GÉANT CEO Lise Fuhr and Quantum Internet Alliance Director Stephanie Wehner formalized a collaboration on September 8, 2026, signing a Memorandum of Understanding at GÉANT offices in Amsterdam. The agreement focuses on transitioning quantum networking technologies from laboratory settings to field trials and potentially cross-border networks across Europe. “GÉANT and European NRENs have an important role to play in developing quantum networking in Europe,” said Fuhr, as the partnership aims to combine GÉANT’s network infrastructure experience with QIA’s quantum technology expertise to strengthen Europe’s quantum ecosystem.
GÉANT and QIA MoU: Strengthening Europe’s Quantum Networking Future
The Memorandum of Understanding between GÉANT and the Quantum Internet Alliance, formalized on September 8, 2026, directly addresses the critical need to move quantum networking beyond isolated laboratory settings. This agreement prioritizes the transition of technologies into field trials. By focusing on practical implementation, the collaboration signals a shift from theoretical research towards tangible network infrastructure. The agreement utilizes the distinct strengths of each organization; GÉANT contributes decades of experience in network procurement, operation, and cross-border connectivity, while QIA brings specialized expertise across the entire quantum networking value chain, the company says.
This includes technology development, system integration, and the fostering of Europe’s growing quantum internet ecosystem. The collaboration will also draw on the resources of the GÉANT Association, bringing European National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) and their communities into closer alignment with Quantum Internet developments. The MoU establishes a framework for strengthened engagement and knowledge exchange across several key areas.
Specifically, the organizations will explore how existing network infrastructure and test environments can be adapted to support the development and validation of quantum internet technologies. This includes identifying opportunities for realistic field trials and demonstrations within operational network settings, an important step towards assessing scalability and reliability. The agreement also provides a platform for dialogue regarding systems, software, and network architectures, with a particular emphasis on interoperability and the operational demands of deploying these emerging technologies.
For QIA, the partnership offers access to GÉANT’s established pan-European network infrastructure and its diverse user base, accelerating the development and adoption of quantum internet technologies across the continent. “QIA’s mission is to realise a global Quantum Internet made in Europe,” noted Stephanie Wehner. “As part of this mission, it is important to establish the ecosystem covering the entire value chain.
I am excited to connect our members with Europe’s research and education networking community. GÉANT and European NRENs will play an important role, and working together creates new opportunities to operationalise quantum networking, validate ideas, explore future use cases and help accelerate progress towards our mission.” GÉANT’s role extends beyond infrastructure provision; the organization will also facilitate knowledge exchange between QIA technical teams and its own community structures, such as SIG-Quantum.
Coordination on shared strategic interests and contributions to relevant European initiatives and policy frameworks are also outlined in the agreement, according to the company. This collaborative approach aims to reduce duplication of effort, align standards, and ultimately, accelerate the progress of quantum networking in Europe. The MoU’s focus on community engagement will encourage wider participation and foster a shared understanding of the future of quantum networking across the continent.
GÉANT and European NRENs have an important role to play in developing quantum networking in Europe. Combining the complementary strengths of GÉANT, our community of NRENs, and the QIA, we contribute to transformative advancements in Europe’s quantum ecosystem.
Lise Fuhr, CEO at GÉANT
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