On 16–17 September 2025, representatives of the HellasQCI project from GRNET and NKUA took part in the QCI Connect Forum held in Tallinn, Estonia. The event gathered participants from 14 National Quantum Communication Infrastructure (NatQCI) projects and experts from 17 countries, providing a platform to exchange experiences, showcase progress in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks, and reflect on the broader objectives of the EuroQCI initiative.
The event served as a dynamic platform for the EuroQCI community to exchange experiences, share lessons learned, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
HellasQCI was represented by Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou (GRNET, Project Coordinator) and Prof. George Kanellos (NKUA, Technical Coordinator).
The discussions focused on:
- Real-world pilot implementations and testbeds, including key successes and challenges.
- Technical hurdles, vendor coordination, regulatory aspects, and integration with existing classical infrastructure.
- Tools, processes, and practices to support deployment.
- Future plans for cross-border connections and ensuring compatibility across Europe, including the EuroQCI CEF proposals.
Dr. Papastamatiou (GRNET) spoke at session “Future QCI network plans across Europe”, where he engaged with fellow NatQCI coordinators on the roadmap for the next phase of EuroQCI. His intervention highlighted the strategic importance of developing cross–border terrestrial and space connections, a cornerstone for achieving a truly interconnected European quantum communication infrastructure.
Prof. Kanellos (NKUA) contributed to the NatQCI session, presenting challenges and lessons learned from the national projects’ early deployments, with valuable insights from the HellasQCI experience.
The interactive sessions of QCI Connect 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between Member States, marking another significant step toward the deployment of an operational pan-European quantum communication infrastructure.
