The increasing global threat posed by powerful decryption technologies and the expected availability of quantum computers represent a significant challenge for information security. Especially for government institutions and operators of critical infrastructures in the EU, it is essential to rely on quantum-safe encryption at an early stage in order to ensure greater digital sovereignty and security. The development of quantum communication systems is therefore not only a technological innovation, but also a strategic necessity for European cyber security.
AIT has established itself as a central player in the development of quantum encryption and quantum key distribution (QKD) in Europe. Sustainable funding for research activities is provided by a combination of national programmes such as KIRAS and Quantum Austria, European and international funding programmes and contracts from organisations such as ESA and the EU Commission. The expertise of the AIT makes a decisive contribution to the EU technology implementation strategy and enables the development of a European manufacturing industry for quantum communication. As part of the EuroQCI programme for fibre optic QKD infrastructure and IRIS2 for satellite QKD communications, comprehensive research and development projects have been carried out that make a sustainable contribution to the technological sovereignty of the EU. The AIT is also significantly involved in the development of test and verification platforms for quantum encryption, which are funded by programmes such as Digital Europe and Horizon Europe. This research work not only supports technological development, but also the standardisation of quantum-safe communication systems at European level.
In scientific terms, the AIT has taken on a leading role with its work on quantum communication. With around 30 patents in this hightech field, the AIT is making a significant contribution to the further development of global research in this area. Strategic advice to the EU Commission with regard to a European standardisation strategy and the development of an EU-wide quantum strategy are further indicators of the scientific impact of this work. Through projects such as PETRUS and QCI-CAT, research is transferred into practical applications and brought to market maturity. Participation in international consortia and close cooperation with industrial organisations, ESA and the European Commission underline the scientific and strategic importance of the AIT in this sector.
Quantum communication is one of Europe‘s key technologies of the future and the AIT plays a decisive role in translating it into industrial applications and internationally competitive products and services. This not only helps to strengthen Austria as a centre of research, but also secures Europe‘s leading technological position in the field of quantum encryption.
