Bavaria-Austria Quantum Communication Infrastructure
The project is part of the European EuroQCI initiative, which aims to create a secure quantum communication infrastructures in Europe.
This effort represents a major step toward protecting sensitive data and strengthening digital sovereignty within the European Union. The project seeks to connect Vienna and Munich through a quantum key distribution (QKD) network of approximately 500 km, supported by several trusted nodes and a cross-border connection near Salzburg. In parallel, the project will prepare the ground segment for Europe’s first quantum communication satellite, EAGLE-1, by installing an optical ground terminal in Vienna. To achieve these goals, the project will develop a multi-domain key management system to enable seamless integration between terrestrial and satellite-based quantum networks.
It will ensure compatibility with European and ETSI standards and promote interoperability and cross-border use cases, such as secure communication between governmental sites in Austria and Germany, which will contribute to building a resilient and trusted European quantum network. The consortium will implement advanced monitoring, hybrid cryptographic methods, and define requirements for security operation centres. Through close collaboration with governmental stakeholders and other EuroQCI projects, the project plays a central role in shaping Europe’s future secure communication landscape. The project is coordinated by a leading research institute and unites a consortium with complementary strengths. It brings together scientific expertise, advanced cybersecurity knowledge, and hands-on experience in secure IT infrastructures. Together, this consortium combines research excellence, security expertise, and operational capabilities to ensure successful the project’s successful implementation.
Start: 01.01.2026
End: 30.06.2029
Partner:
- X-Net services
- SBA Research
- Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlandgen-Nürnberg