The National Quantum Communication Infrastructure is now operational

The Czech Republic has launched a pilot operation of the CZQCI national quantum communication infrastructure, which represents a major step toward highly secure communications that are resistant to future quantum computers.

The project is based on a quantum backbone network connecting Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, over which data is already being transmitted using quantum key distribution (QKD). The infrastructure is part of the pan-European EuroQCI initiative, which aims to create a secure communication network across EU member states in the future. An interactive map of planned nodes for individual member countries and information about this initiative can be found on the website EuroQCI.

The Foundation for a European Quantum Network

The launch of the national quantum backbone network is the first step toward the Czech Republic’s broader integration into the European quantum communication infrastructure. In the coming years, plans call for its expansion and gradual interconnection with neighboring countries. Further development will depend on long-term strategic support and stable funding. The CZQCI project thus underscores the Czech Republic’s commitment to actively addressing future challenges in the areas of cybersecurity and digital sovereignty.

Cooperation between the government, academia, and the research sector

A broad consortium of entities from the public sector, research organizations, and academia is involved in the development and operation of the quantum infrastructure. Among the participating institutions is the Czech Technical University in Prague (ČVUT), which contributes its expertise in quantum physics, cryptography, and telecommunications technologies.

The involvement of universities is of key importance not only in terms of technological development, but also for the systematic development of technical expertise and the training of qualified specialists. This is another significant initiative in this field, alongside the Quantum Innovation Center Czech Republic project, which CTU is actively pursuing. You can read more about this in CTU press release.

And here’s a little tidbit to wrap things up: the launch of CZQCI symbolically took place on April 14, the date we mentioned in our previous post World Quantum Day.