HellasQCI Winter School (Training Workshop)
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Dates: 26–28 November 2025
Venues:
- Aristotle University Research Dissemination Center (KEDEA),
- WinPhoS Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI – AUTH)
- NOESIS Thessaloniki Science Center & Technology Museum
Watch Online via Diavlos GRNET‘s live web streaming service:
https://new.diavlos.grnet.gr/el/room/5085/event/6788
HellasQCI consortium is excited to announce the upcoming HellasQCI Winter School Thessaloniki 2025, a three-day training event focused on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and space–based QKD technologies.
This event will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance, with the support of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, and is organised by the HellasQCI consortium.
The HellasQCI Winter School 2025 is addressed to Cybersecurity and IT experts, Quantum Physics students & early-stage researchers in quantum, ICT, and engineering, Scientists and university faculty members, National QCI representatives, policymakers, and stakeholders from governmental institutions involved in the security of critical infrastructure and sensitive data.
NatQCIs and the EuroQCI vision
The European Union is working to establish EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure) initiative, aiming to create a secure, pan-European network for secure quantum communication, with member states developing their own national QCIs.
NatQCIs, or National Quantum Communication Infrastructures, are the national-level quantum communication infrastructures being developed by individual countries within the EuroQCI framework, to enhance secure communication through quantum technologies.
The HellasQCI project is developing Greece’s national QCI, including metropolitan networks in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion, and is part of the EuroQCI network. The advancement in technologies that will be achieved by the realisation of the HellasQCI initiative include: the reinforcement of scientific and technological capabilities in cybersecurity, the improvement of industrial competitiveness, and the strengthening European digital sovereignty. Among the project’s key objectives are: the provision of a training environment for technical, research and end-users’ staff, the enhancement of National Stakeholder Engagement and the progressive achievement of Space segment connectivity.
To support these goals, and to further boost the cooperation with EU Member States to build robust, interoperable and secure QKD systems and networks for the EuroQCI, HellasQCI has already organised two training events (Athens, 2023 and Crete, 2024), a major comprehensive Quantum event entitled QCI Days (Athens, 2025), and is now preparing the upcoming HellasQCI Winter School (Thessaloniki, 26–28 November 2025).
Scope & Expected Impact
Participants will explore core pillars of quantum-secure communications through expert-led sessions and live demonstrations. Topics include: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Space-based QKD and its role in future-proof cybersecurity.
Participation in the HellasQCI Winter School provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to be introduced to key aspects of quantum communications. Practical experience will be offered in the implementation and use of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies, including both terrestrial and space-based systems. The programme is designed to facilitate networking with leading experts and stakeholders across Europe’s quantum ecosystem. Opportunities will be provided to contribute to national and cross-border collaboration efforts, while getting directly involved in discussions related to Greece’s national roadmap for quantum technologies, within the broader context of the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) and the shared objective of advancing European quantum sovereignty.
Registration is required and attendance is free of charge – so please register your interest here if you ‘d like to be part of shaping the future of quantum-secure communications.
We also encourage you to share this invitation with colleagues across your organisation who would benefit from attending this training event.
Organizers of the event in the framework of the HellasQCI project
This event will be held under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Digital Governance, with the support of the General Secretariat of Telecommunications and Post, and is organised by the HellasQCI consortium, including:
- GRNET S.A.
- National Technical University of Athens, Electrical and Computer Engineering Department
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, School of Physics
- National Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Informatics and Telecommunications
- Foundation for Research and Technology, Hellas
- National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”
- Space Hellas S.A.
Date & Location Specifications
- 26 & 27 November 2025 – Lectures and activities at the
Aristotle University Research Dissemination Center (KEDEA)
, Thessaloniki, Greece - 28 November 2025 – Hands-on sessions at the
WinPhoS research center
Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI – AUTH) - 28 November 2025 – Hands-on sessions at
NOESIS – Thessaloniki Science Center & Technology Museum
- 26 & 27 November 2025 – Lectures and activities at the
Participant Guide