Request for Proposals: Support standardisation for the EuroQCI

Objectives

• To implement appropriate necessary standardisation activities to efficiently support an operational EuroQCI infrastructure with dedicated QKD and quantum cryptography services. While the available QKD products have now been made available by industry for a market of early adopters and innovators, there is the need to intensify standardization efforts at all levels, from QKD components, systems and applications to network capabilities and components for future quantum networks, to enable integration of quantum devices into wider complex systems, to build a solid industrial base and anticipate foreseeable work on components for future quantum networks and future certification.

Scope

• Proposals may include the following activities:
  • Overview of current QKD standardization activities
  • Standardization of QKD components such as, among others, single-photon sources, entanglement-based sources, QKD transmitters/receivers and detectors, ultra-low loss optical fibres. Activities on requirements on the performance of the system, definition of benchmarking tests, the definition of metrics, calibration at operational environment and monitoring of the correct behaviour over the entirely lifetime of the system are encouraged.
  • Standardization of multiplexing of quantum signals with third-party classical and noise compensation technology.
  • Standardization of software-hardware interfaces, as well as harmonization of interoperable key management system APIs.
  • Standardization of systems and applications for the operation of an entire network and multiple networks, covering network capabilities such as routing, control and management capabilities, interoperability between different SDN systems, roaming for cross-border connections.
  • Standardization of hybridisation schemes for combined QKD/PQC.
  • Evaluation and certification of QKD protocols, via formalization of a rigorous assessment of different types of implementation constraints in the security proofs. Accelerating work on certification, by strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration between national authorities, accredited evaluation laboratories and other relevant initiatives.

Funding Information

• Topic budget: EUR 3 000 000

Outcomes and Deliverables

• Sets of standards for QKD components and systems.
• Interoperable systems and applications for the operation of an entire network and multiple networks.
• Specific requirements, benchmarking tests and metrics on performance and monitoring of subsystems that are specifically required for QKD purposes.
• Formalized assessments for the acceptance of QKD protocols.
• Contribution to a technologically autonomous European quantum

Eligibility Criteria

• In order to be eligible, the applicants (beneficiaries and affiliated entities) must:
  • be legal entities (public or private bodies)
  • be established in one of the eligible countries, i.e.:
    • EU Member States (including overseas countries and territories (OCTs))

For more information, visit EC.