The aim of the QCI is to build a quantum secure communication shield across the EU that would protect our economy and society from cyber threats. The QCI's main function will be to allow quantum key distribution (QKD), an ultra-secure form of encryption.

EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure) Initiative aims to build a secure quantum communication infrastructure that will span the whole EU, including its overseas territories.

QPIC-AI is a proposed EU–Republic of Korea collaborative R&D project focused on developing AI-enabled, photonic integrated circuit (PIC)-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems for real-world quantum-secure communication networks.

The National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos" (NCSRD) (www.demokritos.gr), the largest research center in applied sciences and engineering in Greece, operates as a self-governing organization under the supervision of the Greek government. With over 700 staff members, including 100 post-graduate students and more than 300 research associates, NCSRD is a leader in research and innovation. Its Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications (IIT) brings together a wealth of expertise in information technologies, telecommunications, and health applications. IIT has actively participated in numerous EU- and nationally funded research projects.

The QPIC-AI consortium is coordinated by the National Center for Scientific Research Demokritos (Greece), contributing expertise in hybrid QKD–PQC systems, FPGA–AI integration, and pilot deployment. Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) develops and fabricates advanced TFLN photonic integrated circuits, while SK Telecom (SKT) delivers FPGA-based BB84 engines and hosts large-scale telecom pilots. The Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH (AIT) provides advanced European QKD validation environments and interoperability expertise. Synogate UG (haftungsbeschränkt) (SG) strengthens high-performance FPGA design and embedded AI acceleration. Together, the EU–ROK partnership integrates PIC hardware, AI-driven stabilization, and telecom-grade deployment to advance next-generation quantum-secure networks.

QPIC-AI intends to create a flourishing National ecosystem for Quantum Communication Technologies ecosystem. All organisations/companies will be able to join this ecosystem. This community will closely follow the results from the building of the QPIC-AI systems and networks and will also enable large companies, quantum start-ups and SMEs to shape their goals to create differentiated values in this ecosystem.

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