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On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Slovak Republic officially launched its first quantum communication infrastructure developed under the European project Slovak Quantum Communication Infrastructure (skQCI). The project forms part of the EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure) initiative, which aims to establish a pan-European network of secure communications resilient to future cyber threats, including attacks by quantum computers. The project is being implemented by the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences in cooperation with the National Centre for Quantum Technologies QUTE.sk.

The new infrastructure uses Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology, enabling the secure distribution of encryption keys based on the principles of quantum physics. In simple terms, it represents one of the first steps towards building a quantum internet: a new generation of communication networks capable of providing an unprecedented level of security for government institutions, critical infrastructure, scientific organisations and future digital services.

The skQCI project has been implemented since 2023 within the EuroQCI initiative, funded by the European Union through the Digital Europe Programme (DEP) and the NextGenerationEU programme under Slovakia’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. Over the past three years, the project has successfully built and tested the foundations of a national quantum communication infrastructure, preparing Slovakia for integration into the future pan-European quantum-secure communication network.

The project established a unique metropolitan hub-and-spoke network linking strategic Slovak institutions, including the Office of the President of the Slovak Republic, the National Security Authority, the Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatisation of the Slovak Republic (MIRRI SR), and the Slovak Academy of Sciences. The skQCI infrastructure also includes the Košice–Prešov connection and a network in western Slovakia using an advanced protocol based on quantum-entangled photons. Eastern and western Slovakia are interconnected via post-quantum cryptography, creating one of the most technologically advanced test quantum communication infrastructures in the region.

The project successfully implemented and tested several state-of-the-art quantum key distribution approaches, including technologies based on prepared quantum states, quantum entanglement and post-quantum cryptography, thereby creating a unique environment for verifying the interoperability of future European quantum networks. In addition to the institutions mentioned above, the project also connects Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, the University of Prešov, the Slovak University of Agriculture

in Nitra, Trnava University, Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín, the International Laser Centre and other research and academic institutions across Slovakia.

“Three years ago, we set an ambitious goal: to build Slovakia’s first quantum communication infrastructure and integrate the country into the EuroQCI initiative. Today, we can present a fully operational network connecting strategic state institutions and academic partners nationwide. This marks a significant milestone for Slovak quantum technologies and an important step towards the future European quantum communication network,” said project coordinator Djeylan Aktas from the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

EuroQCI is one of the European Union’s flagship initiatives supporting digital sovereignty, the protection of critical infrastructure and resilience against future cyber threats. In the future, terrestrial quantum networks are expected to be connected with upcoming EU satellite-based quantum communication systems, creating a pan-European infrastructure for secure communications across public institutions, critical services and strategic sectors of the economy.

“The quantum communication infrastructure at the Slovak Academy of Sciences is another major investment supported by European Union funding. Thanks to this investment, Slovakia joins the group of countries with advanced quantum communication infrastructure, significantly strengthening the country’s competitiveness,” said Peter Stano, Head of the European Commission Representation in Slovakia.

“The skQCI project demonstrates that Slovakia can be an active partner in building Europe’s strategic technological infrastructure. The newly established quantum communication network is not only the result of cutting-edge research and international cooperation, but also a tangible contribution to national security and the future protection of critical communications,” added Mário Ziman, Director of the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.

The official inauguration of the infrastructure was attended by representatives of the European Commission, national EuroQCI projects, academic partners and technology companies from several European Union countries, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Greece. The event also provided a platform for discussions on the future development of quantum communication networks, certification of QK D technologies, and the future of secure digital communication across Europe.

Slovakia will continue to build on these achievements in the coming years. Through the activities of the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences and the National Centre for Quantum Technologies QUTE.sk, the country is now a member of two major international consortia, CEQCI and QCI-SK-CZ-PL, focused on interconnecting national quantum communication infrastructures. Preparations are already underway for the first cross-border quantum communication links with neighbouring countries.

About the skQCI Project

The Slovak Quantum Communication Infrastructure (skQCI) is Slovakia’s national contribution to the European EuroQCI initiative. Its objective is to establish a quantum-secure communication infrastructure based on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), one of the key technologies underpinning Europe’s future digital and security infrastructure.

The project has been implemented by a consortium of Slovak research organisations, universities, public institutions and technology partners led by the Institute of Physics of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, in close cooperation with the European Commission and EuroQCI partners.

The skQCI project was carried out between 2023 and 2026, with a total budget exceeding €13 million and involving more than two dozen partner institutions from the academic, public, and technology sectors.

Prepared by: Jozef Bednár

Photo: Matej Pok