Speakers
Description
Quantum technologies are increasingly progressing as a strategic priority for research, digital infrastructure, and secure communications worldwide. Significant progress is being made across all main domains of quantum technologies—quantum communication, quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum metrology. In this evolving landscape, NRENs are increasingly expected to play an enabling role by providing advanced use cases, connectivity to users, trusted infrastructures, testbeds, services and operational expertise to support research communities and emerging quantum infrastructures.
This BoF session at TNC26 Conference will bring together representatives from the NREN community to exchange experiences and discuss how NRENs and GÉANT can contribute to the development and deployment of quantum technologies across Europe and beyond.
Across Europe, several NRENs are already actively engaged in quantum-related activities. These include supporting national quantum communication infrastructures, enabling experimental quantum networking testbeds, connecting research laboratories and data centres, providing training and facilitating collaboration between academia, governments, and industry. A major driver of these developments is EuroQCI, which aims to deploy a pan-European quantum-secure communication network integrating terrestrial fibre infrastructures and satellite links.
NRENs are also independently contributing to National Quantum Technologies Strategies and developments. Multiple cross-border projects are now being implemented to interconnect national infrastructures and demonstrate quantum communication services across Europe.
At the same time, Europe is advancing its capabilities in quantum computing through initiatives led by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking. Projects such as EuroQCS aim to integrate quantum computers with European supercomputing infrastructures, creating hybrid quantum–HPC environments that will require high-performance networking and secure connectivity. Quantum sensing is also increasingly interesting topic from NREN point of view.
Within this context, NRENs are expected to play a key role in connecting quantum infrastructures, use cases, services supporting experimental platforms, and facilitating cross-border collaboration. The BoF will feature short contributions from representatives of GÉANT, GRNET, PCSS, SURF and University of Latvia (IMCS UL) who will present their national perspectives and ongoing activities related to quantum technologies.
The discussion will also highlight coordination efforts within the GÉANT community, including developments under the GN5-2 project, the work of the Quantum Strategy Coordination Group, and the SIG-Quantum, which aim to strengthen collaboration and develop a common vision for the role of NRENs in the emerging quantum ecosystem.
Through an open and interactive discussion, participants will explore how NRENs can support emerging quantum infrastructures, contribute to European initiatives, and strengthen collaboration across the global research and education networking community. A potential outcome of this BoF would be to assess whether the time is right for the NREN community to develop a shared vision and long-term strategy on how quantum technologies can benefit research and education infrastructures worldwide.
What will the TNC audience take away from your talk?
The TNC audience will gain an overview of the rapid progress of quantum technologies and understand why NRENs are becoming key actors in this emerging ecosystem. The session will highlight how NRENs can support the development and deployment of quantum infrastructures by providing connectivity, trusted environments, experimental testbeds, services, and operational expertise to research communities.
Participants will also learn about ongoing national and European initiatives, including developments related to EuroQCI and EuroHPC, and how these initiatives are creating new opportunities for NRENs to contribute to quantum communication networks, hybrid quantum–HPC infrastructures, and emerging use cases.
Finally, the BoF aims to stimulate discussion within the GÉANT community on the future role of NRENs in quantum technologies, encouraging collaboration, knowledge exchange, and potentially the development of a shared vision and coordinated approach for supporting quantum infrastructures across the global research and education networking ecosystem.
| Are you a first time speaker at TNC? | No |
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