and amongst European Union Member States.

Τhe project SEEWQCI (South-East Europe to Western Europe Quantum Communication Infrastructure), with the goal to develop a resilient and scalable network that combines underground optical fibres with satellite technology and Quantum Key Distribution. This aims to create a virtually unhackable shield for the highly secure transmission of sensitive data across European borders. This cross-border initiative interconnects the National Quantum Communication Infrastructures (NatQCIs) of Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and the Netherlands.

The project represents the next implementation phase of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). Following the deployment of National Quantum Communication Infrastructures (NatQCls) across Member States, the focus now moves towards interconnecting these networks, validating interoperability, and delivering operational cross-border quantum services. The project consortium brings together Governmental Authorities, National Security Authorities (NSAs), Security Operation Centres (SOCs), industry leaders, and Research & Technology Organisations (RTOs) from the four participating Member States.

Through this collaboration, SEEWQCI ensures that operational, security and interoperability requirements for real-world quantum networks deployment are addressed. Fully aligned with the European vision for the EuroQCI, SEEWQCI aims to reinforce cybersecurity resilience, promotes European technological sovereignty, and advances trusted cross-border cooperation, contributing to a secure and quantum-safe digital future.

The National Infrastructures for Research and Technology (GRNET S.A.) in Greece, is the project coordinator with the support of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Posts of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence. This role reaffirms the country’s institutional reliability and technical maturity at a European level. Within the framework of SEEWQCI, the Optical Ground Stations of Greece, Cyprus, and the Netherlands will link with the European satellite EAGLE-1, strengthening the space segment of EuroQCI. In this way, Greece establishes itself as a pivotal hub between South-Eastern and Western Europe, contributing substantially to the interoperability, security, and strategic autonomy of the European quantum ecosystem.

The official launch of the SEEWQCI project was held on 26-27 February 2026, at the Main Amphitheater of the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance, in Athens. The event brought together representatives from a consortium of 15 partners and 7 supporting organisations from Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands.

On February 26, during the open public session, the Secretary General of Telecommunications and Post at the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence Konstantinos Karantzalos, addressed the audience with opening remarks, followed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece Harry Theoharis, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of Cyprus Georgios Komodromos, the Technology Diplomat and Programme Director ad Interim for the Programme Quantum Safe, of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Ferdinand Griesdoorn, and the Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Athens Paul Schmit. High level government and participating officials of all four partner countries addressed and discussed the benefits on the national security, the institutional and operational challenges of cross-border, quantum-secure connectivity. The event’s open session was moderated by journalist Yannis Rizopoulos.

A huge contribution to the event was made by the participation and contributions of a total of 13 representatives from 19 EuroQCI CEF projects who are currently in the second implementation phase and their involvement showcases the scale, interoperability, and cohesion of the European effort to develop a unified, quantum-secure communications infrastructure.

The strong European representation at the SEEWQCI Kick-off reaffirms the confidence in Greek infrastructure and the country’s coordinating role. Through HellasQCI and SEEWQCI, Greece is actively contributing to the creation of a secure, resilient, and technologically sovereign European quantum communications ecosystem.

The SEEWQCI project will implement more than 29 quantum-secure communication use cases across more than 35 trusted nodes, establishing a resilient and fully interoperable cross-border quantum communications network.

The kick-off meeting was attended by approximately 250 participants from 13 countries (64 in person and 180 online), including government officials, academics, representatives from research institutions, and journalists from major news agencies.

In total, the project involves 5 Ministries, 5 National Security Authorities (NSAs), 4 Security Operations Centers (SOCs), 9 Research & Technology Organizations, and 3 industrial partners. This diverse composition underscores the project’s robust political support, its operational depth, and the strong transnational cooperation driving the EuroQCI initiative.

The total budget for the SEEWQCI project (GA 101249531) amounts to EUR 17,8 million, with 50% co-financing from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) program.

More information here: www.seewqci.eu

Disclaimer

Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or of the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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SEEWQCI Kick-off Meeting 26-27 February 2026

user_hellas_qci — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:46:39 +0000

The South-East Europe to Western Europe Quantum Communication Infrastructure (SEEWQCI) project officially launches its activities on 26-27 February 2026 in Athens, marking a major milestone in Europe’s effort to build secure digital communications.

The project represents the next implementation phase of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). Following the deployment of National Quantum Communication Infrastructures (NatQCIs) across Member States, the focus now moves toward interconnecting these networks, validating interoperability, and delivering cross-border quantum communication services.

SEEWQCI is a landmark cross-border initiative that interconnects the National Quantum Communication Infrastructures of Greece (HellasQCI), Cyprus (CYQCI), Bulgaria (BGQCI) and the Netherlands (NL-QCI), establishing a scalable quantum corridor for secure data transmission across South-Eastern and Western Europe.

SEEWQCI establishes a 1,100 km cross-border terrestrial QKD backbone between Greece and Bulgaria, positioning Greece as the gateway of the South-East Europe Quantum Corridor and laying the foundation for expansion toward Central and Western Europe. In parallel, the project deploys satellite and hybrid quantum connectivity through five Optical Ground Stations, enabling space-based links between Greece, the Netherlands, and Cyprus, as well as hybrid terrestrial–space connections between Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Cyprus via Greece.

Building Europe’s Quantum-Secure Backbone

As part of the second implementation phase of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), SEEWQCI contributes to a continental network combining:

Terrestrial quantum-secure fibre links, including the Greece–Bulgaria corridor
Space-based quantum communications, via Optical Ground Stations in Greece, Cyprus and the Netherlands
Integration with the European EAGLE-1 quantum satellite, extending secure communications beyond terrestrial limits

This hybrid terrestrial-space architecture will enable the secure transmission of sensitive data.

Project Scale & European Cooperation

SEEWQCI is implemented by a consortium of 15 core partners and 7 supporting organisations from Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, including:

Ministries and National Security Authorities
Security Operations Centres (SOCs)
Research & Technology Organisations
Industrial partners

The project will deploy a 1,100 km terrestrial QKD corridor, integrate five Optical Ground Stations, and implement more than 29 quantum-secure use cases across over 35 trusted nodes, testing terrestrial, satellite and hybrid connectivity scenarios.

Kick-off Meeting Programme Highlights

The opening session includes remarks from government representatives, national authorities, research organisations and the European Commission.

Two high-level panels will take place:

High-Level Institutional Panel (10:40–11:10)

Focus: EuroQCI strategic dimension,

EuroQCI CEF Projects Panel (12:40–13:10)

Focus: coordination among parallel CEF quantum infrastructure projects, cross-border cooperation and interoperability.

Representatives from multiple EuroQCI projects -including TransEuroOGS, SBIQCI, BAT-QCI, QUAPITAL, PIONIER-Q-SAT, ROGS, IberianQCI, QRUSOE, BeneluxQCI, QCI-AT-CZ-PL & QCI-SK-CZ-PL, CEQCI- will participate, highlighting the cohesion of Europe’s quantum ecosystem.

This collective presence reinforces mutual trust, cross-border alignment, and coordinated implementation across Member States, while positioning Greece as a reliable and active hub within the evolving EuroQCI initiative.

SEEWQCI within EuroQCI & Europe’s Digital Decade

SEEWQCI aligns with the EuroQCI vision to protect communications, sensitive data and critical infrastructure using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) – a quantum physics-based technology capable of detecting interception attempts. The initiative supports the EU’s Digital Decade 2030 objective to lead global quantum capabilities.

Useful links

Find the Kick-off meeting’s full Agenda here.

Join the event’s livestream via DIAVLOS here.

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GRNET, HellasQCI Project Coordinator, supports European collaboration on Quantum Preparedness through Q-PrEP Workshops

user_hellas_qci — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 07:26:44 +0000

On 5 and 6 February 2026, HellasQCI, coordinated by GRNET, actively contributed to two consecutive workshops on quantum preparedness and secure communications, reinforcing collaboration at national and European level.

Q-PrEP In-Person Workshop at NCSR “Demokritos” – 5 February, 2026

Organised by the Q-PrEP project and held on 5 February at NCSR “Demokritos” in Athens, the Q-PrEP (Quantum Preparedness) In-Person Workshop brought together more than 100 experts and stakeholders from across Europe to address real-world challenges in post-quantum security, quantum preparedness, and quantum-safe communication infrastructures.

The programme combined strategic perspectives, technical insights, and interactive dialogue through keynote speeches and expert talks, thematic presentations, and focus panels addressing cryptographic migration, system-level risks in public IT infrastructures, and the integration of quantum-safe communications in the public domain.

Within this framework, Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, Senior Project Manager at GRNET and Coordinator of HellasQCI, delivered a keynote speech on strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure in Greece against cyber threats, highlighting the strategic importance of post-quantum readiness for national and European digital infrastructures. In addition, Dr. Homer Papadopoulos, Senior Science & Development Manager at NCSR “Demokritos” and HellasQCI Communications Leader, presented on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), highlighting practical pathways towards quantum-safe communications.

Q-PrEP and HellasQCI Community Workshop at GRNET – 6 February

On 6 February, a follow-up focused community workshop entitled “Strengthening Europe’s Quantum Communication Ecosystem: Q-PrEP and HellasQCI” was held at the premises of GRNET, in cooperation with the Q-PrEP project and NCSR “Demokritos”, bringing together around 20 participants from the Greek and European quantum technologies and quantum communications ecosystem.

The workshop featured presentations on the HellasQCI project, updates from the Q-PrEP community and its partners, and an open discussion on collaboration opportunities across research, industry, and infrastructure initiatives in the field of quantum technologies. Participants represented a broad range of academic, industrial, and institutional stakeholders, including Capgemini, NMWP Management, SMALS, Deutsche Bundesbank, as well as partners from the HellasQCI Consortium (GRNET, NKUA, NCSR “Demokritos”, and NTUA).

Within this context, Mathias Schumacher, M.Sc., presented the Q-PrEP project, outlining its objectives, scope, and ongoing activities, and highlighting synergies with national and European quantum initiatives, including HellasQCI.

On behalf of GRNET and the HellasQCI project, Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, Dr. Alexis Aivaliotis, and Athina Anastasopoulou presented the latest developments of the HellasQCI project, as well as its next phase through the SEEWQCI and TransEuroOGS projects, underlining Greece’s growing role in the European quantum communication landscape.

Furthermore, Dr. Konstantinos Tsimvrakidis (NKUA) delivered a high-level presentation on the technical implementation and use cases of the HellasQCI networks, while Dr. Giannis Giannoulis (NTUA) introduced the spin-off company QRBIT and its experimental activities in space-based QKD.

The workshop concluded with lively discussions on the deployment and operation of QKD and PQC networks, as well as the integration of space-based quantum communications, serving as a productive community-building initiative and fostering dialogue on the future evolution of quantum-safe technologies in Europe.

The workshops highlighted the value of close coordination across national and European initiatives, strengthening HellasQCI’s contribution to the development of resilient, quantum-safe communication infrastructures.

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A Greek First: Quantum-Secure Technologies Deployed in a Hospital Environment

Giannis Papadopoulos — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 17:27:20 +0000

Within the framework of the HellasQCI project, which forms part of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) and is implemented under the coordination of the National Infrastructures for Research and Technology Network (GRNET S.A.), under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and AI, with the support of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, the Knowledge Management Unit kmunit.eu of the Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications of NCSR “Demokritos” is implementing a pioneering pilot project for quantum-secure communications in the healthcare sector.

For the first time in Greece, a hospital is leveraging quantum-secure technologies under real operational conditions, aiming to enhance the security of communications and protect sensitive medical data. Within the pilot project, a hybrid quantum security system was developed and a secure digital connection was established between Alexandra University Hospital and NCSR “Demokritos”, using the national quantum communication infrastructure HellasQCI, which is designed, developed and operated by GRNET S.A.

GRNET, as the national digital infrastructure provider and coordinator of HellasQCI, delivers the network and quantum infrastructure that enables the secure interconnection of critical entities.

Through this connection, core digital health services are being tested using exclusively simulated data, such as the secure storage of medical images and electronic patient records, as well as a dedicated application that enables secure communication and collaboration among physicians. In this way, the daily digital operation of a modern hospital is simulated, without the use of real personal data.

Of particular importance is the fact that NCSR “Demokritos” has developed state-of-the-art domestic technologies that enable the combination of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). QKD is a technology that protects communications by exploiting the principles of quantum physics, while PQC uses new forms of cryptography that are resilient even to the threats posed by quantum computers.

The pilot project demonstrates in practice that this combination can significantly enhance the security of communications, safeguarding critical infrastructures against present and future digital threats.

The solutions being tested are flexible and easily adaptable, allowing their application in other critical sectors as well, such as:

defence and national security,
telecommunications and public infrastructures,
the protection of critical data and digital services.

The pilot project is accompanied by measurable results, confirming that quantum-secure technologies can substantially enhance communication security and the protection of personal data. This successful implementation in a Greek hospital constitutes a major milestone for the country, paving the way for the broader adoption of quantum-secure communications in Greece.

This successful application in a Greek hospital highlights the role of the national HellasQCI infrastructure, GRNET S.A., and NCSR “Demokritos” as a foundation for the development of quantum-secure digital services in Greece.

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GRNET & NKUA Visit Motor oil – Use case: Critical Infrastructure

user_hellas_qci — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 13:01:46 +0000

GRNET, NKUA and Motor Oil Hellas Demonstrate Quantum-Secure Communications through a Successful HellasQCI QKD Pilot at Motor Oil’s Corinth Refineries

On 27 January 2026, GRNET, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and Motor Oil Hellas successfully implemented a use case of the HellasQCI project (Quantum cryptography to secure communication links of critical infrastructures) at the Corinth Refineries of Motor Oil Hellas in Agioi Theodoroi.

The use case involved the deployment and operation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) equipment in a real industrial environment, with the objective of conducting tests for the exchange of quantum-secure encrypted communications between selected points within the refinery. This activity demonstrated the application of quantum cryptography technologies in an operational critical infrastructure setting.

The installation and testing activities were carried out by engineering teams from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and GRNET, in close collaboration with the ICT department of Motor Oil. Two locations were selected for the deployment: the refinery’s main Data Center and the Data Center of the Hydro Cracker (Hydro) unit. These locations were chosen as they constitute core aggregation points for data traffic and high-availability network configurations within the refinery infrastructure.

At each location, a QKD device (Alice–Bob pair) was installed, together with an Ethernet switch capable of consuming QKD-generated keys. The two sites were interconnected via the existing optical fiber network of Motor Oil. Through this setup, symmetric QKD keys were used in place of conventional cryptographic keys by the switches, enabling the establishment of a high-speed, quantum-secure Layer-2 (MACsec) communication channel.

As a result of this configuration, communication between the two data centers was rendered quantum-resistant, enhancing protection against potential quantum-enabled attacks. Following the successful initial trial, Motor Oil, in collaboration with GRNET and NKUA, planned to continue testing the solution under real operational scenarios, in order to further evaluate its functionality under varying operating conditions of the critical infrastructure.

Key project partner organisation representatives were present at the installation and demonstration, including Mr. Dionysis Vythoulkas, ICT Manager, Motor Oil, Ms. Elena Koustibi, EU Affairs Associate, Motor Oil, Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, Senior Project Manager, GRNET,HellasQCI Project Coordinator, and Prof. George Kanellos, NKUA, HellasQCI Project Technical Coordinator.

The HellasQCI Project is coordinated by GRNET S.A. – National Infrastructures for Research and Technology, operating under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence with the support of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post.

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GRNET and Luxembourg Advance Cooperation on Quantum Communications

user_hellas_qci — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:05:48 +0000

GRNET, coordinator of the HellasQCI and SEEWQCI projects, engaged in a high-level discussion with the Ambassador of Luxembourg to Greece, Paul Schmit, on 19January 2026. The discussion focused on quantum technologies, secure communications, and digital governance, as well as on the strong and growing cooperation between Greece and Luxembourg within the framework of the pan-European EuroQCI initiative.

Within this framework, Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, Senior Project Manager at GRNET and Coordinator of the HellasQCI and SEEWQCI projects, together with Athina Anastasopoulou, Project Manager at GRNET, presented the strategic EuroQCI projects coordinated by GRNET. These include HellasQCI, Greece’s National Quantum Communication Infrastructure, deploying a nationwide quantum-secure network based on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Optical Ground Stations (OGS), and SEEWQCI, a cross-border initiative interconnecting the national quantum communication infrastructures of Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, and the Netherlands, creating a secure quantum corridor between South-East and Western Europe.

The discussion also addressed TransEuroOGS, a complementary EuroQCI project coordinated by Fraunhofer IOF, which focuses on the interoperability of Optical Ground Stations across Germany, Greece, Luxembourg, and Ireland, strengthening the space-based dimension of the EuroQCI ecosystem. GRNET participates as a partner and chairs the Joint Steering Council on behalf of the Greek partners.

Particular emphasis was placed on Luxembourg’s strong engagement in quantum technologies and the excellent collaboration developed with key stakeholders across the European quantum ecosystem. In this context, HellasQCI and SEEWQCI play a key role in positioning Greece within the pan-European EuroQCI initiative and in advancing Europe’s transition towards secure, resilient, and trusted quantum communications.

The discussion reaffirmed the shared commitment of Greece and Luxembourg to further strengthen cooperation in quantum technologies and to actively contribute to the development of a secure and interconnected European quantum communication infrastructure.

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HellasQCI Newsletter #5 • December 2025

user_hellas_qci — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 07:33:20 +0000

The 5th official HellasQCI Newsletter is out, aiming to show the latest progress and updates of the project. Take a look and subscribe (if you haven’t already): HERE

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HellasQCI Winter School Assessment Report

user_hellas_qci — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:07:58 +0000

Event: HellasQCI Winter School – Training Workshop
Dates: 26–28 November 2025
Venues: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, WinPhos Lab, KEDEA
Framework: HellasQCI Project – National Quantum Communication Infrastructure for Greece

The HellasQCI Winter School – Training Workshop, held on 26–28 November 2025, marked a significant milestone in the training activities delivered by the HellasQCI consortium as part of Greece’s national quantum communication initiative. Organised under the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), and held under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence, the workshop aimed at training the next generation of engineers in quantum telecommunications and advancing cybersecurity capabilities at the national and European level. HellasQCI, Greece’s national quantum communication infrastructure deployed within the wider EuroQCI initiative, is co-funded by the European Union under the Digital Europe Programme (Grant Agreement No. 101091504).

The Winter School represents a key step in strengthening Europe’s quantum-secure ecosystem through a high-impact programme tailored to three main stakeholder groups: academic and research staff, digital security experts, and end-users from national security authorities and critical infrastructure operators. More than 250 students, researchers, and professionals were trained in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), quantum network architectures, and quantum-secured applications, while 40 international speakers from 15 countries contributed to fostering knowledge exchange and cross-border alignment.

Beyond skills development, the programme supports Greece’s readiness for the upcoming EuroQCI CEF Phase 2 deployments—most notably the SEEWQCI and TransEuroOGS projects starting in January 2026—and reinforces the country’s role as a regional hub for Southeast European quantum infrastructure. By engaging industry stakeholders and endorsing commercially viable, quantum-ready cybersecurity solutions, the Winter School strengthens the long-term sustainability and interoperability of HellasQCI within the broader European quantum communications landscape.

Watch the video with the Highlights here

Event Overview & Execution

The HellasQCI Training Event in Thessaloniki (2025) was successfully implemented as a three-day, intensive capacity-building programme combining policy-level discussions, advanced technical theory, and hands-on practical training in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

The event was organised under the framework of the HellasQCI project, under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and AI, and aligned with the objectives of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI).

The training programme spanned three days, covering three complementary thematic pillars: (i) high-level QKD policy and the EuroQCI vision, (ii) theoretical foundations and technologies for space-based QKD, and (iii) hands-on training on QRNGs and QKD protocols, including BB84.

A total of three dedicated laboratory sessions were delivered, ensuring strong practical engagement alongside theoretical learning.

The event brought together 40 expert speakers from academia, research organisations, industry, and national authorities, representing 11 National Quantum Communication Infrastructures (NatQCIs) and key European initiatives, including PETRUS and NOSTRADAMUS. Participation was broad and inclusive, with approximately 250 attendees, combining 150 online participants and 100 physical attendees, enabling both wide outreach and in-depth on-site interaction.

In total, 15 countries were represented, reflecting the strong pan-European dimension of the event and its alignment with EuroQCI objectives. The training was executed through a hybrid format, leveraging modern conferencing infrastructure for remote access while maintaining high-quality in-person sessions, laboratories, and demonstrations. This approach ensured effective knowledge transfer, active participation, and meaningful networking across national and disciplinary boundaries.

Overall, the event was executed in a structured, efficient, and impactful manner, reinforcing HellasQCI’s role as a national and European hub for quantum communications training and contributing directly to workforce development, interoperability, and ecosystem building within the EuroQCI framework.

Thematic Content

Day 1 – High-Level QKD Policy and EuroQCI Vision (26 November 2025, KEDEA)

The first day of the HellasQCI Winter School focused on the strategic, policy, and ecosystem dimensions of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and the EuroQCI initiative. The training opened with welcome remarks from representatives of the Ministry of Digital Governance and AI (MinDigital), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), GRNET, KETYAK, and the Hellenic Space Center (HSC), highlighting the national importance of quantum-secure communications for public administration, national security, research, and space applications. An overview of the three-day programme was provided by AUTH, followed by a keynote lecture from the University of Strathclyde, setting the scientific and technological context for quantum communications in Europe, and a presentation by NKUA on HellasQCI’s participation in flagship EuroQCI demonstrations (QCI Days 2025 and ECOC 2025).

The programme continued with an overview of the PETRUS and NOSTRADAMUS projects, presented by Deutsche Telekom, illustrating how large-scale European initiatives contribute to interoperability, validation, and industrialisation of QKD technologies. A dedicated panel on National Quantum Communication Infrastructures (NatQCIs) brought together representatives from HellasQCI (GRNET), Lux4QCI (University of Luxembourg – SnT), CYQCI (Cyprus University of Technology), BGQCI (Teleconsult EOOD, Bulgaria), and IrelandQCI (Walton Institute, SETU), providing a comparative overview of national deployment strategies and cross-border collaboration. In the afternoon, a second NatQCI panel included contributions from QCI-CAT from Austria (AIT), EuroQCI Spain (ICFO), EstQCI from Estonia (RIKS), NQCIS from Sweden (Stockholm University), QCIHungary (KIFÜ) and RoNaQCI from Romania (University Politehnica of Bucharest), underlining the pan-European dimension of EuroQCI.

The day concluded with an industrial QKD session featuring European technology providers and integrators, including ThinkQuantum, Zero Third, Nokia, Single Quantum, QRBIT, and QUBITECH, offering insights into commercially available QKD systems, components, and deployment challenges, followed by a networking reception.

Day 2 – Theory for Space QKD and Optical Ground Stations (27 November 2025, KEDEA)

The second day was dedicated to the theoretical and technological foundations of space-based QKD and optical communications. The programme began with an introduction to quantum information theory by AUTH, followed by sessions on space-based QKD architectures and satellite QKD systems delivered by QRBIT and the Photon and Communication Research Laboratory (PCRL). A comprehensive tutorial on satellite QKD using the QuantLink platform provided participants with an in-depth understanding of end-to-end space quantum links.

Subsequent sessions focused on enabling technologies for space quantum communications, including superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPDs) by Single Quantum, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) by Ligentec, optical communication technologies through HellasSat, and the GreekObs2OGS initiative presented by Raymetrics. Industrial and space-sector contributions continued with presentations on miniaturised VCSEL and PIC transceivers for inter-satellite optical links by LEO Space, as well as the PeakSat optical CubeSat mission by the AUTH CubeSat Team.

The afternoon sessions highlighted Greece’s Optical Ground Stations (OGSs), with detailed presentations of Holomontas (AUTH), Helmos (National Observatory of Athens), and Skinakas (FORTH / University of Crete), demonstrating their role within HellasQCI and the broader EuroQCI space segment. The day concluded with sessions on quantum random number generators (QRNGs) for space QKD, hands-on experiment theory, and a practical demonstration of the DV-QKD BB84 protocol and a two-bit quantum computer by NTUA and QGreece.

Live QKD Demonstration (26-27 November 2025, KEDEA)

During the first two days of the event, NKUA operated a live Quantum Key Distribution demonstration aimed at participants who were not already familiar with QKD concepts. The demo featured two QKD links arranged in a relay configuration, forming three interconnected QKD nodes. At each node, a FortiGate firewall consumed QKD-generated keys to establish IPsec VPN tunnels, enabling a three-way, quantum-secure videoconference. This setup allowed attendees to directly observe the operation of a QKD-enabled network and to engage with the NKUA team for detailed explanations of both the underlying principles and the practical integration of QKD with standard network security technologies.

Day 3 – Hands-On QKD Training and Demonstrations (28 November 2025, KEDEK & NOESIS)

The third day focused on applied, hands-on training, allowing participants to directly engage with QKD technologies and operational concepts. Structured laboratory sessions on the building blocks of QKD were conducted in three consecutive modules, guiding participants through practical aspects of QKD system operation, photon-based QKD protocols, and experimental setups. These sessions were designed to reinforce theoretical knowledge acquired during the previous days and to develop operational competence in quantum-secured communications.

The training concluded with a live satellite tracking demonstration at NOESIS, linking the hands-on QKD exercises with real-world space communication scenarios and underlining the importance of integrating terrestrial and space-based quantum infrastructures within HellasQCI and EuroQCI.

Cumulative Training Impact (2023–2025)

Total Attendees: 1,040+ professionals trained
Total Lessons: 75 training modules delivered
Total Laboratory Sessions: 9 hands-on labs conducted
International Engagement: Training spanning 3 Greek cities and 15+ countries
Recurring Partners: PETRUS CSA, Nostradamus, and 20+ NatQCI projects demonstrating sustained EuroQCI ecosystem engagement
Training Platform Users: 124
HellasQCI Community Registry: 37 Members

Infographics of Training Events – Athens 2023 – Crete 2024 – Thessaloniki 2025

Useful Links & References

Official Project Websites

HellasQCI Project Portal: https://hellasqci.eu/
HellasQCI Training Platform: https://training.hellasqci.eu/
HellasQCI Winter School Agenda: https://hellasqci.eu/hellasqci-winter-school-2025/
GRNET – National Infrastructures for Research and Technology: https://www.grnet.gr/

EuroQCI Framework & Documentation

EuroQCI Initiative: https://petrus-euroqci.eu/
Digital Europe Programme https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/

Winter School Video & Media

- Event Highlights [Available on HellasQCI YouTube Account here]
- Diavlos Webstream On demand here

Photo and Video Gallery

Download full report here

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GRNET, coordinator of the HellasQCI project, participated in the Digital Economy Forum 2025

user_hellas_qci — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:53:50 +0000

GRNET participated in the Digital Economy Forum 2025, held on December 15, with Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, Senior Project Manager at GRNET and Coordinator of the National Quantum Communications Infrastructure HellasQCI as a panelist.

Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou participated in the panel: “Defense, space & cybersecurity – new challenges and opportunities,”which analysed developments and prospects for Greek IT companies in the fields of defense technology, space industry, and cybersecurity. The session focused on contemporary technological and regulatory challenges, opportunities for innovation, and the importance of developing partnerships and specialised skills to create high value-added solutions.

In his presentation, Dr. Papastamatiou highlighted the strategic importance of quantum communications for Greece and Europe, presenting the role of the national quantum communication infrastructure, HellasQCI, in the next generation of cybersecurity. He stressed the necessity of these technologies for protecting sensitive data and critical infrastructures, as well as their contribution to the EuroQCI ecosystem, the pan-European initiative for the development of secure quantum communication infrastructures.

The Forum hosted a particularly constructive discussion on defense, space, cybersecurity, and the strategic role of quantum technologies for Europe, effectively contributing to the alignment of secure digital infrastructures with European strategic priorities, particularly in the critical areas of defense, space and cybersecurity.

The panel included Konstantinos Karantzalos, Secretary General for Telecommunications and Post, Michael Bletsas, Director of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Pantelis Tzortzakis, CEO of the Hellenic Center for Defense Innovation, Dimitris Vassilopoulos, General Manager of the Public Sector Unit at Netcompany, and Antonis Mavromichalis, Director of the Akamai Business Unit at ATCOM. The discussion was moderated by Journalist Dimitris Mallas.

The official conference dinner, held at the Intercontinental Athenaeum following the conclusion of the DEF 2025 panels, was also attended by Mr. Stefanos Kollias, Emeritus Professor at the National Technical University of Athens and Chairman of GRNET, and Mr. Dimitris Katsianis, Assistant Professor at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and Deputy Chairman of GRNET.

GRNET thanks SEPE for the excellent organization of the Digital Economy Forum 2025, an event that continues to be a benchmark for connecting policymakers with industry leaders around the key challenges and opportunities of the digital economy.

You may watch the remarks of Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou at the following link.

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HellasQCI Overall Achievements January 2023 – November 2025

user_hellas_qci — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:28:19 +0000

An infographic overview highlighting HellasQCI’s project journey, major milestones, and strategic achievements.

The post HellasQCI Overall Achievements January 2023 – November 2025 appeared first on HellasQCI.