Czech Republic Launches Quantum Network Connecting Prague, Brno, Ostrava
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On April 14, 2026, the Czech Republic demonstrated secure data transmission across a completed quantum network linking Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, a demonstration that signals readiness beyond typical infrastructure announcements. This national backbone network is the first step in the country’s contribution to the larger, pan-European EuroQCI initiative, designed to establish secure communication based on quantum technologies. CyberSecurityHubcz is coordinating this effort at the national level, integrating a consortium of academic, research, and governmental partners. “CZQCI is the technological foundation from which secure communications of the future can grow, and a space for educating a new generation of experts in the field of quantum technologies,” said Assoc. Jan Bouda, CZQCI project coordinator from CyberSecurityHub, highlighting the network’s dual focus on security and workforce development.
Czech Republic Launches CZQCI Quantum Backbone Network This network, connecting Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, represents the first phase of the Czech Quantum Communication Infrastructure (CZQCI) project and a crucial step toward the broader pan-European EuroQCI initiative, which envisions a fully realized secure communication network after 2030. The CZQCI project integrates a consortium of academic institutions, infrastructure providers, and government entities, with CyberSecurityHubcz leading coordination and ensuring alignment with European goals. The newly established network utilizes quantum key distribution, creating a dedicated security layer over existing optical networks; any attempt to intercept communications alters the quantum state, immediately signaling a breach. Beyond infrastructure, CZQCI prioritizes education, offering courses for experts and policymakers to foster informed decision-making in quantum technologies. “Building quantum communication infrastructure is a long-term and complex process that requires close cooperation across the academic sphere, research organizations, government, and industry,” said Assoc. Brno University of Technology is actively contributing to the deployment and maintenance of the quantum infrastructure, providing expert personnel and knowledge to CyberSecurityHub. The faculty has also installed equipment to verify the viability of these technologies, offering valuable hands-on experience for researchers and students; a prior inter-faculty quantum link was established between the university and FEKT VUT in 2022. “FIT contributes to the deployment and maintenance of quantum infrastructure,” says Ryšavý, highlighting the faculty’s role in this evolving field. EuroQCI Initiative Drives Quantum Key Distribution Infrastructure This achievement establishes a complete quantum backbone connecting Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, forming the initial phase of the larger EuroQCI initiative designed to build an exceptionally secure communication infrastructure leveraging quantum technologies. The pan-European project envisions a fully connected network after 2030, linking nation-state institutions, the European Union, critical infrastructure, and select private entities, with the Czech Republic’s launch representing a crucial first step. A broad consortium encompassing academic institutions, research organizations, infrastructure providers, and government partners is collaborating on this ambitious undertaking; CyberSecurityHubcz is central to this effort, coordinating and integrating the CZQCI project nationally. Building quantum communication infrastructure is a long-term and complex process that requires close cooperation across the academic sphere, research organizations, government, and industry. Assoc. Jan Bouda, CZQCI project coordinator from CyberSecurityHub CZQCI Project Integrates Testing, Education & Expertise The successful demonstration of secure data transmission on April 14, 2026, signifies more than just a network launch for the Czech Republic; it showcases a functioning quantum backbone ready for rigorous evaluation, witnessed by representatives from the European Union and key industry stakeholders. This completed network, linking Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, establishes a foundational layer for the broader EuroQCI initiative, aiming to construct a highly secure communication infrastructure across Europe after 2030, connecting national institutions, the EU, and critical infrastructure. Coordinating this complex undertaking at the national level is CyberSecurityHubcz, responsible for integrating expertise and aligning the project with European directives. Beyond the physical infrastructure, the CZQCI project prioritizes cultivating a skilled workforce, offering specialized courses and modules for both seasoned experts and those new to quantum communication security, including targeted training for government officials to facilitate informed decision-making. Ryšavý, highlighting the faculty’s commitment to verifying the usability of these emerging technologies and fostering student familiarity with quantum communication. The project also establishes dedicated laboratory and testing facilities, allowing public institutions and companies to evaluate quantum communication through temporary network connections, ensuring practical application of this advanced technology. FIT contributes to the deployment and maintenance of quantum infrastructure. For CzechSecurityHub, we provide ‘manpower’ in the form of our experts and their knowledge,” Source: https://www.fit.vut.cz/fit/news/d324685/ Tags: