Objectives

Best of both worlds: Combining quantum and PQC security aspects

QCI-CAT will deploy a QKD testbed facility using existing fiber infrastructures in the city of Vienna and Graz. We will combine state-of-the-art modern encryption techniques such as post-quantum cryptography (PQC) with quantum key distribution protocols in a way that is easily adaptable and implementable in order to spread sensitive information among different Austrian authorities, hospitals and universities.

Going for the long haul

In order to set a cornerstone for a long-term international quantum communication between Austria and EuroQCI participating countries, QCI-CAT will employ a link between Graz and Vienna, implementing top-security features such as trusted nodes and testing highly experimental quantum repeaters in order to bridge this unusual high distance in the realms of quantum key distribution.

Strongly user oriented training programs

Since QKD devices and state-of-the-art encryptors are fairly technical assets, QCI-CAT will provide strongly user oriented training programs for the different target groups (technicians, engineers, academics, business enthusiasts,…), in order to guarantee high quality standards in the project related work force.

EU WIDE COOPERATION

Implementing a quantum secure communication network is not only in the best interest of Austria, but of the whole European Union, therefore, QCI-CAT strongly cooperates, collaborates and communicates with the other participating national EuroQCI projects, in order to set spread the early seed for the overall EU goal.

ABOUT QCI-CAT

Building on the long research experience of Austrian institutions in the field of quantum technologies, the project QCI-CAT aims at an adoption of modern encryption technology based on QKD for highly secure communication between public authorities.

QCI-CAT will investigate and verify new security applications for public authorities, such as secret sharing and message authentication.

Additionally, QCI-CAT will also leverage a research testbed for new technological approaches such as the combination of post-quantum encryption with QKD, long-distance QKD with secured trusted nodes and field trials of quantum repeaters.

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This project has received funding from the DIGITAL-2021-QCI-01 Digital European Program under Project number No 101091642 and the National Foundation for Research, Technology and Development.