On 1 December 2025, during the inaugural online session of the GÉANT SIG-Quantum, the HellasQCI project and GRNET—represented by Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, Senior Project Manager at GRNET and HellasQCI Project Coordinator—participated with the presentation “Quantum Communications in Europe: EuroQCI Deployment and the HellasQCI Paradigm.”

GRNET – the Greek National Research and Education Network (NREN) – plays an important role in the newly established GÉANT Special Interest Group on Quantum (SIG-Quantum), serving as a member of its Steering Committee, represented by Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, alongside representatives from PSNC (Piotr Rydlichowski), SURF (Wojciech Kozlowski), ESnet/QUANT-NET Lab (Inder Monga), and the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (Michele Grossi). The Committee is coordinated by Domenico Vicinanza and Nadelina Sandu from GÉANT.

This participation reinforces Greece’s contribution to the research, development, and deployment of quantum-secure technologies across Europe. SIG-Quantum serves as a collaborative forum covering quantum computing, sensing, communication, and cryptography across Research and Education Networks (RENs), while supporting the strategic and coordination functions of GÉANT, Europe’s pan-academic research and education network.

As part of the programme, Dr. Papastamatiou showcased the HellasQCI paradigm, highlighting Greece’s operational experience in deploying quantum-secure communication infrastructure, the milestones achieved within the national network, and the project’s contribution to the broader EuroQCI initiative. His presentation emphasised the real-world applicability of QKD technologies and the importance of community-building activities, training, and cross-border collaboration.

Importance of GRNET’s Participation in the Steering Committee of SIG-Quantum

GRNET’s participation in the SIG-Quantum Steering Committee places Greece at the centre of European and international discussions on quantum technologies. This role ensures that the HellasQCI paradigm and national achievements actively contribute to the EuroQCI initiative, while enabling Greece to strengthen partnerships, access advanced know-how, and position itself as a key contributor to Europe’s quantum-technology landscape.

GRNET Leads the GÉANT Quantum Strategy Coordination Group

Beyond its participation in the Steering Committee, GRNET leads the GÉANT Quantum Strategy Coordination Group through Dr. Ilias Papastamatiou, with Dr. Alexios Aivaliotis serving as alternate. Through this leadership, GRNET helps align priorities, strengthen cross-community cooperation, and advance the adoption of secure quantum technologies across the GÉANT ecosystem.

A Long-Term Commitment to Europe’s Quantum Future

GRNET remains committed to advancing innovation in Quantum Technologies, strengthening interoperability, and supporting the real-world deployment of EuroQCI–aligned infrastructures. Through these efforts, Greece continues to play an active and strategic role in shaping Europe’s secure digital future within the Research and Education ecosystem.

More information about the GÉANT SIG-Quantum special interest group can be found here.

Access the full agenda here.