Brussels/Vienna, July 14，2026 -- The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and Deutsche Telekom have been awarded two new Coordination and Support Actions (CSAs) – PETRUS2 and HarmoniQCI – as part of the European Commission’s quantum technology programme. Both projects complement one another and support the further development, standardisation and long-term sustainability of European quantum communication infrastructures. 

PETRUS2 will address the strategic development of pan-European quantum communication infrastructures. Building on the results of PETRUS, PETRUS2 will further deepen coordination between national and European activities, strengthen the involvement of relevant stakeholders and drive forward preparations for future large-scale quantum communication roll-outs, such as cross-border quantum communication networks funded under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and ecosystem projects under the ‘Digital Europe’ programme (IRIS2). The project is led by Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with THALES, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Airbus and SES. 

In parallel, HarmoniQCI – coordinated by AIT – will address key challenges in the areas of standardisation and interoperability of quantum communication infrastructures in Europe. The project will contribute to coherent technical approaches, common frameworks and coordination with European policy and standardisation activities. Standardisation is of crucial importance for Europe. The contributions within HarmoniQCI aim to establish a solid industrial base and to immediately tackle the development of components for future quantum networks, as well as future certification procedures.

Ongoing collaboration to further develop quantum communication and quantum-secure cyber security for a sovereign Europe

The collaboration between AIT and Deutsche Telekom already spans several initiatives supported by the European Commission, including PETRUS and the NOSTRADAMUS project. Whilst AIT contributes its in-depth scientific and technological expertise in quantum optics and quantum key distribution (QKD), Deutsche Telekom brings its experience in managing large-scale projects and in setting up and operating large networks.

PETRUS2 and HarmoniQCI will work in close coordination to ensure strong synergies between strategic planning, technical harmonisation and collaboration with stakeholders. Together, the two CSAs will create a comprehensive support framework for Europe’s ambitions in the field of quantum communication, thereby contributing to secure, sovereign and scalable quantum infrastructures. 

“With PETRUS2, Deutsche Telekom is taking on a central coordination role to help align national and European quantum communication initiatives, translate advanced technologies into deployable network solutions, and prepare the ground for future large-scale EuroQCI deployments,” said Daniela Theisinger, Managing Director, Deutsche Telekom Global Business Belgium & France.

“Quantum communication will become a cornerstone of Europe’s secure digital infrastructure. With HarmoniQCI, AIT will help align technologies, developing relevant standards, and stakeholders across Europe to enable a coherent and trusted EuroQCI ecosystem.” said Andreas Kugi, Scientific Director, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. 

“Thanks to EU projects such as Petrus and HarmoniQCI, and the exemplary cooperation between AIT and Deutsche Telekom, Europe is taking a leading international role in the vital industrialisation of state-of-the-art quantum technology,” adds Helmut Leopold, Head of Center for Digital Safety & Security at AIT.

The AIT and Deutsche Telekom will establish structured cooperation mechanisms between the two projects, including joint workshops, coordinated activities to engage stakeholders, and coordinated contributions to European roadmaps and policy discussions.