The Quantum Internet Alliance has started a seven-year program to build an innovative Quantum Internet ecosystem in Europe. The first phase has a budget of 24 million euros. The research groups led by Tracy Northup and Benjamin Lanyon at the Department of Experimental Physics of the University of Innsbruck and the quantum computer spin-off AQT will be involved in the project.
The European Commission has selected 'quantum internet' as a strategic area for investment to build a global quantum internet made in Europe. The Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA) will implement a seven-year program with the aim to develop a full-stack prototype network connecting distant cities. This way, QIA will drive an innovative European quantum internet ecosystem capable of leveraging QIA world-leading developments and that translates into innovative engineering solutions. The prototype network will be able to connect users in two metropolitan areas, hundreds of kilometers apart. The first phase of the program, which will run for 3,5 years from October 2022, and has a total budget of 24 million euros.
Bringing people together
The Quantum Internet Alliance brings together industry and academia across diverse disciplines ranging from computer science to experimental physics. "We believe it's a team effort to build a quantum internet and bring the benefits of such technology to society.", says Tracy Northup from University of Innsbruck
