The Quantum Internet Alliance Technology Forum (QIATF) has officially launched, marking a significant milestone in the development of quantum internet technology. The forum, initiated by the Quantum Internet Alliance (QIA), aims to facilitate technical knowledge exchange among stakeholders committed to advancing this revolutionary technology. Oscar Diez, Head of Quantum Computing at the European Commission, and Stephanie Wehner, Director of QIA, kicked off the forum, which has generated significant interest from organizations worldwide.
Notable members include Eurofiber, Qunnect, Juniper, QTLabs, Single Quantum, Proximus, and Speqtral. The forum’s activities are organized into Special Interest Groups (SIGs), with two initial groups focused on space and telecommunications. Thales Alenia Space and TIM are leading these SIGs, which have already conducted their first working meetings to discuss workplans and procedures. As the quantum internet ecosystem moves towards commercial deployment, the QIATF is poised to play a crucial role in shaping its development and governance.
The Launch of the Quantum Internet Alliance Technology Forum (QIATF)
The Quantum Internet Alliance Technology Forum (QIATF), a pioneering initiative, has officially commenced its operations with two special interest groups (SIGs) focused on Space and Telecommunications. This milestone marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to advance quantum internet technology development globally.
“This forum opens a gateway to transformative opportunities in quantum internet development. And by joining this forum, you are part of a vibrant community pushing the boundaries of technology alongside leading experts from industry, academia and beyond.”
The QIATF was launched at the sidelines of the Inside Quantum Technology 2024 conference in the Netherlands, where a majority of founding and new members were present. European Commission Head of Quantum Computing Oscar Diez, who welcomed the members during the kick-off event, emphasized the significance of this forum in unlocking transformative opportunities in quantum internet development.
Diez highlighted that by joining this forum, members become part of a vibrant community pushing the boundaries of technology alongside leading experts from industry, academia, and beyond. The QIATF provides an open platform for technical knowledge exchange, bringing together pioneering stakeholders committed to developing and broadening the global quantum internet ecosystem towards its commercial deployment.
The Role of Special Interest Groups (SIGs) in QIATF
The QIATF activities are organized into dynamic Special Interest Groups (SIGs), which address specific technical areas of interest to QIA and QIATF members. These SIGs provide a valuable platform for quantum internet stakeholders worldwide to engage with the consortium, share their insights, and stay informed about technological developments.
Mathias van den Bossche, Thales Alenia Space director for research, development, and product policy, emphasized that SIGs are crucial to QIATF’s work. He noted that these interactions not only keep stakeholders informed but also consider their specific requirements, ensuring they are prepared for implementation.
The two initial SIGs, SIG SPACE and SIG TELECOM, have already conducted their first working meetings, where members discussed their motivation for participating in the SIG, established working procedures, and outlined their workplan going forward. Follow-up meetings are now in the pipeline.
The Inaugural SIGs: SIG SPACE and SIG TELECOM
SIG SPACE, led by Thales Alenia Space, focuses on connecting terrestrial and space links. This SIG aims to address the technical challenges associated with integrating quantum internet technology into space-based systems.
On the other hand, SIG TELECOM, led by TIM, concentrates on the integration of quantum internet in classical telecommunication networks. This SIG seeks to explore the possibilities of combining quantum internet with existing telecommunications infrastructure, paving the way for a seamless transition towards commercial deployment.
The Growing Interest in QIATF and Future Directions
The QIA technology forum has generated significant interest from various organizations across the globe, with new members including Eurofiber, Qunnect, Juniper, QTLabs, Single Quantum, Proximus, Speqtral, among others. This growing interest underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing quantum internet technology.
As the QIATF continues to evolve, members are encouraged to participate in trainings, workshops, and conferences organized by the forum. These events will provide opportunities for stakeholders to engage with each other, share knowledge, and drive progress towards the development of a global quantum internet ecosystem.
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