On 22 May, the workshop “Quantum Communications and the Future of Communications” took place at the Museu das Comunicações/Fundação Portuguesa das Comunicações, bringing together researchers and industry experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges of quantum technologies.

Organised by the Quantum Information and Quantum Optics (QIQO) Lab in partnership with Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT), Instituto de Plasmas e Fusão Nuclear, and Instituto Superior Técnico, the event was part of the celebrations of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day.

Two names from IT were invited to participate: Emmanuel Zambrini Cruzeiro introduced the fundamental concepts of quantum physics and quantum communications, explaining how these technologies could transform future communication networks; and Paulo Mateus explored the impact of quantum computing on cybersecurity and presented emerging approaches in quantum and post-quantum cryptography.

The workshop also featured presentations from experts representing Altice Labs, Indra Space, and IP Telecom, covering topics such as quantum key distribution networks, the Portuguese and European quantum communications infrastructure, and the deployment of quantum technologies in critical networks.

The event concluded with a discussion session and a demonstration of quantum communications technologies, providing participants with a practical insight into this rapidly evolving field.

By bringing together academia and industry, the workshop highlighted the growing importance of quantum communications and reinforced IT's commitment to advancing research and innovation in this strategic area.