Quantum Secure Networks Partnership

Project Information

QSNP

Grant agreement ID: 101114043

DOI

10.3030/101114043

EC signature date 27 March 2023

Start date 1 March 2023

End date 31 August 2026

Funded under

• Digital, Industry and Space

Total cost

€ 24 999 999,70

EU contribution

€ 24 999 999,70

Coordinated by

FUNDACIO INSTITUT DE CIENCIES FOTONIQUES
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - QSNP (Quantum Secure Networks Partnership)

Reporting period: 2023-03-01 to 2024-08-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

QSNP addresses the need for secure communications in light of the potential rise of quantum computers. Quantum cryptography, particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), highlighted as a key solution, enables the secure exchange of keys based on physical principles. When combined with methods like the one-time pad (OTP), QKD can provide information-theoretic security, immune to attacks, even from entities with unlimited computational power. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is another alternative, which develops algorithms resistant to future attacks by quantum computers. It is expected that QKD and PQC will coexist, using hybrid approaches to ensure security in a variety of environments.
Specific objectives of the project include enhancing the speed and range of QKD, investigating a new generation of entanglement-based and device-independent protocols and quantum cryptography functions beyond QKD, integrating quantum technologies with classical networks, and developing advanced components like photonic integrated circuits (PICs). QSNP builds on the progress made in previous European projects in areas such as QKD, quantum random number generators, and critical components.
QSNP will supply the next generation technology to the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), in line with European sovereignty in cybersecurity. In addition to critical governmental infrastructures, the project also targets end-users in the private market telecommunication sectors.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Progress of the project is according to plan with several achievements already reported, including:
- WP2: Several project objectives have been achieved with the introduction of novel implementation schemes, with security proofs extensions. Experimental techniques have also revealed promising directions, particularly in link modeling. A dedicated WP2 workshop held in Padova gathered members with diverse expertise, fostering collaboration and synergy in carrying out WP tasks.
- WP3: An entanglement-based QKD technologies overview was provided as a deliverable. Several works related to high-performance entanglement-based sources have been published, demonstrating the progress made in this period.
- WP4: Multiple targeted protocol demonstrations have been completed and/or are underway. A deliverable submitted by WP4 offers an overview of all the protocols beyond QKD (e.g. secure multiparty computation, long term secure storage, distance bounding, secure distributed sensing and metrology) under study, emphasizing their potential and the challenges associated with practical implementation. The WP4 and WP6 joint workshop in Paris was a great success.
- WP5: Significant progress has been reported across several WP5 tasks, particularly in the design, fabrication, and testing of multiple quantum photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The QPIC workshop milestone was successfully reached. This deliverable outlines a comprehensive roadmap of European capabilities for quantum PIC fabrication across various platforms, covering both passive and active components.
- WP6: A review paper is being drafted to reposition the interplay between quantum and computational cryptography. Significant technical and technological work on PQC+QKD has been published. After 18 months, the project has demonstrated advances in PQC-enhanced trusted node design and operations, as well as demonstrations of the integration of QNRG into trusted hardware platforms combined with PQC. Seminal work on electronic side-channels in QKD has also been completed. QSNP hosted a webinar for the EC in October 2024 on PQC and QKD, offering explicit recommendations for EuroQCI (standardization, PKI).
- WP7: Significant progress has been made in the development of large-scale networks, particularly in terms of network automation and orchestration across multiple domains, demonstrated during live events. These advancements include QSNP’s efforts in standardization, ongoing work with existing standards and the development of new standards for monitoring, a crucial aspect of large-scale networks, and orchestration, which is essential for multi-domain and multi-tenant networks. These capabilities will be required for EuroQCI-like networks. Other network-related advances, such as compatibility with existing infrastructure and the network’s behavior when adding dynamic components, have also been studied.
- WP8: As for EuroQCI, a demonstration of the QKD Network at EQTC involving EU-27 suppliers was organized by PETRUS. A CEF call regarding cross-border fiber and satellite-based links will be announced soon. A second demo, showcasing a multi-domain network simulating connections between several countries using different QCIs (various QKD devices and key management subsystems), was done at ECOC 2024.
- WP9: The prioritization of commercial use cases and general requirements has already been established. Foundational ideas have been formulated, agreed upon, and publicly shared with several industry communities, including GSMA, OCP, and 6GIA. Additional tasks related to commercial use cases have been initiated, including collecting requirements from real-world environments, conducting demonstrators with early adopters, engaging with different industrial communities, and planning realistic experiments to validate both current and future proposals.
- WP10: The project has made significant progress in this WP. The Mobile World Congress was a great success in terms of attendance and outcomes. Several standardization and certification activities were carried out. The Innovation Group has been actively involved in innovation initiatives. Partners have consistently reported publications and patents through the IP Screening procedure. Additionally, the initial version of the patent landscape was completed. The number of scientific publications is on track with expected KPIs, and there has been notable engagement with other QFlag projects and national quantum initiatives.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

During the first period, the project has achieved key technical quantum cryptography technological milestones: new QKD protocols, components, subsystems, and systems, both optically and electronically integrated. These have been demonstrated in telecom networks and through hardware and software interfaces.
Scientific and technical contributions are shown through +100 journal papers, 74 conference presentations, and numerous tutorials and keynote talks. The consortium has also filed three patent applications, two invention disclosures, and registered one piece of software.
QSNP operates in a highly innovative research and technology sector, where prototyping components, subsystems, and systems at all levels is crucial for their deployment in critical infrastructure (such as EuroQCI) and private market sectors. QSNP partners are actively involved in almost all relevant projects related to the development and deployment of these technologies in their respective countries.
The project is successfully meeting its objective to develop technologies for EuroQCI and other market sectors where maintaining European sovereignty is strategically important. This is further validated by the wide range of developments and deployments already achieved.
The project is accomplishing creating high-tech jobs and mobilizing resources across academic and industrial sectors. Since its start, 96 individuals have begun working on QSNP or related activities, whether in research or other staff roles.

Logo of the QSNP project