Cyprus is taking a decisive step towards technological leadership by participating in one of the European Union’s most innovative projects in the field of quantum communications.
The SEEWQCI (South-East Europe to Western Europe Quantum Communication Infrastructure) project, in which our country is actively involved, received a score of 24/25 from the European Commission, ranking it among the top approved proposals for funding under CEF Digital.
The Cypriot effort in SEEWQCI is led by the Photonics and Optical Sensors Research Laboratory (PhOSLab) of the Cyprus University of Technology (CTU) and is implemented in close collaboration with the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA), the Digital Security Authority (DSA) and the Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (DMRID).
Together, these bodies are shaping Cyprus’ role as a critical geostrategic hub in the creation of a secure and expandable “quantum corridor” connecting Southeast and Western Europe, enhancing the interoperability and resilience of European networks.
Cyprus’ role in SEEWQCI
SEEWQCI will develop a terrestrial quantum key distribution (QKD) network (QKD) network, implementing over 29 cross-border connections and installing five Ground Optical Stations (OGS), one of which will operate in Cyprus. The Cypriot terrestrial optical station will be interconnected with national and European quantum infrastructures and will utilise the EAGLE-1 satellite for the distribution of quantum keys via space, supporting multiple technological configurations (terrestrial-to-terrestrial, space-to-space, hybrid). This new infrastructure will strengthen Cyprus’ technological capacity and place it at the center of secure communications in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Funding and Strategic Importance
The total SEEWQCI project has a budget of €17.8 million and is co-funded by the European Commission and participating member states. Cyprus’ participation is co-financed by the European Commission and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy (DMRID).
Cyprus’ participation in this ambitious project is part of the national vision to strengthen digital sovereignty and develop cutting-edge infrastructure, with the aim of creating a secure, reliable, and technologically advanced communications ecosystem.
With SEEWQCI, Cyprus is not simply a recipient of technology but is becoming an active co-shaper of the future of secure communications in Europe, adding a new geostrategic dimension to the Eastern Mediterranean.
Source: Cyprus University of Technology | News and Announcements (https://tinyurl.com/mmde5ey6)