KTH pilot facility could link EU quantum communications

A pilot quantum communications facility has been inaugurated at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). It will serve as Sweden's launching platform for the new EU quantum communications network.

– I want to highlight that this is a true partnership between top-notch research science and technology made in Sweden, and actually industrial telecom giants like Ericsson as well as Swedish innovative start-ups which are also part of this big adventure, said Katia Gallo, professor of photonics at KTH and director of National Quantum Communication Infrastructure in Sweden, NQCIS.

The pilot facility constitutes a fundamental component of EuroQCIS, a long-term European research initiative that was initiated six years ago when the governments of 27 EU countries agreed to construct a European quantum communications infrastructure to enhance the European competitiveness of quantum technologies developed in Europe.

– The first part of this plan is for all countries to build their own national infrastructure which we are opening here in Stockholm, as the main hub, says Katia Gallo.

Companies and authorities can test

The pilot facility will be open to companies, authorities and organisations, who will be able to test and develop new products and services or assess the potential impact on their working methods and communication.

– They can do this either by using the systems provided or by having the opportunity to connect their own equipment or systems for periods of time, says Daniel Vare, project manager for NQCIS at KTH.

– Today's digital communication will not be secure as quantum technology and quantum computers develop in the coming years. All passwords will be insecure, just like bank transactions, zoom and team calls. Already, malicious actors can collect this information and, with the help of quantum computers, secretly access the content, perhaps now or in the future. This is why research and infrastructure for quantum communication is needed, says Daniel Vare.

Challenging area

– There is no other facility in Sweden that is as large-scale, says Daniel.

Anders Söderholm, President of KTH Royal Institute of Technology, spoke at the opening ceremony, which he called a milestone in the field of quantum communication.

Anders Söderholm posits that quantum technologies have existed for a considerable period, yet they continue to represent a challenging and exacting domain for research and innovation. Recent advancements have led to an increased demand and necessity for quantum technologies.

This article was first published on 11 February by KTH.