Mediterranean Quantum Connectivity | QCIMed

QCIMED is a European initiative aimed at developing a secure and resilient quantum communication infrastructure across Italy, Austria, and the Mediterranean region. The project combines terrestrial fibre networks with free-space and space-based quantum communication technologies.

Francesco Cataliotti, professor at the University of Florence and ISC associate, is the PI of the project. Alongside the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), QCIMED brings together leading Italian and European research organisations. The Italian Space Agency (ASI) is responsible for the space segment and will provide two optical communication stations, one fixed and one mobile, to extend quantum links where fibre optics cannot reach. The INRiM contributes to the development, characterisation, and long-distance testing of quantum communication technologies. The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) plays a key role in implementing and validating quantum infrastructures on the Austrian side. QCIMED integrates expertise in metrology, optics, quantum cryptography, network engineering, and space applications. The project focuses on interoperability, resilience, and security of critical communication infrastructures.