As digital communication becomes more widespread, so do the risks posed by cyberattacks and data misuse. Furthermore, the threat posed by future quantum computers, which could break current encryption methods, is growing. One key countermeasure is secure cryptography. Although modern methods are considered virtually unbreakable, they require absolutely secure key transmission. This is where quantum physics comes in: by using 'entangled' particles, communication can be designed so that any attempts at eavesdropping are detected immediately. Some 25 years ago, the Viennese physicist Anton Zeilinger demonstrated that this physical principle works in practice – for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2022.

Researchers at AIT have been involved from the very beginning. They are developing key technologies for quantum cryptography and coordinating major European initiatives to establish highly secure communication networks, such as EuroQCI (fibre optics) and IRIS² (satellite). In doing so, AIT has established itself as a key centre of expertise and technology provider, as well as a driving force behind a European quantum encryption industry.

This has led to significant contracts, including from the European Space Agency, industry partners and the European Commission. Projects such as ‘Nostradamus’, QCI-CAT and PETRUS are strengthening testing, verification and pilot infrastructures across Europe. In parallel, AIT is involved in the EU Quantum Technologies Flagship in building a supplier ecosystem. The Quantum Technologies Flagship is a long-term research and innovation initiative that aims to put Europe at the forefront of the second quantum revolution.

In Austria – supported by the KIRAS security research programme – a quantum-secure network was demonstrated between four federal ministries in Vienna and along the Graz–Vienna route. Applications such as secret sharing, video chat and backups were successfully secured using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Furthermore, AIT provides strategic advice to the European Commission, for instance on standardisation issues, and holds around 30 patents in this field.

AIT’s work makes a direct contribution to the industrialisation of modern encryption technologies ‘Made in the EU’ and strengthens Europe’s digital sovereignty. In future, AIT will coordinate the expansion of EuroQCI in Austria and its connection to neighbouring countries, establish an optical ground station and work closely with infrastructure operators. Projects such as MOZART are also investigating QKD-secured connections for public authorities. At the same time, AIT is continuing to drive forward the development of a European supplier ecosystem for quantum encryption.