GÉANT and the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on quantum networking technologies, infrastructure and the development of Europe's quantum ecosystem.
The agreement aims to foster knowledge exchange, promote interoperability and consolidate ties between quantum technology research and the wider research and education networking community in Europe. GÉANT and QIA will work together to support the transition of quantum networking technologies from laboratory prototypes towards field trials and, potentially, cross-border network environments.
Complementary expertise
The collaboration brings together the strengths of both organisations: GÉANT contributes decades of experience in managing network infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, federation and community coordination, while QIA brings expertise across the quantum networking field, from technology development and system integration through to pilot trials and the growth of a European quantum ecosystem.
Through GÉANT, Europe's National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) — including GARR — are brought closer to developments in quantum networking, with the aim of reducing fragmentation and aligning standards and operational practices. For QIA, the agreement offers an opportunity to draw on GÉANT's experience in operating European network infrastructure, helping to accelerate the development, deployment and adoption of quantum technologies across Europe.
Statements
GÉANT CEO Lise Fuhr highlighted the important role that GÉANT and Europe's NRENs can play in developing quantum networking, noting that combining the strengths of GÉANT, its community of national networks and QIA can help drive forward Europe's quantum ecosystem.
QIA Director Stephanie Wehner reaffirmed that the Alliance's mission is to build a global quantum internet "made in Europe", stressing the importance of establishing an ecosystem covering the entire value chain, and expressing enthusiasm for working with the research and education networking community.
What the agreement covers
The MoU sets out a framework for collaboration across several areas of shared interest, including:
- using network infrastructure and test environments to support the development and validation of quantum internet technologies;
- opportunities for field trials and demonstrations in real-world network settings;
- dialogue on systems, software and network architectures, with particular attention to interoperability and the operational requirements for deploying new technologies;
- engaging both communities to explore use cases and encourage wider participation.
The collaboration also includes knowledge exchange between QIA's technical teams and GÉANT community structures such as SIG-Quantum and the QIA Technology Forum, alongside coordination on topics of shared strategic interest and contributions to relevant European initiatives and policy.
About GÉANT and QIA
GÉANT is Europe's leading collaboration on network infrastructure and services in support of research and education, developing advanced digital e-infrastructure services for its community of members and partners, including national networks such as GARR.
Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), led by TU Delft, is a partnership bringing together more than 50 world-leading institutions, with the goal of building a global quantum internet developed in Europe. The Alliance includes academic institutions, telecom operators, system integrators and quantum start-ups from 12 European member states.