Previous QCI Days
2022 – QKDDays Madrid 2022
The first event of the QKD Days series took place in the inspiring setting of the E.T.S.I. Mines and Energy (UPM) and Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Industriales UPM in Madrid, marking a significant milestone for the community dedicated to advancing quantum communication technologies. As the inaugural event of this exciting new series, it set a high standard and left participants inspired and motivated.
The event was a resounding success, bringing together leading experts, equipment suppliers, and policymakers to discuss the future of quantum key distribution (QKD) networks in Europe. Over the course of two dynamic days, attendees were treated to insightful presentations, engaging panel discussions, and valuable networking opportunities in a venue renowned for fostering science and technology.
Day 1: “On the Road to Large QKD Network Deployments in Europe”
The first day highlighted the ecosystem of QKD networks, showcasing lessons from the OPENQKD project and best practices for building large-scale QKD infrastructures. The technical sessions provided a deep dive into the building blocks and supply chains necessary for European QKD networks, while the in-person format fostered meaningful interactions among participants.
Day 2: “QKD Industry Day”
The second day was tailored to industry and end-users, presenting actionable insights into high-potential use cases for QKD. Presentations on demonstrated use cases and industry perspectives captivated the audience, culminating in a vibrant round-table discussion with QKD suppliers and manufacturers from across Europe. This hybrid format ensured accessibility for a broader audience while maintaining the lively in-person atmosphere.
The Madrids event not only celebrated the achievements of 2022 but also set the stage for shaping the future of quantum communication infrastructure in Europe. It was the perfect launchpad for the QCIDays series, creating excitement for the next chapter in this journey.
2024 – QCIDays Vienna 2024
The QCIDays Vienna 2024, held from January 24th to January 26th at the The Federation of Austrian Industries, marked the next milestone in the QCIDays series. Organized under the QCI-CAT research project, led by the Austrian Institute of Technology and its consortium, the event offered a rich program spanning three days.
Day 1: “National Day”
The first day focused on Austrian stakeholders, including companies, industry representatives, and policymakers. It provided a platform to discuss the national landscape of quantum communication technologies and fostered collaboration among Austrian players.
Days 2 and 3: “European Days”
The second and third days expanded the scope to the European level, welcoming stakeholders from across Europe. These days featured contributions from DEP-1 and DEP-2 projects, the PETRUS coordination and support action, and key initiatives from the Quantum Technology Flagship. Presentations and discussions centered on pressing topics like quantum-resistant communication, quantum communication use cases, cybersecurity intersections, certification standards, and stakeholder requirements.
Event Highlights
• Over 50 Speakers shared insights on cutting-edge developments in quantum communication and technologies.
• Workshops on EuroQCI architecture and deployment, offering actionable strategies for building the European quantum communication infrastructure.
• Panel Discussions on certification and standardization, addressing critical steps for widespread adoption.
• Presentations on the quantum-secure technology ecosystem, education, and risk assessment.
• A Showroom featuring QKD network suppliers, showcasing the latest innovations.
• Extensive Networking Opportunities connecting stakeholders from SMEs, academia, public institutions, and DEP projects.
Attendance and Impact
The event drew an impressive 350 participants, surpassing expectations. Approximately 43% came from SMEs and industry, 35% from academia, and 19% from public institutions. Over half of the attendees were Austrian, with others from Germany and across Europe. This diverse participation highlighted the growing interest in quantum communication technologies.
The QCIDays Vienna 2024 successfully built on the momentum of the series, fostering collaboration and advancing the vision of a quantum-secure Europe.
QCIDays Athens 2025
At the conclusion of the QCIDays Vienna 2024, the spotlight shifted to the next chapter of this remarkable series as the event was ceremonially passed to its new host. The QCIDays Athens, scheduled to take place in April 2025, promises to continue the tradition of excellence in advancing quantum communication technologies.
The Athens event will be hosted by GRNet, the Greek Research and Technology Network, in collaboration with the national DEP project HellasQCI, as well as leading partners UPM (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) and AIT (Austrian Institute of Technology). This collaboration reflects the strong international spirit of the QCIDays series, emphasizing the shared vision of building a robust and secure quantum communication infrastructure in Europe.
The QCIDays Athens 2025 will provide an exceptional platform for discussing cutting-edge developments, fostering collaboration among experts, and showcasing Greece’s contributions to the quantum communication landscape. With its rich scientific heritage and vibrant innovation ecosystem, Athens is the perfect host city for this exciting event. We eagerly look forward to the insights and breakthroughs that will emerge from this upcoming gathering.