The VQCC at the Closing Ceremony
of the Complementary Quantum Communications Plans
On 13 November, ICFO hosted the closing event of the Complementary Quantum Communications Plan, bringing together bringing together more than 160 representatives from the Government of Spain, regional ministers and directors-general from the autonomous communities of Catalonia, Madrid, Castilla y León, Valencia, Galicia and the Basque Country, along with CSIC, researchers, and experts from all institutes participating in the programme.
The ceremony was chaired by the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Universities, Juan Cruz Cigudosa, accompanied by the Catalan Minister for Research and Universities, Núria Montserrat. The event showcased the main achievements and milestones accomplished during the four years of the project, which had a budget of approximately 70 million euros.
As part of the event, representatives from the Vigo Quantum Communication Centre (VQCC) gave two presentations. In the first, Prof. Marcos Curty, the Scientific Coordinator of the Complementary Quantum Communications Plan in Galicia, summarised the main results obtained in the region. In the second talk, Daniil Trefilov gave a flash technical talk on his recent work on the experimental characterisation of QKD systems. Participating in these Complementary Plans has been both an honour and a privilege for the VQCC, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing quantum technologies and contributing to Spain’s scientific and technological leadership.
Scientific Results
Coordinated by Valerio Pruneri, research professor at ICFO, and Vicent Martín, professor at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), the Complementary Quantum Communications Plan was an initiative promoted by the Government of Spain in collaboration with six autonomous communities. Its goal was to strengthen cybersecurity and foster the development of quantum technologies applied to secure communications and the quantum internet.
The plan was structured into seven areas of action: Quantum Communications (EuroQCI infrastructure), Hardware and Software for Quantum Communications, Hardware and Software for Quantum Processing, Human Resources and Training, Industrial Ecosystem, and Public Outreach.
Across these areas, the more than 40 participating entities achieved significant milestones, including the deployment of Spain’s largest quantum communication network, nearly 1,000 km long, and major advances in secure quantum encryption, quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum processing technologies, and the development of future quantum internet components such as quantum repeaters.
The programme supported over 300 hires, produced more than 530 scientific publications, generated 14 patents and 12 IP registrations, and fostered more than 20 industrial collaborations with leading national companies. It also helped create or consolidate nine quantum-focused spin-offs, reinforcing Spain’s growing industrial ecosystem in quantum technologies.
Strategically aligned with European initiatives like the Quantum Flagship and the EuroQCI infrastructure, the plan has contributed to strengthening Europe’s scientific and technological leadership. It has also helped build a national ecosystem that will play a key role in the future Quantum Technologies Act (Quantum Act).
Approved between 2021 and 2022, the eight Complementary Plans collectively mobilised 466 million euros, with MICIU contributing 299.2 million and the autonomous communities 166.9 million. Their objective was to reinforce strategic priorities and promote territorial cohesion through coordinated investment and collaboration.
Through its active participation, the VQCC celebrates the achievements of the Quantum Communications Plan and expresses its deep appreciation for having contributed to a transformative initiative for Spain’s scientific future.
