In February, national and international experts met at Instituto de Telecomunicações, at the University of Aveiro, for a kick-off Workshop on the development of the National Quantum Communications Network. This gathering, held within the framework of the PTQCI project - Portuguese Quantum Communications Infrastructure, promoted deep discussions on the advancements and challenges of this cutting-edge technology. The event was attended by governmental bodies, private telecommunications entities, and academic and research institutions.

Armando Nolasco Pinto, the head of the project at IT, outlined the ambitious trajectory of the Portuguese quantum network, with its initial segment taking shape around Lisbon and future expansions slated for district capitals and even island regions, envisioning comprehensive coverage across the nation.

This initiative aligns with the broader European endeavor, EuroQCI, aimed at establishing a secure quantum communications network continent-wide. Nolasco Pinto emphasized the collaborative nature of this effort, highlighting plans to interconnect national networks, including establishing links with the Spanish counterpart in the initial phase.

The workshop served as a platform for renowned figures in quantum technologies to exchange insights on implementation challenges across various countries, spanning from Spain, Austria, and Greece to Brazil and the USA.

The PTQCI Project represents Portugal's inaugural stride toward integration into the EuroQCI framework. Comprising a consortium of universities, research centers, governmental bodies, and technological corporations, including Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, and Instituto Superior Técnico, along with entities such as the Gabinete Nacional de Segurança and Instituto Português da Qualidade, this collaborative effort underscores Portugal's commitment to pioneering advancements in quantum communications technology on a global scale.

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