The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub will address the challenges underpinning the establishment of a “quantum internet”, by developing the novel technologies, protocols and industry standards necessary for the deployment of a secure, scalable, quantum communications infrastructure for the UK and beyond.

KDDI Research, Inc. (“KDDI Research”), and Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (“Toshiba Digital Solutions”) have developed a multiplexing technology for quantum key distribution (QKD) that is theoretically impossible to eavesdrop. This technology assigns secret keys to the C-band and high-volume data signals to the O-band, enabling multiplexed transmission over a single optical fiber. Furthermore, utilizing this technology, we have successfully transmitted secret keys and high-capacity data signals at 33.4 Tbps over 80 km for the first time.

Toshiba Europe Limited has today announced that its commercially available quantum key distribution (QKD) systems now natively incorporate the latest post quantum cryptography (PQC) standard, bringing an additional layer of security to its quantum-safe networking platform.

Today, IonQ announced that it has reached a definitive agreement with each of SK Telecom and ID Quantique (IDQ), a global leader in quantum safe networking and sensing headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with offices in Seoul (South Korea), Vienna (Austria), and Boston (USA), to acquire a controlling stake in IDQ. Alongside the transaction, IonQ expects to enter into a strategic partnership focused on quantum with SK Telecom, the largest wireless telecommunications operator in South Korea.

Announced in Brussels, Belgium, the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Commission formalised their cooperation agreement, partnering to strengthen support of a groundbreaking quantum communication network across the EU. European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) marks a significant step forward in meeting the EU’s Digital Decade target of being at the forefront of quantum capabilities by 2030. The agreement was signed between Roberto Viola, the European Commission's Director-General of DG Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT), and Laurent Jaffart, ESA's Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications.

Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), and Hispasat, Redeia’s satellite services operator, have announced the start of the development, manufacturing, verification, and validation phase of the QKD-GEO prototype, Spain’s quantum key distribution system from geostationary orbit. With a budget of 103.5 million euros, the QKD-GEO mission is a project initiated by the Spanish Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures and funded by European funds from the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PERTE Aeroespacial), for which contracting is managed by CDTI.

Next-generation communications security tech company Q*Bird has made a significant step forward in quantum networking, with the creation of technology to allow multiple users to set up a quantum link simultaneously.

ESA, together with a Starion-led industrial consortium, has marked a significant milestone in quantum communications technology with the successful implementation of a terrestrial quantum key distribution (QKD) link. The link took place between its European Space Security and Education Centre (ESEC) in Belgium and a data centre in Luxembourg. The development comes as part of the International Use Cases for Operational QKD Applications and Services (INT-UQKD) project, which exemplifies ESA's commitment to bridging the gap between advanced space technology and practical business applications.

TIM Group’s companies Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, and Telsy, center of excellence for communication security and cybersecurity with its participated company QTI Quantum Telecommunications Italy, leading Italian QKD provider, announce the successful completion of a Proof of Concept (PoC) on a high-capacity link between two data centers in Athens, secured with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

Toshiba Corporation, a leading innovator in technologies realizing quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure network communications, has announced two significant advances in essential technologies for establishing global-scale quantum networks: Large-Scale Quantum Key Distribution Network Control Technology, and High-Speed Quantum Key Distribution Technology.