Scientists at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) have successfully developed the country’s first national quantum communication network, a key milestone for Cyprus and global cybersecurity. The CYQCI (Cyprus Quantum Communication Infrastructure) project, led by Professor Kyriakos Kalli and co-funded by the European Commission and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, uses Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) to secure data among seven critical government agencies.

Implemented under Dr. Mariella Minder, the network was showcased at the Digital Security Authority on June 5, including a live, quantum-secured video call demonstrating real-time, tamper-proof communication. Dr. Konstantinos Katzi also revealed plans for a ground optical station to expand satellite quantum links with the EU.

Experts warn that quantum computers could break traditional cryptosystems by 2030. QKD, based on quantum physics, generates cryptographic keys that immediately reveal eavesdropping attempts, offering unbreakable protection against present and future threats.

This achievement marks a decisive step toward Cyprus’s digital sovereignty and contributes to Europe’s wider quantum security network, EuroQCI.