First Slovenian quantum key distribution network based on entangled photons
STA
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Members of the SiQUID project have established Slovenia's first quantum communication network and developed the country's first industrial quantum encryptor. These achievements represent an important step towards the future quantum internet, as quantum technologies are expected to transform secure communications, computing, and sensing in the coming decades.
One of the most significant achievements of the SiQUID (Slovenian Quantum Communication Infrastructure) project is the deployment of an entanglement-based quantum communication network. This approach enables quantum key distribution with information-theoretic security while also providing the technological foundation for the future quantum internet, which will enable not only ultra-secure communications but also the interconnection of quantum computers and quantum sensors. Within the project, a research network was established connecting the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, the Jožef Stefan Institute, the TRIGA research reactor, and the ARNES academic network. In addition, Slovenia's first government quantum communication network was deployed, interconnecting six ministries and government offices. In collaboration with Beyond Semiconductor, the project also developed the first industrial version of a quantum encryptor for secure quantum communications.
As part of the project, researchers also performed Slovenia's first public demonstration of the violation of Bell's inequalities, one of the landmark experiments of modern quantum physics. They further demonstrated the distribution of quantum entanglement over a distance of more than 100 kilometres between Ljubljana and Drnovo, showcasing the feasibility of long-distance entanglement-based quantum communication.
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The project marks an important milestone in the development of secure quantum communication infrastructure in Slovenia by combining cutting-edge scientific research with practical deployment in government institutions and, in the future, critical infrastructure. In addition, it makes a significant contribution to the advancement of Slovenian science and high-technology industry. Beyond technological development, the project has played an important role in educating experts, strengthening the Slovenian quantum community, and preparing Slovenia for the deployment of future quantum communication networks
The SiQUID project, worth more than €4 million, was coordinated by the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, in collaboration with the Jožef Stefan Institute, Beyond Semiconductor, the Government Information Security Office of the Republic of Slovenia (URSIV), and the Government Office for the Protection of Classified Information of the Republic of Slovenia (UVTP). It was co-funded by the European Union and the Slovenian Recovery and Resilience Plan (NOO)
