IonQ, Inc., through its subsidiary ID Quantique (IDQ), has announced the deployment of Slovakia’s first national quantum communication network in partnership with the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences (IPSAS). The new system, the Slovak Quantum Communication Infrastructure (skQCI) project, utilizes a resilient hybrid architecture—integrating Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography—to strengthen Slovakia’s cybersecurity infrastructure and contribute to the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative. This deployment reinforces the security of critical national institutions and positions Slovakia at the forefront of quantum communication within Europe, building upon IonQ’s recent Geneva Quantum Network launch in Switzerland.
Slovakia’s First National Quantum Communication Network
Slovakia has deployed its first national quantum communication network, the Slovak Quantum Communication Infrastructure (skQCI), through a partnership between IonQ and the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences (IPSAS). This system is designed to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure and contribute to Europe’s broader EuroQCI initiative, aiming for a secure, quantum-resistant communication backbone across the EU. The skQCI project directly reinforces security for Slovakia’s critical institutions, marking a strategic milestone in digital sovereignty.
The skQCI network utilizes a resilient, hybrid architecture combining Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) for cross-country connection. It will connect four strategic locations, including institutions in Bratislava such as the Office of the President and facilities of the National Security Authority. This deployment builds upon IonQ’s existing quantum network projects, like the Geneva Quantum Network in Switzerland, and reinforces the company’s commitment to expanding quantum technology throughout Europe.
IPSAS, Slovakia’s premier scientific research institution, leads the project with support from the Slovak National Center for Quantum Technologies (QUTE.sk). The institute brings over 25 years of dedicated research in quantum technologies, including work in quantum cloning, secret sharing, and enhanced elections, contributing to Slovakia’s technological leadership. This initiative demonstrates the practical integration of innovative quantum technologies across key national institutions.
IonQ’s Expansion and European Quantum Initiatives
IonQ is expanding its quantum networking capabilities in Europe, beginning with the deployment of Slovakia’s first national quantum communication network, skQCI. Developed with the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, this system utilizes a resilient hybrid architecture combining QKD (Quantum Key Distribution) and PQC (post-quantum cryptography) to bolster cybersecurity and support the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative. The network connects strategic locations and reinforces Slovakia’s digital sovereignty.
This project builds on IonQ’s existing European initiatives, including the Geneva Quantum Network in Switzerland and a commitment to transform Italy into a quantum hub via the Q-Alliance. IonQ also designated Oxford as its EMEA headquarters and serves as the primary quantum partner for Korea’s National Quantum Center of Excellence. These efforts demonstrate a broad commitment to advancing quantum technology and networking across the continent.
The skQCI network securely interconnects key Slovak institutions like the Presidential Palace and facilities of the National Security Authority. IonQ’s advancements in quantum networking, along with recent achievements like 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet and delivering solutions to complex problems with systems like IonQ Tempo and Forte Enterprise.
Key Technologies: QKD and Post-Quantum Cryptography
Slovakia’s first national quantum communication network, skQCI, is being deployed through a partnership between IonQ and the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences. This system utilizes a resilient hybrid architecture combining Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for cross-country connection, reinforcing cybersecurity and supporting European quantum programs. The network connects four strategic locations and aims to secure data movement for critical national institutions, including the Presidential Palace and National Security Authority facilities.
The skQCI project contributes to the broader European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative, striving to establish a secure, quantum-resistant communication backbone across all EU member states. IonQ’s technology delivers quantum-safe networking capabilities, and the integration of QKD and PQC represents a strategic step towards fortifying the digital sovereignty of the EU. This network builds upon IonQ’s existing quantum network deployments in Switzerland and its quantum hub initiatives in Italy and Korea.
IonQ’s advancements in quantum networking position the company as a leader in building the quantum internet, complementing its work on powerful quantum computers aiming for 2 million qubits by 2030. Recent achievements include 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, setting a world record in 2025. This focus on both computing and networking highlights IonQ’s comprehensive approach to developing a fully functional quantum ecosystem.
The skQCI project is a strategic milestone in fortifying the digital sovereignty of the EU.
Niccolo de Masi
Advancements in IonQ’s Quantum Computing Performance
IonQ has demonstrated advancements in quantum computing performance, achieving 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025—a world record. The company’s newest generation computers, IonQ Tempo and IonQ Forte Enterprise, have reportedly helped customers and partners—including Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA—achieve 20x performance results. IonQ intends to deliver a quantum computer with 2 million qubits by 2030, aiming to accelerate innovation across multiple fields like drug discovery and cybersecurity.
IonQ is also focused on advancements in quantum networking, positioning itself as a leader in building the quantum internet. This is exemplified by deployments like Slovakia’s first national quantum communication network, developed in partnership with the Slovak Academy of Sciences. This network utilizes a hybrid QKD–PQC system for secure data movement across four strategic locations and reinforces Europe’s quantum digital programs.
Beyond Slovakia, IonQ is expanding its European footprint with initiatives in Switzerland, Italy, and the UK. The company launched the Geneva Quantum Network and formed a Q-Alliance with the Italian government to transform Italy into a quantum hub. Oxford has been designated as IonQ’s EMEA headquarters, further solidifying its commitment to driving quantum technology forward internationally.
