Today, sensitive data is usually encrypted and then sent over fibre optics and other channels, along with digital 'keys'. Both the data and the keys are sent in traditional bits, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This is where quantum communication comes in. It exploits the laws of quantum physics to protect data from hackers. “Cybersecurity is one of the most critical areas in ICT and quantum technologies will revolutionise this domain,” says Prof. Chatzinotas, chief scientist at the University of Luxembourg’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT).
In September 2023, SnT will start classes in quantum communication as part of a training programme where professionals will be given the opportunity to learn from the leaders in this field in Luxembourg. “We want to give local ICT professionals the opportunity to get ready for a quantum future and bring their skills back to organisations around the country, or even the EU,” says Prof. Symeon Chatzinotas, who will also be teaching in this programme.
Prof. Symeon Chatzinotas SnT
Preparing Luxembourg for a Quantum Future thanks to the LUQCIA and Lux4QCI projects
In March 2022, the LUxembourg Quantum Communication Infrastructure lAb (LUQCIA) project – a project set up by SnT, in close collaboration with the Ministry of State’s Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy – was launched. This five-year project aims to make Luxembourg more competitive while nurturing the research around quantum communication. With “Quantum Key Distribution” (QKD) applications as its initial target, the project consists of several milestones, which need to be met to provide the necessary groundwork for innovative research in all layers of quantum communication networks.
In November 2022, the first milestone of LUQCIA was officially approved. This success paved the way for initial funding from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – NextGenerationEU, which aims to enable advanced collaborative research and increase Luxembourg's competitiveness on the European and international scene.
The US and China are already leading the quantum race for now, but the EU wants to remain competitive thanks to its own solutions. “EU based innovation and talent could not be more important when it comes to the development of quantum technology,” says Prof. Chatzinotas with regard to the project.
Building on LUQCIA, the Lux4QCI project, envisages the design, development, procurement and implementation of the first quantum communication infrastructure in Luxembourg. The project is funded by the European Union, under Digital Europe Programme. It gathers a consortium of seven partners that SnT is leading, including LuxConnect, SES, INCERT, itrust, Restena, and the Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy (SMC) of Luxembourg. It kicked off in February 2023 and will also explore key use cases for quantum communications and encryption.
SnT LUQCIA Project Team: Dr. Juan Merlano Duncan, Dr. Jorge Luis Gonzalez Rios, Dr. Luis Manuel Garces Socarras, Dr. Hung-Pu Chou SnT
Eventually, LUQCIA and Lux4QCI should allow local businesses, especially those in the financial sector, to profit from this technology.
SnT will in a first step be linked to other universities. “The final target is a link via satellite to access be able to exchange quantum keys to any location in Europe, or if needed, the globe,” explains Prof. Chatzinotas. “Our project is starting with research on terrestrial networks, but integrating satellite is key as it promises to be the most efficient way to transmit quantum keys, which degrade over long distances on earth.”
About the Recovery and Resilience Facility
As part of a wide-ranging response, the aim of the Recovery and Resilience Facility is to mitigate the economic and social impact of the coronavirus pandemic and make European economies and societies more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions. The RRF helps the EU achieve its target of climate neutrality by 2050 and sets Europe on a path of digital transition, creating jobs and spurring growth in the process. Luxembourg's recovery and resilience plan contains 19 measures (8 reforms and 11 investments) which will help the country become more sustainable, resilient and better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the green and digital transitions. Those measures will be financed by €83 million in grants. 69% of the plan will support climate objectives and 30% will foster the digital transition.