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IonQ, the world’s leading quantum company, through its subsidiary ID Quantique (IDQ), announced the deployment of Slovakia’s first national quantum communication network. Developed in partnership with the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences (IPSAS), the new system features a resilient hybrid architecture designed to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure and support Europe’s quantum digital programs.
The Slovak Quantum Communication Infrastructure (skQCI) project represents a major milestone in Slovakia’s contribution to the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative, which seeks to establish a secure quantum-resistant communication backbone covering all European Union (EU) member states and territories. By integrating quantum-safe technologies at a national scale, Slovakia will directly reinforce the security of its most critical institutions.
“The skQCI project is a strategic milestone in fortifying the digital sovereignty of the EU,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. “By combining IonQ’s quantum-safe networking capabilities with the scientific leadership of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, we are building a secure, resilient, and state-of-the-art quantum communication network that can serve as a model for Europe.”
The system will connect multiple metropolitan and remote sites through a state-of-the-art QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) architecture ensuring secure data movement serving four strategic locations. This approach is complemented by a hybrid QKD–PQC (post-quantum cryptography) system for cross-country connection.
“Joining forces on this initiative not only positions Slovakia at the forefront of quantum communication in Europe,” said Mario Ziman, director at the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, “but also demonstrates the real-world use cases of integrating innovative quantum technologies across critical national institutions.”
Led by IPSAS, the nation’s premier scientific research institution, with the support of Slovak National Center for Quantum Technologies (QUTE.sk), the project underscores Slovakia’s commitment to strengthening its strategic research and cybersecurity infrastructure. In the metropolitan area of Bratislava, the skQCI initiative will securely interconnect Slovakia’s highly ranked institutions, including the Office of the President (Presidential Palace), the National Security Authority facilities, and the Quantum Pavilion of the Slovak Academy of Sciences.
This deployment builds on IonQ’s recent launch of its Geneva Quantum Network in Switzerland connecting academic, government, and industry players. It also reinforces IonQ’s commitment to Europe through its recent announcement to transform Italy into a quantum hub through the Q-Alliance with the Italian government, the designation of Oxford as IonQ’s EMEA headquarters, as well as being named the primary quantum partner for Korea’s National Quantum Center of Excellence.
