Will held on 6-7 March 2025 in Vienna, the two-day event will showcase Austrian expertise in satellite communications whilst promoting international collaboration to shape the future of secure, long-distance quantum networks. Event partners include the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria's largest non-university research institute specialising in quantum cryptography, and Quantum Technology Laboratories (qtlabs), a European leader in satellite-based quantum communication.
Building the quantum networks of tomorrow
Current communication networks face inherent limitations in security, computing capability, and transmittable distance. Quantum networks offer a significant advancement, using fundamental physics principles to secure data transmission and enhance computing power.
Furthermore, space technology will prove essential in realising these quantum networks on a global scale. By using satellites at various altitudes – from low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), to geostationary orbit (GEO) – we can create networks that extend to even the furthest reaches of our world.
The Vienna symposium will explore several key areas:
- Connected quantum computers: Finding ways to link powerful quantum computers across long distances
- Network design: Planning the best orbit arrangement of satellites to create a global quantum network
- Space technology: Testing new quantum devices on satellites and developing special ground stations to communicate with them
- Real-world uses: Looking at how these quantum networks could be used to benefit society today
Global experts in quantum computing and satellite communications from academia, industry and research institutions are invited to join. The registration link will be available on this page soon.
ESA's Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme
The workshop is part of ESA's broader initiatives in quantum communications through our Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight strategic programme line. Through ScyLight, ESA supports the research, development and utilisation of quantum technologies, for instance through the HydRON project for seamlessly integrating space assets into terrestrial communication networks. The programme is helping to build ultra-secure global networks by developing new quantum technologies and improving existing ones.
ScyLight maintains an "always open call" for industry-initiated ideas and developments, fostering innovation across the sector. Through supporting industry to develop and extend its manufacturing capabilities, the programme helps prepare European and Canadian industry stakeholders to seize emerging market opportunities in this field.
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology
Austria’s largest non-university research institute, AIT, is at the forefront of industrializing quantum communication. Building on Nobel laureate Anton Zeilinger’s pioneering work, AIT has become a leader in quantum cryptography, advancing terrestrial and satellite-based communication technologies.
AIT plays a significant role in the European Quantum Flagship program and the EuroQCI initiative, focusing on creating high-security quantum infrastructure across the EU. Their current projects are including QCI-CAT and PETRUS, which are critical to developing Europe’s next-generation quantum communication networks. QCI-CAT is driving forward the development of a quantum communication infrastructure for highly secure government applications in the EU and implementing specific applications in Austria. In this context, the AIT is also working at the national level on projects such as QKD4GOV on quantum-safe cryptography for the transmission of confidential information between authorities as part of the national KIRAS funding programme for security research, which is funded by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Finance (BMF). The PETRUS project aims to establish a European cyber defence shield over the next ten years based on a quantum communication infrastructure consisting of terrestrial and satellite-based solutions. Furthermore, AIT plays a major role in the Nostradamus initiative which has also been commissioned by the European Commission to build a testing infrastructure for quantum key distribution (QKD) in Europe. This will enable the evaluation of European manufacturers’ QKD devices. More information: https://qci-cat.at/
About ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programmeThe European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe's gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. Part of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme focuses on advancing optical and quantum technologies to revolutionise satellite communications. ScyLight supports the research, development and utilisation of these technologies, for instance through the HydRON project for seamlessly integrating space assets into terrestrial communication networks. ESA is enabling future quantum communication networks with ultra-secure global connectivity by advancing space-based quantum key distribution and maturing technologies already available today.
Through supporting industry to develop and extend its manufacturing capabilities, ScyLight helps prepare European and Canadian industry stakeholders to seize related market opportunities. Learn more at https://connectivity.esa.int/optical-and-quantum-communications