Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH) plays a pivotal role in the HellasQCI project through two specialized groups: WinPhos Research Group and the Astrophysics, Astronomy & Mechanics (AAM) Team from the Physics Department.

The WinPhos research group: Advancing Photonic Technologies
This group is an interdisciplinary collaborative research environment between the Departments of Physics, Informatics and Electrical and Computer Engineering at AUTH, with the main goal to carry out interdisciplinary research in the fields of photonic related technologies.

Equipped with world–class laboratories, including state of the art high-speed optical interconnect, optical-wireless testbeds and Photonic Integrated Circuit experimental characterization, it has a leading role in the field of Applications of integrated photonics and plasmonics, optical interconnects for DataCenters and High-Performance Computing, optics for computing, Neuromorphic Photonics, Optical Beam formers and Photonic Quantum Random Generators. The Holomontas telescope is a core facility of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the AAM group is responsible for the day to day operation of the site.

The AAM team has experience in satellite tracking observations. The group participates in the ESA-funded European Optical Network (EON) SST project, as well as other ESA- and EC-funded projects, related to near-Earth objects and planetary defence. WinPhos is responsible for the evaluation of the Thessaloniki metro QKD network developed within the HellasQCI project. Also, it will be responsible for the interconnection of the Holomondas ground station to Aristotle University. Finally, AUTH is leading all training activities for Researchers and Experts regarding Quantum and Post Quantum Security.

AUTH, through its involvement in the HellasQCI project, aims to gain hands-on experience with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) equipment, solidifying its leadership in quantum technologies. A key milestone is the establishment of a fiber link between the Holomontas Ground Station and AUTH’s campus, enabling groundbreaking field trials of both classical and quantum traffic for the first time at the university. These trials will expand the expertise of students actively engaged in this scientific domain, preparing them to play a pivotal role in shaping Greece’s emerging quantum community.