Sophia Antipolis, France, 30 September 2025 -- The ETSI Board has recently approved the creation of a new Technical Committee on Quantum Technologies (TC QT) marking a significant milestone in ETSI’s commitment to advancing the underlying framework of standards for quantum technologies across numerous quantum-related domains.

The primary objective of the technical committee is to develop specifications that address quantum communications and quantum networks across multiple sectors, deploying quantum-based solutions to lay the foundations for secure global communications networks.

“The new TC QT reflects ETSI’s proactive approach to shaping the future of quantum-based secure global communications. ETSI already has extensive expertise in quantum technologies, having established the first group on Quantum Key Distribution in 2008. This experience will be key to addressing future market needs,” said Mark Pecen of EigenQ, who will convene the initial kick-off meeting scheduled for December 2025.

The group aims to support European policy objectives, including contributions to the European Quantum Act and the European Chips Act. It will engage with European and international standards organisations to promote alignment and avoid duplication. TC QT’s activities will include collaboration with regulatory bodies, treaty organisations, other standards organisations and also open-source initiatives such as ETSI Software Development Groups. Its standardisation work will integrate research outcomes from Horizon Europe and other frameworks. This wide collaboration will ensure that the output supports relevant global, regional, and national requirements.

Key Areas of Activity:

• Quantum Communications: Secure data transmission using quantum principles like superposition and entanglement.
• Quantum Networking: Connecting quantum systems for distributed computing and cryptography.
• Quantum Sensing: Enabling ultra-precise measurements for quantum communication networks.
• Satellite Quantum Communications: Standardising beacon signals, interfaces, and security for space-based quantum systems.
• Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs): Generating true randomness for secure applications.
• Quantum Security: Establishing methodologies to assess hardware vulnerabilities and side-channel attack risks.

TC QT will also play a key role in supporting the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), reinforcing ETSI’s position as a key player in Europe’s quantum strategy. The collaboration of ETSI’s wide ecosystem will ensure that the output of the TC will support relevant global, regional, and national requirements.