The QuNET initiative: secure communication through quantum physics

Secure communication systems are the core of a digital society. Whether in the exchange of 
confidential messages between authorities or in the long-term storage of sensitive data: Privacy and security are the backbone of the digital society and form the foundation of an economy based on innovation. The QuNET initiative, funded by the German Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF), has been researching the potential of quantum secure communication for future governmental agency networks since 2019. Topics addressed range from network architectures and the demonstration of use cases in real infrastructure to innovative quantum technology solutions, such as novel quantum light sources, optical link and networking systems, and single-photon detectors. Through active stakeholder engagement, QuNET contributes to technological sovereignty in the introduction and dissemination of quantum-based communication systems. The aim is to create a stable economic innovation ecosystem that makes it possible to produce all the necessary critical components and interfaces for QKD applications in Germany and Europe. In the QuNET alliance, more than 40 partners from industry and academia contribute to the goal of secure communication. This talk outlines key technological objectives and progress of the initiative.