The ParisRegion Quantum Communication Infrastructure (QCI) consortium, led by Orange has successfully implemented its first quantum communication network in existing fibre optic infrastructure. The ParisRegionQCI project, a consortium of industrialists, university researchers and start-ups set out to demonstrate the feasibility of quantum key distribution (QKD) based on existing terrestrial fibre networks.

IDEMIA Secure Transactions has demonstrated to central banks and financial institutions the first offline central bank digital currency (CBDC) payment capability. This method provides citizens with an ultra-secure, quantum-computer-resistant offline CBDC payment method that allows for digital currency transactions even without internet connectivity. It is understood that this offline CBDC payment feature utilizes post-quantum cryptography technology that NIST is in the process of standardizing.

The Île-de-France Region (Paris Region) has decided to provide €2 million in support for the AQADOC project to promote the development of the local quantum computing industry. Led by Welinq, EDF, Pasqal, and Quantela, the ultimate goal of the AQADOC project is to address new challenges linked to the energy transition that conventional supercomputers cannot solve, by developing new algorithms adapted to critical applications in the energy sector.

Quantum computing provider Quandela announced yesterday that it has launched its first manufacturing pilot line for high-performance photonic qubit devices, aiming to accelerate the use of error-corrected quantum computers. Following the opening of its first quantum computer factory in June last year, Quandela has already delivered two quantum computers to industrial customers. This new production base underscores its commitment to industrial-scale manufacturing and innovation in quantum computing.

The Hyperform consortium, funded by the European Union and the plan French 2030, is developing quantum secure solutions capable of protecting sensitive data from quantum computer attacks. The consortium, consisting of eight leading French enterprises in the field of network security and post-quantum cryptography, has secured an investment of more than 7.5 million euros.