The QUID Project (Quantum Italy Deployment) is the Italian implementation of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI), promoted by the European Commission with the aim of creating a European infrastructure for quantum communication.
During the project, existing communication infrastructures, both in fiber optics and in free-space, will be integrated and equipped with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems, covering a significant part of the national territory. At the same time, QUID promotes the development of Italian companies that produce systems and services for quantum communication for various user cases.
The QUID project aims to:
- Develop nodes in metropolitan quantum communication networks (QMANs), interconnected through the Italian Quantum Backbone, an infrastructure that covers the Italian territory and distributes time and frequency standard signals using commercial optical fibers;
- Connect important sites for bridging fiber optic communication with the European QCI's space segment.
- Develop methods for the optimal delivery of quantum communication services;
- Develop innovative QKD techniques, aiming to increase the key rate, to exploit new types of optical fibers and to explore free-space transmission.
The QUID consortium brings together leading Italian companies in the field, major research institutes involved in both terrestrial and space-based quantum communication segments, and universities dedicated to innovation and education.
To find out more, read the press release.