en.Wedoany.com Reported - Croatia's Quantum Communication Infrastructure (CroQCI) project held its closing event in Zagreb, showcasing results that lay the groundwork for developing an advanced secure communication network in the country. As part of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative, the project aims to build communication systems capable of withstanding future threats from quantum computers. During implementation, the research team developed and tested key elements of a quantum network, including the national infrastructure architecture, terrestrial fiber optic networks, advanced key management schemes, and connection technologies for future space-based quantum communication components. These achievements create the technical and infrastructural conditions for Croatia to integrate into Europe's secure communication framework and participate equally in the development of next-generation digital networks.
The project successfully deployed a functional quantum communication network across eight locations in the Zagreb urban area, demonstrating the technical process from data center infrastructure to end-user applications in a real production environment. Bojan Schmidt, Head of Technology and Integrated Application Services in the Artificial Intelligence department at the Croatian Academic and Research Network (CARNET) and project leader, stated that quantum communication has thus formally moved beyond pure laboratory research. Schmidt explained that the initiative integrates interdisciplinary knowledge from photonics, quantum optics, telecommunications network management, cryptography, and network and computer security, incorporating quantum technology as an additional protective layer into existing classical systems to enhance resilience against quantum computing attacks.
The scientific component of the project builds on previous international achievements by Croatian scientists: in 2019, they participated in building the world's first quantum communication network based on quantum entanglement in Bristol; in 2021, during a G20 member states meeting, they achieved the first quantum communication between Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia. Dr. Martin Lončarić, physicist at the Ruđer Bošković Institute (Institut Ruđer Bošković) and scientific leader of the project, noted that this accumulated knowledge was used to develop an autonomous Croatian quantum communication system and the country's first ultra-secure communication network, whose security is directly based on the laws of quantum physics. The technology aims to address a critical security challenge in the modern digital environment: protecting the long-term security of confidential data, communication channels, and national critical systems when traditional cryptographic methods may become vulnerable to advanced computing systems.
The total value of the CroQCI project is €9.9 million, funded by the European Digital Europe Programme, with national co-financing and official support from the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth. The main implementing and responsible entity is the Croatian Academic and Research Network (CARNET), with scientific oversight and supervision provided by the Ruđer Bošković Institute. Partner institutions include the University of Zagreb Computing Centre (Srce), the Institute of Physics, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing of the University of Zagreb, the Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences of the University of Zagreb, the trading company Odašiljači i veze d.o.o., and the Office of the National Security Council. The results achieved and the infrastructure established in Zagreb not only mark the end of a research cycle but are also regarded as a strategic investment in Croatia's long-term digital resilience and independence.
