April 14 marks World Quantum Day, a global celebration dedicated to raising awareness of quantum science and its transformative potential across Europe, Greece, and the world. This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), commemorating 100 years since the development of quantum mechanics.

Quantum science is revolutionizing industries and shaping the future with groundbreaking advancements. Here are three key areas where quantum technology is making an impact:

 

  • Quantum encryption ensures unparalleled security for sensitive data.
  • Quantum computing addresses complex challenges that traditional systems cannot solve.
  • Breakthrough innovation for a smarter, more connected future

At HellasQCI, we are proud to see quantum science take center stage, especially as we prepare to host QCI Days 2025 in Athens. This flagship event, part of EuroQCI and registered under IYQ, will bring together Europe’s and the global quantum community to shape a trusted and resilient digital future.

The event will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance, with the support of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, and is organised by GRNET – National Infrastructures for Research and Technology (HellasQCI coordinator), AIT Austrian Institute of Technology (QCI-CAT coordinator) and UPM – The Technical University of Madrid (EuroQCI Spain).

 

Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, Project Coordinator at GRNET for HellasQCI, shared his thoughts on this milestone:

“On behalf of the HellasQCI consortium, we are proud to celebrate World Quantum Day and the growing impact of quantum technologies across Europe and beyond. Under the guidance of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post of the Ministry of Digital Governance, HellasQCI is actively deploying secure quantum communication infrastructures across Greece while collaborating with other National QCIs. Together, we aim to realize a quantum-secure Europe. Hosting QCI Days 2025 in Athens is an honor, as it unites experts from Greece, Austria, Spain, and beyond to discuss innovations that will define our digital future.”

HellasQCI is leading the way in bringing quantum communication networks to life across Greece, as part of the broader EuroQCI initiative, focusing on:

  • Deploying over 650 km of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network across Greece:
     • 3 National MAN test-sites in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion (~200 km)
     • Terrestrial links to 3 Optical Ground Stations (OGSs) — Helmos, Holomontas, Skinakas (~450 km) 
  • 120 km experimental QKD link in Athens connecting GRNET, NKUA, NTUA, and NCSRD, integrated with the QCI Days in Athens 2025 testbed:
    • Enables cross-border demonstrations between Greece, Austria and Spain
     • Showcases real-life quantum-secure applications between National QCIs 
  • 27 total QKD nodes deployed: 16 in Athens, 6 in Thessaloniki, 5 in Heraklion 
  • Permanent QKD infrastructure includes: 13 Government nodes (QKD equipment + fibers), 7 Educational/Research nodes (fiber connectivity) 
  • Laying the foundation for Greece’s Quantum Internet:
     • 2 advanced entanglement-based QKD nodes (Equipped with EPPSs & SNSPDs) 

These efforts not only enhance cybersecurity but also foster innovation in research and industry while contributing to European digital sovereignty.

World Quantum Day serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in understanding and applying quantum science. As we celebrate today’s achievements, events like QCI Days 2025 provide an opportunity to collaborate globally on shaping a secure and innovative future powered by quantum technologies.