QCI Days 2025 in Athens: Today’s Science is Future Solutions for a Secure Quantum Future
Overview of the Conference
From April 28 to 30, Greece hosted the international QCI Days 2025 in Athens, reinforcing its leading role in the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative. Held at the Eugenides Foundation, the event drew over 600 participants from 30+ countries, including researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. It coincided with both the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and World Quantum Day 2025, offering a vital platform for discussing secure and scalable quantum communication across Europe.
The event was supported by the Ministry of Digital Governance, coordinated by the General Secretariat for Telecommunications and Post, and co-organized by GRNET, the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), and the Technical University of Madrid (UPM).
Keynotes and Program Highlights
The conference program covered a wide range of subjects essential to the advancement of quantum communication technologies. Sessions addressed progress in quantum key distribution (QKD), hardware development—including new photon sources and high-performance detectors—and the integration of quantum networks with classical communication systems. Speakers also explored emerging quantum-safe encryption protocols such as OTNsec, MACsec, and IPsec. Beyond technical presentations, panels and discussions focused on policy frameworks, funding mechanisms, and industry-academia collaboration to accelerate the deployment of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI).
The conference’s opening keynote was delivered by Professor Artur Ekert, a pioneer of quantum cryptography, who is a Professor of Quantum Physics at the Mathematical Institute of the University of Oxford, Merton College, Oxford, and the National University of Singapore. He is also the founding director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) in Singapore and is renowned for inventing the quantum key distribution protocol known as Ekert91, which uses quantum entanglement to ensure secure communication. His inspiring keynote laid the foundation for the conference by emphasizing the transformative potential of quantum technologies.
Philippe Grangier, another leading figure in quantum communication and a pioneer in experimental quantum optics, was also featured prominently during the conference. His contributions to the field, including groundbreaking work on quantum entanglement and quantum key distribution, have been instrumental in advancing secure quantum communication infrastructures.
Live Cross-Border Quantum Key Distribution Demonstration
One of the most impressive highlights of QCI Days 2025 in Athens was the live cross-border Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) demonstration. This groundbreaking event connected quantum communication nodes across three countries—Greece, Spain, and Austria—via an advanced fiber optic network exceeding 130 kilometers in length.
This demonstration showcased not only the technical maturity and practical readiness of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) but also the seamless interoperability between diverse quantum technologies developed in different countries. By successfully transmitting secure quantum keys across national borders, the event underscored Europe’s leadership in pioneering a secure, scalable, and European quantum communication network.
The demonstration was met with great enthusiasm from the international audience, illustrating how collaborative research and innovation are driving the future of quantum-secured communications.
Alongside the rich conference program and QKD demonstration, the vibrant exhibition area featured other demonstrations, prototypes, and national QCI projects. The exhibition area at QCI Days 2025 provided a dynamic space where participants could explore cutting-edge quantum technologies, prototypes, and research projects and brought together academia, industry players, government representatives, and startups, fostering valuable interactions and networking opportunities. Technologies on display included photon sources, single-photon detectors, and quantum-safe encryption modules, underlining Europe’s collaborative momentum in building a quantum-secure future.
Slovakia’s Participation and Contributions
Slovakia’s presence at QCI Days 2025 was marked by the active engagement of the national quantum communication project skQCI, an integral part of EuroQCI. The QUTE.sk delegation included the experimental team from the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (IP SAS), accompanied by representatives from the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization (MIRRI SR) and the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth. This collaboration reflects strong state sector support for Slovakia’s quantum communication ambitions.
Dr. Djeylan Aktas delivered a technical talk detailing recent progress on quantum entanglement sources developed within the skQCI project. His presentation highlighted how these advances contribute to enhancing secure communication protocols and network scalability, positioning Slovakia as an emerging player in Europe’s quantum technology landscape.
Additionally, Slovakia was represented at the poster session with a detailed poster illustrating technological progress, research achievements, and educational activities within the skQCI initiative. The poster session provided valuable opportunities to engage with international experts, exchange knowledge, and explore potential collaborations.
The Importance of EuroQCI Collaboration
QCI Days 2025 reinforced the importance of European collaboration in building the next generation of quantum communication infrastructures. The event offered an invaluable forum to strengthen partnerships between academia, industry, and government across Europe.
Slovakia’s active role at the conference demonstrates its growing commitment to developing quantum infrastructure supported by governmental institutions and integrated within the broader EuroQCI vision for a secure quantum future.
Photo Report
