The European Space Agency (ESA) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) jointly hosted a workshop to address the challenges and opportunities in the interconnection of quantum networks, for example, through future scalable quantum computers and devices over large distances. The event on Quantum Satellite Networks, took place in Vienna, Austria, over two days and showcased how the country and ESA are driving ESA Member State quantum capabilities.
The key focus of the workshop included the discussion of future quantum information network architectures and technologies, the role of space and satellites in such architectures, and how to leverage long distance connectivity between quantum devices and processing units. A day prior to the workshop, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency co-organised a Quantum Austria networking event that brought together multi-disciplinary professionals, from technical engineers to policymakers, fostering new partnerships and identifying promising approaches for advancing the Austrian Research Promotion Agency's vision of satellite quantum information networks.
Austria’s growing influence in the quantum technology sector was highlighted through several domestic organisations presenting innovative solutions for space-based quantum networks. The workshop enabled ideas to be shared from across the quantum ecosystem, with keynotes from Erste Bank, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) at Sorbonne University, European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), Simon Fraser University, Xanadu, and Alpine Quantum Technologies (AQT).
The event provided the widespread context of space technology and developments for an audience from a variety of business, academic and institutional backgrounds, with some partially new to the sector. Through this, the workshop aimed to evaluate the role of space technologies for quantum network architectures with ESA’s Strategic Programme line Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight. One of the objectives of the workshop was to lower barriers and build mutual understanding between these communities. The space context was provided together with the European Commission and industry partners, who jointly develop such technologies through the Security And cryptoGrAphic mission (SAGA) and the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) projects.
The workshop also worked to address the challenges faced in the advanced development in multiple critical domains, with pioneering use cases of satellite-enabled quantum networks and the solutions and interfaces that will enable long-distance quantum computing, being shared. Concluding with clear directives for advancing quantum network technologies, the workshop has established a roadmap for future developments in space-based quantum communications.
“This workshop has demonstrated how ESA, our Member States and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency are collectively taking the lead in space-enabled quantum communications. By bringing together key stakeholders in the field to Austria, we also recognise the instrumental role the country has in spearheading this area of the space sector,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “The cross-pollination of ideas between quantum computing and satellite communications represent the growing pace at which our technologies and expertise are accelerating, presenting the opportunity to make a global impact.”
“Austria has established itself as a global leader in quantum research and is now leveraging this expertise to expand its influence in the quantum technology sector. The Austrian Research Promotion Agency plays a pivotal role by fostering a robust ecosystem for quantum innovation and supporting ventures that transform advanced quantum research into practical applications, such as satellite communication,” said Karin Tausz, Managing Director of the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG).
Scientific Director Andreas Kugi from AIT: “We are proud that AIT’s Quantum Communication group has established itself as a strong partner for the European Satellite Technology Industry, particularly through its involvement in the EuroQCI missions EAGLE-1 and SAGA. We are also delighted that our team contributed to organising this fantastic event in Vienna.
ESPI Director, H. Ludwig Moeller said: “Quantum and optical communications are a key innovation, enabling future secure communications, a critical component of European sovereignty, needed more than ever. It is therefore critical for Europe to accelerate the required technology development, including scaling-up as anchor customer of resulting systems and services. Speed and scale matter!"
Rupert Ursin, founder and CEO of qtlabs – a pioneer in long-distance and satellite quantum communication – emphasises the significance of Austria’s position in this cutting-edge field said: “The quality of the programme and the strong participation in this workshop clearly demonstrate Austria’s importance in the development of satellite quantum networks. I am proud that qtlabs is at the forefront of this field, successfully transforming scientific excellence into stable jobs and revenue within an emerging industry here in Austria.”
With its leadership in quantum innovation, qtlabs continues to drive advancements that bridge fundamental research with real-world applications, strengthening Austria’s role in the global quantum technology landscape.
Event partners included the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria's largest Research and Technology Organisation, which specialises in quantum cryptography, among other fields; Quantum Technology Laboratories (qtlabs), a European leader in satellite-based quantum communication; and the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI), an independent policy think tank for promoting European space policy on an international and global level.
