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.
