About QCI
Facts and figures about QCI.dk Cross Border
Total Budget: 10 million EUR, the project has received funding from the EU Program: CEF-Digital, Connecting Europe Facility Digital under Grant agreement No 101249191
Project duration: 3.5 years, starting January 2026
Higher purpose: The project is contributing to Europe’s preparedness for the post quantum cryptography era, preparing us for the ’Q-day’
What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?
A technique for exchanging encryption keys using quantum signals. Eavesdropping attempts disturb the quantum states, enabling detection and rejection of compromised key material. QKD does not replace encryption. It supplies high assurance keys used by conventional encryption.
Connecting land, sea and space The implementation of the terrestrial cross-border links will be carried out via the submarine cables connecting Poland, Denmark, and Sweden. In addition, this project will facilitate the integration of Nordic quantum networks with EuroQCI’s space segment via an optical ground station (OGS) in Stockholm, demonstrating the capabilities of the Eagle-1 satellite in the Nordic environment.
For the space segment, the Commission is working with ESA on specifications for a first generation constellation of EuroQCI satellites. This will build on the prototype satellite Eagle-1, developed by ESA and an industrial consortium, due to be launched in late 2025 or early 2026. Future activities will be planned and funded under IRIS².
QCI.dk-Cross Border extends the EuroQCI initiative by connecting existing ‘islands’ of national quantum communications infrastructures (QCIs). It aims at creating a bridge between these infrastructures in Sweden and Poland, linking Denmark, Sweden (and potentially Finland) to the broader European quantum network. The primary objective is to create an infrastructure for the secure exchange of encryption keys, based on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies, enhancing communication security and identity confirmation. The project is developing cross-border quantum networks, ensuring interoperability with the EuroQCI’s space segment, and managing encryption keys securely. Key activities include designing, deploying, and operating the QCI infrastructure, coordinating interoperability tests, and promoting the use of quantum secure communications. The initiative will also engage in outreach to share findings and encourage adoption. This initiative will enhance communication security across Europe, making quantum secure connections available to society. This will benefit various users and sectors, promoting the use of advanced quantum technologies.